Over 70,000 rubber ducks splashed into the Chicago River Thursday as donations for the Special Olympics fundraiser soared.
The annual event drew thousands of Chicagoans to the duck race, including a few local artists.
“We came to document our story of our day and what the Duck Derby represents to Special Olympics,” said Amy Gowans.
Gowans and her friend Tammy Campbell stood out in the crowd, both wearing duck hats and holding small sketchbooks. The two are part of Urban Sketchers Chicago, a local group dedicated to “Show the World, One Drawing at a Time.”
“Just really happy that we can support Special Olympics through this, and it’s so colorful, so it’s very fun sketching too,” said Campbell.
Urban Sketchers Chicago is part of the Urban Sketchers group which holds over 600 chapters around the world. There are around 3,000 members in Chicago, Gowan says.
“Sketchers show up and sketch what they see right in front of them, what’s going on around them, capturing the essence,” said Gowan.
The two friends joined during the pandemic, now they travel around the city capturing moments like the duck derby.
“It’s so easy to join and the group is so embracing of everybody no matter what skill level you're at,” said Campbell.
The network of artists connect for a monthly meetup and share designs and inspiration. The organization is free to join, all you need is a pen and paper.
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