Grace Cavanaugh ~ Copy Editor
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, Lynchburg’s Sketch Society will be meeting from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Riverviews Co-Op Gallery, according to Downtown Lynchburg Association website.
According to Stephen Kissel, the education and media manager at Riverviews Artspace and a graduate from Lynchburg College, “Sketch Society is an event here at Riverviews Artspace that gathers local artists in a casual, social setting. We welcome everyone to bring in their favorite materials and work on any of their projects while networking with others.”
The Sketch Society meets the first Wednesday of every month, according to the Downtown Lynchburg Association Website.
The Riverviews Artspace website noted, “We invite you to come join us at a new outlet for making, relaxing, and socializing. Bring your sketchbook, paper, favorite art supplies, and whatever you’re working on for a casual night of drawing and networking with fellow creatives in the community.”
“We actually had the first one as a Drink & Draw-style event,” said Kissel. “We ended up reintroducing it in March of this year, which led us to re-naming it Sketch Society. We have been doing it every first Wednesday of the month since then.”
The Riverviews Artspace website continues, “We’ll also have our cash bar open throughout the night, so feel free to grab a drink and stay for a bit! (Non-alcoholic options will be available too!)”
Kissel said, “The event itself is not age restricted. Since some attendees opt not to drink or are not of age, we decided not to focus as much on that aspect.”
Junior, Ashani Parker said, “I think I would definitely be willing to go because I think we need more things in Lynchburg that are community and art related and I have been searching around for things where I can get to know people and do craftsy things. I do think if you are trying to get university students involved, having a cash bar is definitely a plus.”
Kiseel said, “Attendance fluctuates a bit from month to month, but we have about 8-10 people pretty consistently each time. We hope to have that grow the longer it goes! We typically have a range of artists though — students and emerging artists to more experienced artists in the community.”
Junior graphic design major, Larry Hamlett said, “Yeah, I would go if I had someone to go with. It sounds like an interesting time.”
Kissel finished, “We would love to have more students join us! It is a great way to connect more with the arts community here in Lynchburg, which is something I wished I had when I attended U of L as well. You can always check out our website (riverviews.net) or the Facebook events for info, or reach out directly.”