Urban Sketchers group launches in Missoula

MISSOULA, Mont. — In an era where smartphones make it easy to photograph anything at any moment, one local architect is encouraging people to capture their surroundings in a more traditional way.

Bryant Bronson is launching a local Urban Sketchers group. The initiative invites community members to put down their phones and pick up a pen to document the world around them through drawing.

"The whole idea behind it to get out, sketch, draw from observation," Bronson said. "It's just a great opportunity to be outside, engage your community, meet other people and just put pen to paper and make a record of what you see."

Urban Sketchers is a Washington-based nonprofit organization with more than 300 chapters worldwide. Bronson's decision to bring the concept to Missoula stems from a desire to connect people through art and observation.

For Bronson, the appeal goes beyond capturing buildings or landscapes. He says the human element is often what makes sketching most rewarding.

"What's also interesting is just the people," he said. "It's just sketching with people going about doing their thing, just catching little glimpses, [and] making it something special."

Bronson has straightforward goals for the group and emphasizes that experience is not required. He wants to create a welcoming space for anyone interested in trying their hand at urban sketching.

"The main thing is to encourage people to come out, whether they think they're good or not, whether they've ever drawn anything or not, just go out and do it," Bronson said.

The group plans to meet once a month. Those interested can find more information on the Urban Sketchers Missoula Facebook page.