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The Sketchbook Project: 2011
For anyone who’s ever kept a sketchbook, one can understand the benefits of having a visual log of their everyday life, yet have only a small audience with whom to share. As artists, it is a constant struggle to bring what is meaningful and intimate to the wider public. Meanwhile, the public reciprocates this struggle when a community of art making is not accessible. Art House manages to diffuse these issues by creating art projects that bring artists together with an open-call policy (anyone and everyone can participate).
Started in 2006, by Shane Zucker and Steven Peterman in Decatur, Georgia, Art House was originally a pay-to-play gallery. Unable to pay the bills and gain a larger audience, their gallery space, currently known as The Brooklyn Art Library is home to a series of projects involving over 15,000 artist worldwide.
The Sketchbook Project 2011:
“Each artist is sent the same blank Moleskine Cahier sketchbook. We’ve only got two rules: first, the book must be used in some way – no sending us back an empty book or a completely different book! Second, the sketchbook must stay within its original dimensions (because we don’t want to have to provide an extra suitcase just for your book while we’re touring the country).
Each book will be given a barcode so we can easily catalog it into The Brooklyn Art Library system. Once we catalog it, artists will be able to track where on the tour their book is viewed and how many times someone pulled it from the shelf – we want to make sure you can stay connected with your sketchbook!“
Participation is simple! Choose a theme and sketchbook for only $20. Once the sketchbook is finished and submitted, it will tour Brooklyn, Austin, San Francisco, Portland, Atlanta and Chicago. Anyone can participate by going to the link here
Organizing sketchbooks from last year’s project
Mercer Community College
Rochester, NY
2010 Sketchbook Tour
Brooklyn Art Library
Brooklyn, NY
2010 Sketchbook Tour
(photo source: arthousecoop.com)
For more information go to www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject
