Gabriel Campanario, a talented news artist and former staff member at The Seattle Times, has achieved something truly remarkable in the world of art and community building. His vision and dedication have transformed a simple idea into a global movement that connects artists across continents.

In 2009, Campanario took a significant step by officially incorporating a nonprofit organization called Urban Sketchers in Washington state. This marked the beginning of what would become an international phenomenon. The organization started with a modest but committed group of 17 founding members who joined the initial board of directors, laying the groundwork for future expansion.

The Urban Sketchers movement represents more than just an art organization—it embodies a philosophy of capturing the world around us through direct observation and artistic expression. Campanario's background as a news artist provided him with unique insights into the power of visual storytelling and the importance of documenting everyday life through sketches and drawings.

What began as a small Washington state nonprofit has grown to connect sketching enthusiasts from around the globe, creating a network that transcends geographical boundaries. The organization's impact demonstrates how one person's vision can inspire artists worldwide to pick up their sketchbooks and capture the urban environment around them, fostering both artistic growth and community connection.