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Sketchbook Project

The Sketchbook Project: Library

Sketchbooks offers a glimpse into an artist's life, which is why we want to make a publicly accessible library of sketchbooks that people can browse, peruse, and check out. We think that this sketchbook collection has the potential to open a new line of communication between the artist and the viewer, since the experience of making and viewing are both so personal. Anyone can sign up to receive a sketchbook. Before joining our permanent collection, sketchbooks will be exhibited at select galleries across the US.

Project goal

The library will house thousands of sketchbooks from artists that reside all over the globe. We'll be touring around the United States with the collection starting in April, followed by a permanent location for the library in 2010.

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A brief history

Currently in it's fourth incarnation, The Sketchbook Project exhibited in October of 2007 with 500 artists participating from around the world. For Volume 3, the The Sketchbook Project toured to 9 different galleries and venues around the East Coast, connecting almost 3,000 artists together through the project.

Sign up to participate.

Memories in Blue

Memories in Blue Words by Maya James

As I sat at the foot of the little piece of the Mississippi that ran through my backyard, I continued working on the quilt I'd started for my baby girl to remember me by when I found out I was pregnant and reflected upon my past manifestations and what they mean to me now. I've sewed every reflection of myself into this quilt, from the time I was a tree to the time I was a king. I've been here many times before, too many in fact, but this time is special, for it is my last appearance here. I've had to struggle with the same external and internal demons in every life cycle but as I sit here, ready to accept freedom for my children, the notion of leaving my baby is planted in the foreground of my thoughts. As Safiya kicks my left side, I am reminded of the reason for the choice I have made and any fear or trepidation I felt was pushed out of my head as I tried to focus on today... Story goes on... Memories in Blue was the winner of the CLA short story competition in 2004

Finish Piece All water color on paper. Nov.27.09

One yr Annv

RYSE Center Celebrates 1 yr. Annv. on October 31st, 2009 1-6pm 205 41st street Richmond, CA, 94805 ALL ARE WELCOME TO CELEBRATE WITH US. Flyer done by: Alejandra Perez

"LIFE" By Alejandra Perez

So i've been painting...here is another one...way different from my regular things..but i like it..its all acrilic

Old Paintings

My Old Paintings/art work

Managua, Nicaragua

My summer in Managua, Nicaragua... here is some pics..to share with you. .

"LA SIEMBRA" By Alejandra Perez

"La Siembra" by Alejandra Perez

Siembra, Riega, Cuida, y Alimenta tu Alma con Conocimiento... "CONFIA EN TO LUCHA"

FROM: The Black Art Show @ D-Structure boutique and gallery in San Francisco, Ca. TRUST YOUR STRUGGLE COLLECTIVE... Thank you for the opportunity...

"Nicaragua" By Alejandra Perez/ Collab. with Joy Liu & Come Bien

In the Wind", heres the 1STedition. Its about poc (people of color) and their travels.

My name is Alejandra, born and raised in MANAGUA, NICARAGUA. Nica is located in the heart of Central America, between the Pacific Ocean & Caribean Sea. “Somos tan nica, como el pinolillo”. We eat Gallopinto, Nacatamales, Vigoron, Cosa de horno, Cajeta de coco con tamarindo, drink Chicha, Cacao y Cebada. We dance to the rhythim of our caribean heart. Palo de Mayo, Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, y bailamos Folklor al ritmo de la Marimba.

“El chancho, El chancho, El chancho!… Vas a querer amorcito?…comprame!

Te lo voy a dar hermoso! Y con ipegue…

si amor!

– Piropo Nicaraguense (typical phrase to sell)

I haven’t roamed around the world, but I’ve taken steps out side my door, my neighborhood, my city, my state and my country. Been up and down all California, visited Nevada, flown over the seas of the gulf of mexico, and to my native country, Nicaragua. Although my heart truly has stayed in my native country.

“Hay que sembrar la tierra compañeros,hay que sembrar la nueva patria que crece”

-Somos Hijos del Maiz by Carlos Mejia

• A relavant historic phrase that touched many people, one of the many blockages of food that effected in the civil war in 79’ in Nicaragua.

I live in your typical American urban community, stuck between the city lights and the rural surroundings. Nicaragua is your typical humid environment. Hills and volcanoes make Nicaragua’s curves sensual. From the city lights of the Managua the capitol to the coastal caribean side of our native roots the people are filled with beauty and cultural inspiration. They live their lives day by day expecting nothing more than a pursuit of happiness. Different from the lives of our American neighborhoods, living our daily lives tied up with stress and fear.

It’s extremely important for youth of color, different backgrounds, language and culture to explore, travel and roam this land. To learn about their roots, to feed their souls with history. To grow branches with other cultures. To soak their leaves with foreign soil. To plant, sow, grow, and expand! But to come back to their neighborhoods and teach others.Learn to teach & teach to learn.!

Si la patria es pequeña, uno grande la sueña.

- Ruben Dario

( Nicaragua’s finest poet)

" Soy La Frida" by Alejandra Perez /Collaboration with Come Bien Books

Soy la Frida! My parents gave me the name of “Magdalena Carmen Frieda Calderon”. Born in Coyacan, Mexico on July 6,1907 en carne y hueso. Aunque en corazon yo naci el 17 de Julio del 1910. The day the Mexican Revolution began. I’ve had two major accidents in my life. One was the trolley and the second was Diego Rivera. I’ve fought against my communist comrades and resisted the struggle. I’ve loved and lost many. Mis pinturas me conocen mas que nadien. Today July 13, 1954 I’ll spread my wings and hope to never come back...