I was recently invited to participate in The Sketchbook Project, and when I saw what it was, I jumped at the opportunity. Run by Art House Co-Op in Brooklyn, New York, The Sketchbook Project is a collection of over 26,000 sketchbooks from artists in over 130 countries, all housed in the Brooklyn Art Library.
The basic idea is that anyone in the world can purchase a sketchbook, paint it, write in it, decorate it to their heart’s content and return for the world to see in one of the Sketchbook Tours. Here’s a little peek at the Brooklyn Art Library where the sketchbooks live off tour:
And here’s a glimpse of a Sketchbook tour:
Are you totally wishing The Sketchbook Project would come to your town? You can still check them out online! Artists can choose to have their sketchbooks digitized and shared in the online library (how awesome is that?). Here’s one my favorites by ingthings.
And if you’re headed to SXSW next month, The Sketchbook Tour will be in Austin! They’ll be open to the public at the Co-Lab Project Space from March 8-10. If I can swing it, I’m definitely going.
I’m excited and nervous to start mine, it’s been so long since I’ve just let myself doodle and sketch. But that’s the beauty of this project, too. It’s about connecting with the world offline, and getting back in touch with our creative roots.
I’m planning to participate in the How-To tour, with a focus on sharing my how-tos on being a happy mama. I have no idea what it will look like as a finished project, but I’m looking forward to making the time to slow down and find out.
Interested in making your own sketchbook? Well, I just so happen to have a discount code for my awesome readers! Use promo code MAKERMAMA2013 to receive 20% of The Sketchbook Project from now until November this year.
Which tour would you be most interested in joining? Find any awesome sketchbooks in the digital library? And I definitely love to see yours when you make one!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary sketchbook in return for reviewing and sharing this awesome project. I received no monetary compensation.
I cannot wait to see how that sketch book turns out!!! Its incredibly inspiring already.
Thanks Stacy, I can't wait either! And it'll be great to have some accountability in getting it finished!
Thank you for posting the discount code. This will be my second year participating and it is so much fun!