Parker M.
Sketch-In: a non-instructional, social gathering where we get together to work on our books!
Karen Schoenitz
@karenschoenitz
Blue Bottom Art
@bluebottomart
Celebrating the opening of the Sketchbook Library in 2022!
Join the club of 300+ sketchbook artists.
Beginners, experienced artists, everyone in between: you’re invited to make your mark by joining the third iteration of the Princeton Sketchbook Club.
Everyone in the Club receives the same 8×5” sketchbook, a blank slate to make completely your own. At the conclusion of the project, your book will become part of the Princeton Sketchbook Library for all to enjoy. Work in your favorite medium or try something totally new: there’s no wrong way to Sketchbook Club.
Since 2021, we’ve featured 300+ sketchbooks in the library, open to the public six days a week. While many are local to NJ and gather for Sketch-Ins to work on their books in the company of fellow creatives, many books are sent across the country and returned by mail, filled to the brim with doodles, writing, collage, painting — everything you could imagine.
Sketchbooks are available now! Completed books are due to the Arts Council by Wednesday, December 10 at 5pm. An Opening Celebration will be held Friday, December 19 from 5-7pm.
Keep reading for a list of frequently asked questions. If any inquiries remain, kindly shoot Melissa an email.
Sketchbook Club FAQ
YES! The Princeton Sketchbook is open to everyone, regardless of experience with making art. We welcome beginners and experienced artists to contribute their unique voices to the project. Children are also welcome to participate. All books are accepted into the collection. We do not jury any of the work.
Your book must remain within the original dimensions of 5 x 8” inches.
Don’t forget that your sketchbook will become part of a collection that will be viewed and handled by the public. If you choose to use art materials that could smudge, like charcoal, please seal or fix the work before you turn in your book. Your book should be durable and be able to withstand normal wear and tear.
Absolutely — collaboration is at the heart of this project. School groups, art clubs, families, and coworkers have all worked on sketchbooks together!
We welcome artists in a variety of mediums, but some do work better than others. Tools like graphite, charcoal, and pen do well on the thinner paper, while wetter mediums like watercolor, inks, and paints might warp the pages. We’ve found that using them in moderation still results in a fabulous sketchbook, so try it out and use whatever you’re comfortable with.
Absolutely! Check out some awesome examples of decorated sketchbook covers on this page and on Instagram. Just remember, same advice as above applies. Try to avoid materials like excess charcoal or graphite that will rub off onto viewers’ hands. Or remember to hit it with some fixative before turning your book in.
Sketch-Ins are a local perk! If you enjoy making art and meeting new friends, consider popping in. Stay for the whole time or come and go — BYOB and snacks welcome!
Join us from 6-8pm on the following evenings:
- Wednesday, August 20
- Wednesday, September 3
- Wednesday, September 17
- Wednesday, October 1
- Wednesday, October 15
- Wednesday, October 29
- Wednesday, November 12
- Wednesday, November 26 – Sketchgiving!
- Wednesday, December 10 – Last Sketch-In and Book Due Date!
The Arts Council values, respects, and appreciates that you are contributing your work to the Princeton Sketchbook Club. By agreeing to participate, you still retain ownership of your work. We own the physical sketchbook, but your work is your work. The ACP retains the right to use your artwork to share the project, but will always credit the artist as specified.
This is our favorite question of all! Please share that you are part of the Princeton Sketchbook Club by documenting your progress on your book, finished pages, where your book has traveled to, etc by using the official hashtag – #princetonsketchbookclub and tag the ACP at @artscouncilofprinceton on Instagram. We will share to keep your fellow sketchers inspired and get folks excited about coming to see the library! Just keep in mind that if your IG account is set to “private”, we will not see your posts or be able to share.
- Sketch-Ins: 6-8pm
- Wed, August 20
- Wed, September 3
- Wed, September 17
- Wed, October 1
- Wed, October 15
- Wed, October 29
- Wed, November 12
- Wed, November 26 – Sketchgiving!
- Wed, December 10 – Last Sketch-In/Closing Party/Book Due Date! Attendees of this Sketch-In may turn in their books following our gathering.
- Book sales end: Friday, November 21 by 11:59pm
- Books due: Wednesday, December 10 by 7pm*
- Opening Celebration: Friday, December 19 | 5-7pm
* If you finish early, no need to wait to turn it in. Drop it off or send it in whenever you’re ready.
