Creatures of New York: Drawing Dogs — May 17, 2026

More than 30 neighbors, artists, first-time sketchers, children, and dog lovers gathered in Stuyvesant Square Park for the inaugural session of Creatures of New York, a new visual arts workshop series led by New York City artist, writer, and educator Shawne Cooper.

The afternoon invited participants to slow down, observe closely, and embrace the playful practice of blind contour drawing—sketching without looking at the page and welcoming wonderfully imperfect lines. Surrounded by the beauty of the park and inspired by a very patient canine model, attendees experimented with drawing, color, observation, and imagination while celebrating the dogs that bring so much personality and joy to neighborhood life.

What began as a drawing workshop quickly became a lively community gathering, with creativity, laughter, and conversation spilling from the picnic tables to the surrounding benches. Participants of all ages discovered that art can be less about perfection and more about curiosity, attention, and shared experience.

Creatures of New York continues throughout the season with two additional workshops exploring some of the park’s most beloved residents:

🐿 Stenciling Squirrels — June 28, 2026
🕊 Portraying Pigeons — September 27, 2026

Photography by: Amy O’Connor

👉 Visit our Events page to learn about upcoming workshops, performances, and community gatherings in Stuyvesant Square Park.