“When BIPOC artists create revolutionary work, they challenge us to see the connections between all struggles for liberation.”

Hello Sketchboard Community,

Y’all already know who it is; Nat here. What a fabulous first quarter it has been. From the shibari + pole salon, to getting honorable mentions in the local news to a clickbait article: the team wants to give a big GRACIAS to everyone that came out to our opening night for the 12 Years Group Art Show at Madrone Art Bar in San Francisco last Thursday. You can check out all of the work in person or online at sketchboard.co/artshow.

This month, I want to explore ancestral rituals as a form of creative resistance. I recently watched "Sinners" by Oakland Native Ryan Coogley, in 70mm, which perfectly aligned with this theme. The film tells a powerful story about oppression, cultural vampirism, and the vital role of protecting ancestral rituals.

As cultural gatekeepers, we have a responsibility to nurture artistic creation in our community. It's woven into our heritage. Life drawing, one of humanity's oldest practices, reveals the profound connection between stillness and inherent worth. Through our creative practice, we keep our ancestors' stories alive.

This feels especially crucial now, as we witness devastating genocide and cultural erasure worldwide. Recent conversations with friends reminded me how preserving traditional cultural practices—like cooking family recipes—serves as vital record-keeping alongside our photographs and artifacts.

These reflections bring me back to our community's work: we're documenting history through figure drawing the bodies of today. We've been privileged to share space with and celebrate these beautiful, diverse human beings—present now, and hopefully long into the future.

As ever, I can't ignore the dark political clouds gathering overhead. Please reach out to your loved ones, contact your representatives about supporting PBS and NPR, and resist fascism in whatever way you can.

In Solidarity,

Nat + Sketchboard Team

Important Updates:

Cancelled: Unfortunately, we need to take L’s once in a while. Our Melanin Gouache Class, that would’ve been taught by our friend Eugene, didn’t meet the minimum to run this class. Everyone who bought a ticket will receive an email notice and credit for a future workshop of their choice.
Moving: As you may know, our Oakland venue, Firehouse, will be closing in August. We have been actively shopping around The Town, looking for a permanent space to call home. We have landed an incredible partnership, just up on Broadway with none other than Wolfepack Studios at 1308 Broadway, right in front of 12th Street Bart Station. More details to come as they unfold!