Urban Sketchers Colombo in collaboration with the Collective for Historical Dialogue & Memory and Urban Sketchers showcased Sketchibition on 22nd Sunday March 2025 at Bawa Space.
The Urban Sketchers Colombo community transformed the iconic Bawa Space into a gallery for ‘Sketchibition’, a vibrant showcase of artistic talent. The exhibition served as the grand finale for the ‘Retaining the City’ project—a series of Sketch and History Walks conducted between September 2025 and January 2026. These walks explored the architectural and cultural narratives of four key cities : Negombo, Kandy, Galle and Colombo. The event attracted a diverse crowd of visitors, all gathered to appreciate a wide-ranging collection of work. The exhibition was particularly notable for its inclusivity, featuring sketches from artists of all skill levels and ages.
Urban Sketchers Colombo, in collaboration with the Collective for Historical Dialogue and Memory (CHDM), was a recipient of the Urban Sketchers Regional Grant Program for the project ‘Retaining the City’. USk Colombo was one of five lucky chapters worldwide that were selected for the 2025-2026 grant season. Other lucky recipients for the same cycle included groups from Stuttgart (Germany), Guadalajara (Mexico), the Cuezon (Philippines), and (Asheville, NJ) USA.
The central theme of this project involved organising “Sketch & History Walks” across four iconic Sri Lankan cities. These walks aimed to visually document and preserve the unique heritage of historic sites before they were altered by renovation or repurposing. To enrich the experience, local guides and historians accompanied the sketchers, providing deep insights into the architectural, cultural, and historical significance of every stop along the curated routes.
‘Sketchibition’ is the culmination of these four unique sketch walks that spanned Negombo, Kandy, Galle and Colombo. Beyond the gallery walls, the exhibition served as an educational hub, offering interactive workshops and live demonstrations led by veteran and new USk Colombo members. These sessions provided attendees with a unique opportunity to hone their watercolour and drawing techniques under expert guidance. By blending technical skill-building with a shared passion for art, the event successfully fostered a deeper appreciation for the craft while expanding the reach of the sketching community.
FOR MORE INFORMATION – https://web.facebook.com/UrbanSketchersColombo and https://www.instagram.com/urbansketcherscolombo/
BY NELUM BUDDHADASA
