Dec 20 Sketchcrawl and Art Supply Swap at Lloyd Center

For the last few years, we've been meeting in December at the Lloyd Center, where we can enjoy shelter from the rain and cold, and also sketch some ice skaters and Christmas decorations. But there seem to be solid plans to tear the place down in 2026, so this might be our last year. If you haven't been lately, the Lloyd Center is filled with cool indie shops and pop-up art markets right now. See them before they're gone!

We're also going to hold a holiday art supply swap! If you want to participate, bring an art supply or art book that you're not using, and pick up something new to take home with you. Doesn't have to be elaborate--it could be a pencil, a paintbrush, whatever you have that you're not using.

• 10am - Meet at the food court on the third floor for introductions
• Noon - Meet again at the same spot for an optional sketchbook throwdown and art supply swap.

PSU Farmer's Market

Thanks to everyone who came out this morning.  We had a great turnout, with a lot of new people, with some great sketches.  Including a number of views of the two dorms that are scheduled to be demolished.

 

November 15 Sketchcrawl - PSU Farmers' Market

sketch by Amy Stewart

Let's go back to PSU in November.  The farmers' market will be there, and there's likely to be fall color.  And a variety of architecture.  If the weather is nasty, we can stay inside Fariborz Maseeh Hall, which is kept open for non-students, or you can get a day-pass at the library.

There are restrooms and coffee inside FMH (Neuberger Hall for old farts) and coffee and food available in the farmers market.

As a special note, PSU is proposing to tear down two dorms, Blackstone

and Montgomery Court. 

This might be our last chance to sketch those.

• 10 AM: Meet in front of Fariborz Maseeh Hall on the farmers market side, 1855 SW Broadway, (or indoors if it's raining) for introductions
• Sketch indoors or out, depending on weather
• 12 noon:  Meet back at same place to share our sketches in a (totally optional!) throw-down.

Director Park

Thank you all for coming out to sketch.  I was apprehensive about the rain, but it turned out to be a wonderful sunny day.  And it was fun watching the unicorns and chickens walking past.

Oct 18 Sketchcrawl - Director Park

sketch by Vicky Porter

For our Oct 18 sketchcrawl, let's meet at Director Park, located at SW Yamhill and 9th. There's a bit of cover in case of rain, and Case Study Coffee is only a block away at 802 SW 10th.

sketch by Kalina Wilson

We know that some folks are planning to attend the protest and march taking place along the southwest waterfront on October 18. This location makes it possible to do both, but it's far enough away from the crowds that our gathering shouldn't be impacted. 

• 10 AM:  Meet in Director Park for introductions
• Noon: Meet in the same location for (optional) sketchbook throwdown

Around OMSI

 It was good to see everyone today.  And such perfect weather.  

September 20 Sketchcrawl - Eastbank Esplanade at OMSI

sketch by Douglas Shimizu

In September, let's go back to the river, to the Eastbank Esplanade around OMSI.  There'll be views of bridges, soaring freeway ramps, the USS Blueback, and downtown and Pill Hill across the river.

There are a couple of paid parking lots at OMSI, and buses, streetcars and MAXes stop at the transit center at the east end of the Tilikum Crossing, a short walk away.  There are restrooms and a snack shop (with coffee) in OMSI's lobby.

• 10am: Meet up behind OMSI, at the river overlook between the submarine and the Marquam Bridge.
  
  
  
• Noon: Meet at the same place for an optional throw-down.

OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Midtown Beer Garden

Listening to the showers rolling through overnight, I had fears for this morning.  But we didn't get a speck of rain.  And a lot of sketchers.

August 16 Sketchcrawl-Midtown Beer Garden

For our August sketchcrawl, let's check out the spacious and welcoming Midtown Beer Garden in downtown. It opens at 9 AM with a few food trucks serving breakfast, and offers ample picnic tables shaded by umbrellas to sit and draw.  There are plenty of gorgeous historic buildings nearby, and we're only four blocks from the SW waterfront.

Coffee alert: There was only one easily-overwhelmed coffee cart open when we visited on a recent Saturday morning. Other nearby coffee options include Spella on Alder & 6th, Java Man on Broadway & 6th, or Kilo D’Cofi at Pine & 6th.

• 10:00 AM:  Meet up inside the Midtown Beer Garden for introductions
• Noon: Meet back at Midtown Beer Garden for (optional) sketchbook throwdown.

Midtown Beer Garden, SW 5th between Oak and Harvey Milk

431 SW Harvey Milk St, Portland, OR 97204

SE Hawthorne Plaza, Second Try

It was good to see so many people (and so many new faces) show up.  And much better weather than when we tried this place last month.