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you can buy tickets on our ticket page here on our site and in person will be the only way.
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we’re at four wonderful venues that offer huge, ada accessible, and living room style spaces; Syzygy, Madrone Art Bar, Monument in San Francisco; and Firehouse in Oakland, California.
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of course! but while we try to be flexible with everyone’s needs at each session, we cannot guarantee a seat at a table after 30 minutes in. If you have special access needs, please indicate that in the tickets you’re purchasing, or send us an email.
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dry to wet mediums, no oils or spray paint, varnish. any harsh chemicals or strong odors, basically. pack out what you bring in, please.
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while we are animal lovers ourselves, we cannot guarantee the venue will be okay with pets. please email us in advance to arrange this special access need should it apply to you.
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we just require a written note saying that you want to attend or email us ahead of time.
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we sure do! we have a link that has our wishlist from blick’s. you can find it here.
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we have been running sessions for 9.5 years in the city of San Francisco.
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We highly encourage BIPOC, LQTBQ+, and artists facing financial barriers to consider signing up to volunteer with us. You can earn a ticket, in exchange for a work-trade shift.
If you:
have been consistently attending our sessions
physically able to move and set up chairs/tables
love to community build/yap your gums about art
and can show up at 5:45pm for our weekly sessions -
We'd love to have you join our volunteer team! Ask a facilitator for more info.
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THEE number one question we get all the time. We want to hire everyone we come across, but it's not possible with the limited time and sessions we hold.
That said, we hare opening our line for anyone who is interested in hearing about future auditions, please sign up here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Sketchboard Community Agreements
Please read these community agreements carefully. If you ever have questions or need to report harmful behavior, please reach out to an organizer at any time. We work with private venues and we reserve the right to limit access when necessary.
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Due to the ever changing landscapes surrounding the mandates/politics with COVID + masks, we are including all the previous + current states of the endemic:
As of Feb 11th, we are no longer requiring masks to be worn, they are “highly recommended”.We do require proof of vaccination at all sessions, unless otherwise specified. Expectations will be sent out in monthly emails. Please contact an organizer ASAP if you notice symptoms or test positive within 1 week of an event. We will respect anonymity and there’s absolutely no shame!
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At Sketchboard Co, we strive to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members of our community. We are committed to fostering a space where everyone feels welcome, valued, and free from harm. To ensure the well-being of our community, we have implemented the following No Harm Policy:
Respect and Inclusivity: We expect all individuals involved with Sketchboard Co, including artists, volunteers, staff, and attendees, to treat one another with respect, dignity, and inclusivity. Discrimination, harassment, or any form of harm based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic will not be tolerated.
Safe and Supportive Environment: We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants. Any behavior that threatens the physical or emotional safety of others, including verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, or bullying, is strictly prohibited.
Consent and Boundaries: We prioritize the importance of consent and personal boundaries. All individuals should respect each other's personal space, autonomy, and boundaries. Any form of non-consensual behavior, including unwelcome advances, touching, or invasive actions, is unacceptable.
Interpersonal Conflict: We understand that interpersonal conflicts may arise within a community setting. We encourage individuals to address conflicts through open and respectful communication. In the event of a conflict, we urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, actively listen to one another, and work towards a resolution that respects the well-being of all individuals involved.
Capacity of the Group: We recognize that the capacity of our group may have limitations in addressing certain conflicts or situations. While we strive to provide support and facilitate resolution, there may be instances where external resources or professional assistance might be necessary. In such cases, we encourage individuals to seek appropriate resources outside of Sketchboard Co to ensure the well-being and safety of all parties involved.
Reporting Incidents: We take all reports of harm or violations of this policy seriously. If you experience or witness any behavior that goes against our No Harm Policy, we encourage you to report it promptly to the event coordinator or a designated staff member. We are committed to addressing such reports promptly, confidentially, and with the utmost care.
Consequences: Violation of this No Harm Policy may result in appropriate actions being taken, including but not limited to verbal warnings, temporary suspension, permanent expulsion, and legal measures if necessary. Decisions regarding consequences will be made based on the severity and frequency of the violation, with the aim of maintaining a safe and welcoming community.
