Paris Sketchers continue drawing artists of all ages, abilities into the community

Members of the Paris Sketchers proudly display their completed artwork following the group's July sketch session, held at the picturesque backyard oasis of Rod Reeves, Kim Boakes and Clarence T. The gathering also took on an international flavour, welcoming visiting artists from Argentina and Brazil who joined local sketchers for an afternoon of creativity, conversation and community.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

What started as an idea between two local artists has grown into one of Paris' most welcoming creative communities.

Four years after its first sketch meet-up, the Paris Sketchers group continues to attract artists of all ages and abilities who gather once a month to capture the community's historic streetscapes, natural beauty and unique landmarks – while building friendships along the way. 

Founded by local artists Steve Howes and Christa Potter after the pandemic, the group has evolved from a handful of enthusiasts into a well-established community with a loyal core of regular members, while still welcoming newcomers at every gathering. 

Looking back, Potter said the group's greatest achievement isn't measured by artistic talent, but by the atmosphere its members have created.

"The thing I'm most proud of is how the group has developed such a strong reputation of being welcoming, friendly, and encouraging, for all levels of artists," she said.

"It has been incredible to see the growth and development of so many members, whether it's in artistic skill or just in confidence to share their artwork and continue showing up." That welcoming environment has become the group's trademark, helping ease the nerves of people who may have always wanted to sketch but never felt confident enough to try.

Potter said first-time participants quickly discover there is no pressure to perform or even share their work.

"We have people who take photographs, people who draw digitally, people who work for a short amount of time and then talk for the rest of it, and there are many members who were also nervous to show up, but are now part of the steering committee," she said. "Most of us have our own version of a story that starts with: 'I wasn't very good at…' and ends with 'But now I can…'."

Each monthly meet-up offers participants the freedom to create in whatever way feels most comfortable.

"Our meetings are always lighthearted, friendly, and sweet," Potter said. "We have enthusiastic people with big personalities and quiet people with calm personalities, and everyone fits together just perfectly."

Artists can work independently, partner with another sketcher or join a small group before everyone comes together at the end of the session for a traditional "throwdown" to display their artwork and pose for a group photo – a tradition that has remained since the group's early days. 

Paris itself has become an endless source of inspiration.

From its historic architecture and scenic rivers to its vibrant downtown and surrounding natural landscapes, Potter said every location offers something unique. When the weather doesn't cooperate, local businesses and community organizations have opened their doors, allowing the group to sketch indoors.

Among some of the many locations that have welcomed the artists are the Paris Public Library, Wincey Mills, Three Brothers, the Paris Lawn Bowling Club, Paris Community Church and several historic homes throughout the community. "I could not even pick a favourite because each one is so meaningful in its own way," Potter said.

That welcoming spirit and shared passion for sketching has even begun attracting international attention. Just this week, an administrator for Paris Croquis in Paris, France, reached out to the local group through social media after discovering its Canadian namesake. In a fitting connection between two communities that share both the name Paris and a love of art, the groups are now making plans for a sketch exchange when members from both organizations attend the International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Toronto. The symposium is scheduled for Aug. 4 to 7, 2027, marking what organizers hope will be the beginning of a creative friendship between one Paris and another.

While improving artistic skills is certainly part of the experience, Potter believes many members leave each session with something even more valuable.

"For me, it has been a monthly rhythm of Sabbath as I take time to stop and reflect on what is around me, what I see and what it means to me," she said. "I always leave each sketching event feeling calm and filled up – whether that was because of the two hours of quiet reflection or pleasant conversation." She added that a close-knit sense of community has naturally developed over the past four years. "There is definitely a strong sense of family, though, especially with members who have been attending since day one," Potter said. "Even though we see each other only once a month, they're still a sense of camaraderie and a bond through our mutual love of art and place."

The group meets once a month, typically on a Saturday or Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with locations announced in advance on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Participants only need to bring something to create art on and something to create art with, although specific supplies may vary depending on the location.

"We are always happy to welcome new members and guests, whether you are a lifer or just a curious visitor," Potter said. For many, what begins as an afternoon of sketching has become much more – an opportunity to slow down, connect with others and see Paris through a different lens.