👀 Sketching Through Adversity : Birth of the Petworth Drawing Club

Last week, someone with a better historical perspective than me said, "This country wasn't designed for people like you and me, and that's why we've always relied on our communities to thrive."

To say the last 20 days have been hard is an understatement. But amidst the chaos, people in my neighborhood mobilized and created groups to be more active, to know each other better, to care for the elderly, and to provide information for immigrant families. It's invigorating!

Inspired by this energy my mind began plotting a new project. My neighborhood and city have always been significant sources of inspiration, and finding ways to connect and give back (especially beyond social media) is deeply rewarding. Thus, I created the Petworth Drawing Club.

Drawing has always been a sanctuary for me, and I'd love to share that energy with the people around me. I hope this club can foster friendships and a sense of community through a shared love for sketching and artistic expression.

I will be hosting two sessions per month at various locations. Our first in-person gathering took place last Saturday, and I was thrilled to see so many neighbors participate with enthusiasm. If you're in the area, I encourage you to join us; if not, you're welcome to attend our virtual sessions (the next one is on Wednesday, the 19th). I'll also send drawing tips regularly to get people excited about developing their artistic potential. Sign up to receive updates!

Throughout my life, I've started countless projects, buying domains, creating Facebook pages, making flyers, and applying for grants. Every time, I tell myself I should do less and focus on one project, but I can't help it. I love bringing people together, breaking the monotony of freelance life, and stepping away from my chaotic, fire-hazard-of-a-desk. Starting something new can be scary, but at each step, I'm uplifted by my incredible community—a heartening reminder that we're in this together.