Urban Sketchers Ipoh (USI) celebrated its first anniversary by holding a nine-day exhibition cum charity event between April 15 and April 23 at a dedicated venue named, 15 Clarke Street.
With its slogan “Sketching Ipoh for Future Generations”, USI held two workshops, in between exhibitions, to encourage youths and those interested to sketch. Participants were only required to bring their own drawing kits and to explore their creativity with their new friends.
The two workshops were handled by two talented people, Pang Chew and Rene Enriquez who are also members of USI. Participants were taught the use of watercolours and the fundamentals of sketching.
Tenby International School’s art teacher, Michelle Lim said she had learnt different techniques and skills and now sees art from a different perspective.
“It’s different from what I teach at school. I never knew these techniques before. I really enjoyed my time here and I hope more people will take up sketching as a hobby. It’s beyond art and drawing,” she told Ipoh Echo.
Another participant, M. Yulaganayagee, 37, said learning from others was important despite one having the basics.
“Everyone can draw or sketch but it’s important to learn a specific technique from others. Ipoh needs an official art gallery to showcase this kind of art. I had fun and made many new friends,” she enthused.
About 80 drawings were displayed during the exhibition. They were drawn by over 20 talented artists who were members of USI. The pieces were for sale while some had already been sold. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Good Shepherd Children’s Home.
Society president, Chin Kok Yan, urged more youths to join the sketching activity held every Sunday from 9.30am to noon. Sketching venue is decided weekly and is posted on the society’s Facebook page: Urban Sketchers Ipoh.
The exhibition was officiated by the owner of 15 Clarke Street, Dr Leong Oon Keong, who allowed the use of his premises for free.
Nabilah Hamudin
