Sketch Sessions

Welcome to Sketch Sessions

What is Sketch Sessions?

Sketch Sessions is a community-focused arts group where artists can come together to share and grow. It’s open to everyone, panel one members and non-members, because we believe that art and art-making should be accessible to everyone. 

Technical Skills Growth:

Through a mix of local in-person meetings and online events, artists can gather to skill-share in a range of settings. Wherever we go, there’s always something useful to take away – we encourage sketch session artists to create personal art goals, try new things and support their peers. Participants will be asked to try new formats and mediums including zines, artist trading cards, four-panel comics and more. 

Hybrid Approach:

On-site field trips range from days at the Calgary Zoo taking reference photos and sketching live animals, to inventorying colour palettes in some of Calgary’s wonderful outdoor gardens and parks. Life drawing is encouraged. Online meetings are opportunities to refine fundamental art skills and broaden horizons.

On occasion sketch sessions may provide the opportunity for artists to showcase their work in print or online formats.

If you are unable to bring your own supplies to Sketch Sessions, please let us know through our contact information at the bottom of the page and we will do our best to supply you with materials.

Land Acknowledgement

Sketch Sessions gathers at a place called Moh’kinsstis, a Blackfoot word that means “elbow.” The word describes the landscape of what is now known as Calgary, an area where the Elbow River meets the Bow River.In the spirit of respect and truth we acknowledge and honor Moh’kinsstis, and recognize the traditional territories and oral practices of the Blackfoot people, the Nakota people of the Stoney Nation, the Beaver people of the Tsuu’tina nation and the Metis nation of Alberta region three and finally, we acknowledge all people who make their homes in the treaty 7 territory of Southern Alberta.

Connect with us

We would love to hear from you! 
If you have questions, have ideas for future events or would like to plan a Sketch Session, email Jillian Dolan and Nicole Gruszecki today! 

[email protected]

Sketch Sessions are run by Jillian Dolan and Nicole Gruszecki. 




Drawing with Negative Space – March 26, 2024

Join Sketch Sessions for Drawing with Negative Space. Our session lead, Aaron Navrady will walk you through examining the use of negative space as different ways of seeing the subject. In this session, you will learn to use negative space as a tool for proportion gesture and spatial awareness in drawing. We can better hone…

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Sip & Sketch – March 14, 2024

Join us for our Sip & Sketch session. It’s a relaxing creative night where you can chat with fellow artists and let the ideas flow in a casual and inspiring atmosphere. Bring a project that is underway, start something new, or sketch out a fun idea that hits you in the moment! In this event,…

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Sketch Session: Little Goods Zine Making & Swap

Sketch Session: Little Goods Zine Making & Swap Time: 2 – 4 pm Date: Sunday, August 13, 2023 Venue: Zero Issue Brewing 4210 12 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6K9 Join us for a zine-making workshop and swap! Discover the joy of self-expression through zines – small, handmade publications bursting with creativity. Learn the art of…

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Sketch Session: Canned Conversation

Sketch Session: Canned Conversation Time: 2 – 4 pm Date: Saturday, July 15, 2023Venue: Zero Issue Brewing  4210 12 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6K9 Join us for a unique sketch session with our friends from Zero Issue Brewing! Discover the captivating world of designing art for beer cans and product labelling. Learn from industry…

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Sketch Sessions presents Sip & Sketch

Last Minute Announcement: VENUE HAS CHANGED TO TAILGUNNER 1602 10 Ave SW Join us for an unforgettable work session infused with captivating conversations with other comic creators. Whether you’re bringing an ongoing project, embarking on a new endeavour or coming to doodle, you’ll be surrounded by supportive creators in a cool, local brewery. Let’s unwind…

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