First Fridays: “Art in the Park” with Jill McLean

Join Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and First Fridays Artswalk as they feature Jill McLean as the September “Art in the Park” artist. Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday during the September 4 First Fridays at Five from 5 to 8 pm.

As an unofficial finale to the 2026 season of the Urban Sketching Meetup, Jill will be drawing a large ink sketch of First Friday and invites viewers to come add color to the scene and enjoy how the vibrancy, liveliness, and unpredictability of watercolor paint can capture life in interesting ways.

Urban Sketching Meetup is a free gathering that Jill hosts once a month from June to September. Running every year since 2020, the meetup is an opportunity for people who want to come out and try urban sketching (sketching in public places from life) but may not want to try it alone, or simply want a casual excuse to do art together.

Each event, a downtown Pittsfield location is designated as the meet up spot and participants explore the area with their chosen art supplies. You can practice urban sketching outdoors or indoors and draw anything you see in front of you. It’s a great way to get to know your local community.

Jill McLean is an artist and Pittsfield native inspired by a wide range of local subjects, from still lifes and florals to landscapes and animals. Working in watercolor and oil, Jill’s portfolio includes everything from urban sketches and plein air paintings to planned series and formal studio pieces. Often taking her art outside of the studio, you may find her painting on local hiking trails and at community events.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by the Feigenbaum Foundation.

“Art in the Park” is supported in part by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, and a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.