For the past year, FUMCA’s Urban Sketching Art Ministry has invited people to slow down, look closely, and experience Central Louisiana one sketch at a time.
Since launching in October 2025, the group has met monthly at locations throughout Alexandria and Pineville, bringing together artists, beginners, and curious observers for drawing, conversation, and community. What began as a small gathering of three or four people has continued to grow, with new sketchers joining along the way.
“We have had a wonderful year with Urban Sketching,” said Rev. Jean Sanders, FUMCA Artist-in-Residence and leader of the Urban Sketching Art Ministry. “The core group is still with it, although we have been thrilled to add new sketchers from town come to check us out.”
During its first year, Urban Sketchers have drawn in the Garden District, at Lake Buhlow, throughout downtown Alexandria, at the Alexandria Museum of Art, and at First United Methodist Church. The ministry has also taken its sketchbooks into the wider community through partnerships with local organizations and community events.
Those partnerships have included sketching at the Alexandria Farmers Market, The Original Holi Fest Cenla, and other community gatherings. The group also participated in the 58th Annual Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival, held in April 2026, with a special display as part of the festival. Established in 1967, the Tom Peyton Memorial Arts Festival has a long history of encouraging the arts through First United Methodist Church and the broader Central Louisiana community.
The ministry’s connection with the Alexandria Museum of Art has provided opportunities for both sketching and learning. Following one sketching gathering at the museum, participants took part in a short micro-tour, adding an opportunity to explore the museum’s artwork and exhibitions alongside their own observational practice.
For Rev. Jean, one of the most rewarding parts of the gatherings is the rhythm of coming together, going out to sketch, and returning to share the results.
“I treasure the experience of coming together at the meet up location, branching out to find our perfect spot, and then coming back together for the ‘throw down’,” she said. “The throw-down is where we see the group of sketches. It is always interesting to see what has been chosen to draw, what techniques and mediums are used. Even when two artists choose the same scene, there is always differences.”
That spirit of discovery is at the heart of urban sketching. Rather than creating artwork from photographs or working toward a polished studio piece, urban sketchers draw what they see while they are there, documenting a particular place and moment through direct observation. Any medium can be used, and artistic experience is not required.
“It is so much fun and so relaxing to just be together outside and focus on our sketches,” Rev. Jean said. “Many have enjoyed progress in their skills and an increase in their comfort level with the materials. We fall in love with where we live one view at a time.”
Celebrating One Year of Urban Sketching
FUMCA Urban Sketching will mark its first anniversary with several opportunities to sketch alongside the broader Alexandria community.
Saturday, October 10 at 10 a.m. – Alexandria Museum of Art
Urban Sketchers will meet at the Alexandria Museum of Art during the museum’s Block n Roll steamroller printing event. Artists and students from throughout Louisiana will create large-scale prints using linoleum and wood blocks with a steamroller provided by Doggett Machinery.
The group will meet at AMoA, 933 Second St., Alexandria, La. 71301, at 10 a.m. Sketchers will meet back up for the art “throw-down” at 11:15 a.m.
Friday, October 16, 5–9 p.m. – Downtown Alexandria ArtWalk
Urban Sketchers will participate in a Pop-Up Urban Sketching event during the annual Fall ArtWalk in downtown Alexandria.
Presented by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, Fall ArtWalk brings local artists, craftspeople, food vendors, musicians, and the community together in the Downtown Cultural Arts District. Urban Sketchers will capture the people, activity, art, and atmosphere of the evening as it unfolds.
Wednesday, November 4 – One-Year Celebration
The anniversary will culminate with a special evening gathering at First United Methodist Church, 2727 Jackson St., Alexandria, La. 71301.
Participants are invited to share a meal at 5 p.m. for $6 per person. The menu will include beef tips over gravy, rice, roasted corn, tossed salad, French bread, and dessert.
Following the meal, free breakout sessions will be held in The Studio at FUMCA from 6–7 p.m., offering opportunities to explore different urban sketching techniques and approaches.
After a year of drawing throughout Alexandria and Pineville and participating in the life of the wider community, the November gathering will bring the group back together to share what they have learned and celebrate the people who have made the ministry possible.
“One of my favorite things about participating in Urban Sketching is watching a group of people sit before the exact same subject and create completely different interpretations of it,” said Rev. Kennon Pickett, FUMCA Senior Pastor. “No two people see exactly the same thing. There’s something beautiful—and even sacred—about learning to appreciate what another person sees.
“At First United Methodist Church, our vision is to create places of healing and belonging where people and their gifts are given voice. Urban Sketching embodies that beautifully. Art becomes the invitation, but belonging becomes the gift.
“After one year, I’m grateful that Urban Sketching isn’t simply something our church hosts. It has become a genuine community of people who gather, create, laugh, learn from one another, and make room for each other. That is exactly the kind of ministry I want our church to be known for.”
Urban Sketching outings remain free and open to everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Participants are welcome to bring their own sketching supplies, but beginners are encouraged to come and give it a try. To stay up to date, visit www.fumca.org/art.
