The Sketchbook Project

Throughout 2024 GMS will be offering a free series of drawing and creative writing workshops for 300 people experiencing houselessness and poverty. Workshops will be held at our headquarters, and at additional partner social service agencies and alternative shelter villages. The project will culminate in a celebratory exhibition at GMS’s gallery in the Pearl District.

In our years working with unhoused members of our community, we’ve seen how sketchbooks are cherished among people’s few possessions. These workshops will harness the therapeutic power of a sketchbook practice to create a safe place to play and experiment; reduce stress; record aspirations; and inspire artistic and personal projects.