The popular urban sketching group MetroSketchers began their new year by hosting their Annual Portrait Party at Lowertown Lofts Artist Cooperative on January 4. Around fifty sketchers filled the Third Floor Atrium drawing each other and enjoying a pot luck spread.
MetroSketchers was created by Liz Carlson, and co-founded by LLAC members Liz and Tim Jennen with the simple mission to get out in the world and draw. Starting in 2011 with five members, the group has grown to over 450 members on Facebook and by email. An inclusive and supportive group in a non-intimidating environment, the membership of MetroSketchers ranges from new artists who had never before drawn to professional artists looking for new places to draw. The group specializes in finding unique locations of particular interest to the sketcher and have included locations as diverse as the Minnesota River Valley & Wildlife Refuge, Firefighters Hall & Museum, and Lakewood Cemetery.
There are no fees to belong and anyone is welcome to join. Those interested can visit the public MetroSketchers Group Page on Facebook or write Liz and Tim at metrosketchers@yahoo.com.
Photography by Marty Owings