In the heart of Chiang Mai’s creative landscape, the Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club offers a welcoming space for artists of all levels to come together, connect, and create. Whether you’re an expat, a digital nomad, or a local resident, this group provides a relaxed, non-hierarchical environment where creativity thrives. Studio 88 sat down with the club’s founders, Tony de Jesus and John Cottee, to learn more about what makes this group special and how it’s contributing to Chiang Mai’s burgeoning art scene.
A Space for Artists to Flourish
The Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club was born out of Tony’s desire to foster community among artists. “When I started the group, it was because there were no Urban Sketchers groups in town,” he explained. “I wanted to create a space where people who love art could come together, share their work, and draw inspiration from each other.” As a former professional in the movie industry, Tony’s transition to the art world came naturally. “I was inspired by concept artists and illustrators in various fields,” he said, noting how this interest pushed him to pick up a sketchbook.
John, who moved to Chiang Mai after a 25-year career in graphic design and seven years as an art teacher in Australia, has found the club to be a perfect outlet for his creative energy. “Art has always been my first love, and now that I’m free from the pressures of work, I can fully immerse myself in it,” he shared. John’s approach to art is shaped by his surroundings: “I like to paint and draw the world around me—changing light, quirky buildings, plants, temples. Every walk is a chance to see something new.”
More Than Just Drawing
The club is open to artists of all kinds, from professionals to beginners. “We welcome everyone with an interest in drawing, in all mediums, provided they’re clean enough to do in a café,” Tony said with a laugh. The group’s weekly meetups often take place in local cafés, where members can relax, chat, and sketch together. “What makes us unique is our loose structure,” he continued. “There’s no competition, no pressure to produce something ‘good.’ It’s all about enjoying the process and being part of a community.”
One of the key benefits of joining the club, according to John, is the sense of support and encouragement that members provide one another. “Joining this group has helped me maintain my enthusiasm for art,” he noted. “It’s great to be around like-minded people who share your passion and push you to keep going.”
Community and Creativity
Drawing and sketching are more than just artistic practices—they’re ways of seeing and understanding the world. As Tony put it, “Drawing asks us to stop and really look at the world around us. It’s a way to organize thought, express ourselves, and deal with stress.” In today’s fast-paced, media-driven world, the club encourages people to slow down, tap into their creative selves, and reconnect with their surroundings.
While the group primarily consists of expats, digital nomads, and tourists, Tony and John are eager to attract more local artists. “Our membership is mostly foreigners, but we’re open to everyone,” Tony said. “I’d love to see more Thai artists join us, though I understand that language and cultural barriers can play a role.”
Building Connections Through Art
Beyond their weekly meetups, the Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club has also organized events and exhibitions, including an annual sticky-note art show. “The next iteration will be part of Chiang Mai Design Week in December,” Tony shared excitedly. This exhibition, which challenges artists to create works on sticky notes, is a fun and accessible way to showcase creativity.
Though the club’s structure is loose, Tony and John have worked to create opportunities for members to exhibit their work and engage with the local art scene. “We’ve had group shows in the past and plan to continue collaborating with other artists and galleries,” John added. “Our Facebook group has become a hub to promote not only our own events but also those happening in the wider Chiang Mai art community.”
Looking Forward
As the Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club continues to grow, Tony and John are excited about the possibilities for future collaborations and projects. “Right now, we’re focused on the sticky note art show and our regular meetups, but we’re always open to new ideas,” Tony said. Despite some challenges—such as the transient nature of their membership, with many members being short-term visitors to Chiang Mai—the club remains a vibrant and welcoming space for artists of all backgrounds.
For those who are curious about drawing but unsure of where to start, Tony has some simple advice: “Just start doodling what you see around you. The act of drawing is what matters, not the result. We all make mistakes—that’s how we learn.”
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club invites you to join them in exploring the beauty of art and community. As John aptly put it, “It’s not about perfection. It’s about sharing your passion and finding joy in the creative process.”
Studio 88 invites Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club to mingle with creative people and relaxing community in Doi Saket. For more information on how to join the club, visit Chiang Mai Drawing and Sketching Club Facebook page and check out their next meetup.
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