By Mei Kuan
Urban Sketchers Ipoh, a self-funded and non-profit NGO, has adapted to the pandemic by introducing sketch-from-home sessions on Sundays in place of its usual sketch walks.
“Prior to the ongoing Sketch From Home sessions, we had hosted the MCO Virtual Sketch 2020 early this year which saw international participation as it was a trending creative movement globally,” explained Chin Kok Yan who led the establishment of the sketching group in Ipoh in 2013.
“For the Sketch From Home session conducted via the Facebook page of Urban Sketchers Ipoh, a picture will be posted as the running theme, usually of buildings with heritage value in Perak. Participants will sketch away and then share their completed works. I will compile their submitted creations into an album on the social media platform,” the amiable Chin shared with Ipoh Echo.
Open to the public, masters and amateurs of all age groups and ethnicities are welcomed to join these sessions. Learning from one another, there is no fee. Plus, there are no restrictions in terms of drawing materials and tools used.
“To date, the response has been positive as the participants absolutely enjoy these weekly sketching sessions from home. To them, it is a refreshing change. A related Facebook page named Ipoh Food Sketchers which I initiated a year ago also hosts similar sessions spotlighting local food and drinks,” he enthused, adding that previous family-oriented activities were joined by drawing enthusiasts as young as six years old.
Attached to the international Urban Sketchers which started in the USA in 2007, there are eight chapters in Malaysia. This global community of urban sketchers support one another.
The Urban Sketchers Ipoh Facebook page currently has over 1300 members. Whether one is looking for a fun weekend or connecting with like-minded creatives, this platform is set to be the next big thing!
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