What we’re about
Urban Sketchers Vancouver is an official chapter of a global non-profit organization, Urban Sketchers, dedicated to promoting on-location drawing and connecting people from around the world who draw on location to tell their stories of the places where they live and travel.
We host sketch meetups in the Metro Vancouver area. Starting in January 2025, we are transitioning from Meetup to the Facebook group for our group activities. On our Facebook group, you can find not only information for upcoming events but also sketches from fellow members, photos from events, sketching tips, art supply recommendations and more. Please join the community and share your work, whether it’s from our meetups, your travels or daily life!
You can also find us on Instagram @usk.vancouver. Follow us for more information!
As an official chapter, we follow the Urban Sketchers’ manifesto.
1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation.
2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel.
3. Our drawings are a record of time and place.
4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness.
5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles.
6. We support each other and draw together.
7. We share our drawings online.
8. We show the world, one drawing at a time.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Let's Sketch at Coal HarbourOlympic Cauldron, Jack Poole Plaza, , Vancouver, BC
Let’s meet and sketch at Coal Harbour!
📅Saturday, August 30th, 2025
📍Jack Poole Plaza in front of the Olympic Cauldron (Refer to map for the location pin)
Meetup 🕐 1pm
Sketch Throwdown 🕐 3:30 pmHost: Parniyan
**We will update closer to the date if anything changes. Please join our Facebook group or follow our Instagram page to stay updated with our stories on that day.**
Join us for a sketching session at Vancouver’s stunning Coal Harbour! This lively waterfront area blends modern architecture with breathtaking mountain and ocean views. From the seawall to the marina, you’ll find plenty of sketch-worthy subjects, including yachts, seaplanes, the Vancouver Convention Centre, and the iconic sails of Canada Place. We may also capture people strolling, cyclists along the seawall, or the reflections of high-rises shimmering on the water.
Meeting Point:
We’ll meet in front of Jack Poole Plaza, right by the Olympic Cauldron at 1:00 pm, before we head toward Coal Harbour together.How to Get There:
Public transit: The closest SkyTrain station is Waterfront Station (Expo, Canada, and SeaBus connections). From there it’s about a 10-minute walk west along Cordova Street to the Plaza. Alternatively, Burrard Station is also nearby, about a 5-minute walk.
Driving: There are several paid parking lots nearby, including at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Canada Place, and street parking around Coal Harbour (note that availability can be limited on weekends).About Coal Harbour:
Coal Harbour is one of downtown Vancouver’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, combining a vibrant seawall with modern architecture and natural beauty. Whether it’s sketching the boats at the marina, the backdrop of the North Shore mountains, or the dynamic urban life around the waterfront, there’s no shortage of inspiration here.
