Beauty Without Batteries: Urban Sketchers

There are makers at The Fort who practice old school methods: hand made furniture, fine art, and custom jewelry (to name a few). The members of Urban Sketchers understand the value of old school methods, so their presence at The Fort felt like a visit from family—in a very good way.

The members arrived with old school tools: notepads, watercolors, gouache, pencils and pens. No iPads. They walked our spaces and drew what they saw, in their own styles. Some expressed views in black and white. Others explored the textures of brick and wood. And some painted whole scenes in watercolor.

Then they gathered to share their sketches. It was a beautiful collection of art. And it was delightful to learn that many in the group are not artists by trade. They practice art to calm their souls. They sketch for the love of the craft, not to feed an algorithm.

They sketch for the love of the craft,
not to feed an algorithm.

We’re grateful that old school making is alive and well, here and across our city. And for the reminder that beautiful creations don’t demand batteries. Just a few simple supplies, willing hands and a heart for old school art.