Black artists
In rural oregon.
Sketch and Release: Black Artists in Rural Oregon is a mobile short-form documentary series where Oregon’s rural landscapes replace the traditional studio. Traveling from forests to farms, small towns to forgotten crossroads, Sketch and Release captures intimate, on-location vignettes with Black creatives living and working outside of metro centers. Through storytelling, music, and visual art, each episode connects the audience not only to the artist—but to the land and layered histories they inhabit.
On-Site Storytelling
To meet the challenges of filming in open and often remote environments, Sketch and Release fundraises year around. Although we have received community grants to which are very grateful. We’re sustained by the generosity of individual donors. Our work is powered by people like you who give. Your generosity fuels our work. Click below to give what you can.
Since 2023
Launched in 2023, Sketch and Release is a short-form documentary series that uplifts the voices of Black creatives living and working in rural Oregon. In its first season, the project spotlighted six artists across four towns—sharing personal stories through music, visual art, and conversation, all captured on location. With each vignette, Sketch and Release aims to deepen connection to place, challenge dominant narratives, and honor the creative brilliance thriving beyond urban centers.
