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.