Remember, each individual has a responsibility to uphold this No Harm Policy and contribute to a positive environment at Sketchboard Co. By adhering to these principles, we can create a space where creativity can flourish, connections can be made, and everyone can feel respected and supported.
Please reach out to the event coordinator or a staff member if you have any questions or concerns regarding this policy.
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Hate speech is never okay. Hate speech can be directed towards an individual, a group of people, or a physical space. If you have a question about what “hate speech” is, look it up or ask a Sketchboard Facilitator.Don’t be mean. :)Prioritize communication during conflict. Here at Sketchboard, we have a common goal of collective growth, which means we call people “in,” not out.Never resort to violence.No one needs to argue for the sake of argument. Playing “devil’s advocate,” for instance, generally does not help progress conversation and has been instrumentalized by people to promote values that perpetuate inequality.Avoid statements such as “I hate that” or “eww.” We all have different experiences and struggles. While we may have discrepancies of taste or experience or opinion, we can still validate each other.Be aware of how much space you are taking up. Be mindful of any privileged identities you may hold and help to create an environment for everyone to contribute. Speak up when you have something to share, but also create space for others. Be aware of the impact you are having on others’ ability to contribute.No shaming and/or belittling each other or ourselves. Practicing positivity and supportiveness often starts with ourselves. This is a space for vulnerability (literally, nakedness) and it takes courage to put yourself and your art in a space with strangers. Ultimately we’re all here to support one another.
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If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, just ask. If you misgender someone — apologize, correct yourself, and move on.Here are some gender-neutral collective terms that we like (instead of “guys”): party people, y’all, folks, homies, buddies, friends, comrades, mortals. Here are some gender-neutral singular terms, for example, instead of “the woman sitting over there”: model, organizer, attendee, person, human with the cool green hair.No need to gender body parts like “breasts” and “penis.” Instead, use “chest” and “genitals” unless specified by the model.
Assume confidentiality. The specifics of conversations should stay within the group. Feel free to share lessons learned, but not names or identifiers. If someone shares an experience that gives you perspective, take that with you, but be sure to respect the privacy and feelings of the person who shared.This is a BODY POSITIVE space which means that we see all bodies as deserving of the utmost amount of respect, consent and autonomy.
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Respect the staff, volunteers, and organizers. We act with kindness, particularly to those performing labor in the space. Representation is vital. Consider race, class, ability, sexuality, economic status, etc. curating, and collaborating. Creating a space that is welcoming and accountable for all people who are interested in creating art and community is key to what we do here. Make everyone feel welcome + included. And feel welcome yourself, you’re meant to be here!
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Be cautious that people can be sensitive towards particular language and particular topics. These topics can include — but are not limited to — sexuality, assault, religion, and bodies. If you are unsure if a topic might be sensitive, ask the people you are speaking with. Recognize that no one needs to explain their boundaries. Prioritize your own needs. If a conversation is difficult and/or triggering, feel free to excuse yourself from it and come back if/when you feel able — no questions asked.
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Ask for consent. Practice consent with friends and strangers alike. Recognize the fluidity of boundaries, consent is constant, enthusiastic, and can only be given if sober. Harassment — whether physical, verbal, or emotional — is never tolerated. DO NOT TOUCH MODELS, make comments about the models physical appearance.
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Please DO NOT use cell phones for ANY purpose while the models are on the platform, posing/nude. Respect and being courteous of others costs you nothing. Take all calls or texts outside of the venue during each performance.Absolutely NO PHOTOGRAPHY WHATSOEVER. There will be no photography allowed at this event other than the facilitators, who have written consent from the models. If you would like to book a model for a photography job, ask them directly and arrange a different time.
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Monument, Syzygy, and Madrone have all-gender, wheelchair-accessible restrooms on ground level.We set up seating with access in mind; please be thoughtful about leaving adequate space around you when you set up.
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Respect the venue(s). Always make sure to clean up after yourself. Check your seat for trash, wipe down your table, etc. Helps the organizers and volunteers break down with efficiency, in addition to being invited back to the spaces.NO oil paints, turpentine (or any odorous solvents). In addition to keeping the space clean, our goal is to make our events as fragrance-free as possible. With that being said: please avoid wearing fragrances or scented products when attending this event.