Creatures of New York: Stenciling Squirrels

Creatures of New York: Shaping Squirrels

Stuyvesant Square Park Visual Art Workshop Series with Shawne Cooper
Sunday, June 14, 2026 • 3:00–4:30 PM

Join artist, writer, and educator Shawne Cooper for the second session of Creatures of New York, an outdoor visual art workshop series inspired by the lively inhabitants of Stuyvesant Square Park.

This session, Shaping Squirrels, explores stencils, layering, shape, and pattern through one of the park’s most energetic and entertaining residents: squirrels.

Quick, curious, and constantly in motion, squirrels invite a playful creative approach. Participants will use pre-made stencils along with simple drawing and layering techniques to build imaginative compositions inspired by the squirrels of the park—whether realistic, abstract, or somewhere delightfully in between.

Designed for all ages and all skill levels, these workshops emphasize curiosity, experimentation, and creative confidence rather than technical perfection. Participants will gather around communal tables in a relaxed and welcoming environment where observation, storytelling, and imagination come together.

No prior art experience is necessary. Beginners, families, experienced artists, and curious neighbors are all welcome.

Participants are invited to attend one, two, or all three sessions in the series:

• Session 1 — Drawing Dogs
  Blind Contour Drawing
  Sunday, May 17
• Session 2 — Shaping Squirrels
  Stencils & Layering
  Sunday, June 14
• Session 3 — Playing with Pigeons
  Collage & Mixed Media
  Sunday, July 12

About Shawne Cooper

Shawne Cooper is a New York City–based artist, writer, and educator who leads immersive sketching workshops and cultural adventures blending storytelling, visual journaling, and exploration. She has taught with organizations including Pratt Institute, the New York Public Library, and NYC Urban Sketchers, as well as internationally in Italy and Hawaii.

A longtime Gramercy Park resident, Shawne has spent decades observing and sketching life in and around Stuyvesant Square Park. Through this series, she invites participants to rediscover familiar city creatures—and their own creativity—with fresh eyes.

Photo by John Eng for SPNA.