September Sketchwalk at MOE Heritage Centre

Credits: Banner photo by Favian Ee

For this month’s sketchwalk, we are going to a special location full of history and nostalgia. The Ministry of Education Heritage Centre is currently located in an old school building that still retains some of its old fittings that are characteristic of schools from the 70’s and 80’s. Come see how canteens and classrooms looked like back in the day, and sketch them before the centre moves out to their new location! There is also a museum of Singapore’s education history with many sketchable artifacts! The staff will be conducting 2 tours through the museum during the sketchwalks for groups of 15 pax each (sign up on the spot, first come first serve!). We are free to sketch inside the museum (after the tours, due to space constraints) and around the centre. Photos of the centre here

START
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: MOE Heritage Centre assembly area
402 Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 149599
6838 1614
(https://goo.gl/maps/HbH56kn8SFbjq5w38)

END
Time: 12:15 PM
Location: MOE Heritage Centre
402 Commonwealth Dr, Singapore 149599
6838 1614
(https://goo.gl/maps/HbH56kn8SFbjq5w38)

Nearest MRT: Commonwealth (EWL)

Parking is available at the centre, but HDB parking charges apply. It is $1.20 per hour, charged on a per minute basis.

Locations to sketch:
- Around the heritage centre and in the museum area

Places to eat and shop:
- Food court and eateries opposite the centre, around Commonwealth Drive and Tanglin Halt

Bring:
- insect repellant
- stools
- sunscreen

What a fest at Shi Yang Shan Fang

Lin Bin-hui, a former architect transformed his vision of life in a culinary mountainside retreat at xizhi city. A devout Buddhist, Lin in fact runs Shi Yang Shan Fang,食養山房, more like a spiritual retreat than a restaurant. We had a great time roaming, sketching, drinking tea and eating soul food.

First Sketch in Taipei

My first sketch in Taiwan for this trip was a visit to the famous Tamsui fisherman's wharf, 淡水漁人碼頭. Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf is a popular shooting location for Taiwanese serial dramas. I was told the restaurants around the wharf frequently host live bands to provide entertainment for guests but the day I was there, it was very quiet. Shops were closed and not many tourists so I could sit on the steps in front of the shops and sketched peacefully. The wharf is also home to the Tamsui Lovers' Bridge, 淡水情人橋.