Garnet-colored pomegranate bursting with seeds and juice, mesquite pods rattling and ready to become sweet and earthy drinks, the cool breeze of a desert evening as vermillion flycatchers sing the last sound of dusk. When we slow down to listen, taste, smell, and sense it all, the desert is a truly vibrant and abundant paradise offering endless inspiration.
That grounding, connection, and creative contemplation is what Sketching the Senses is all about. Developed by gardeners and co-organizers Teresa Pereira, Ai Nan, and Melinda Englert, Sketching the Senses weaves together art and sustenance, providing accessible sessions where communities come together to explore the nourishing power of plants, food, and land to nurture bodies and ignite imaginations.
This year, the Sketching the Senses team is collaborating with Valencia Library, the Pima County Public Library Seed Library, Las Milpitas Community Farm of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association Peace Garden, and Tucson Language Justice Collective to expand the experience of Sketching the Senses.
During sessions, participants focus attention on the rare beauty, diversity, food, and possibilities of the Sonoran Desert. From using prickly pear natural dyes as watercolor and experimenting with mesquite ink to tasting jujube tea and treats with local Magdalena squash, the experience invites us all to immerse ourselves in the senses of the season and translate the experience into creative expression.
The best way to understand the series is to experience it. Sessions are free to the public, all-ages, and facilitated in English, Spanish, and ASL. Some art supplies, including sketch pads, natural materials and dyes from the desert, and watercolors are provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own supplies as well. This year, the inspiration of the series is growth in the desert, from seeds to stars.
Upcoming sessions include:
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Seed Stories: Storytime x Sketch
Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Children's Peace Garden
5901 S Fiesta Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706 -
Deep Roots
Saturday, November 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Las Milpitas Community Farm
2405 S Cottonwood Ln, Tucson, AZ 85713 -
Desert at Dusk
Friday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Las Milpitas Community Farm
2405 S Cottonwood Ln, Tucson, AZ 85713
Please RSVP at sketchingthesenses.com.
Sketching the Senses is made possible with collaboration from our local partners and support from the Thriving Communities Grant by the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
