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.

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.

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