Imagine hosting a traveling community art project at your workplace, studio, classroom, or business…your group’s sketches could become part of a permanent community art piece that memorializes the creativity in your community. Through The Sketchbook Project from Creative Pathways, you can do exactly that!
Creative Pathways founder Beth Bailey can send you a shared sketchbook for staff, customers, students, or friends to draw in, and she's happy to cover shipping to and from most locations. There is no cost to host. It’s totally free.
What Does Hosting Involve?
At Creative Pathways, “hosting” means giving a sketchbook a temporary home. People who pass through your office, after-school program, or studio add drawings, doodles, or collage to it. It’s collaborative, so each person builds on what the last one left, then sets up the next. The result is a growing piece of art uniquely shaped by your community.
Who Can Host a Sketchbook?
The Sketchbook Project flourishes in a variety of settings. Here are the wide range of places sketchbooks have already spent time in:
Local businesses and studios. Levitate in Hingham, Frame Center in Hanover, and Unplug & Be Mindful Yoga Studio in Marshfield all keep sketchbooks out for public participation.
Professional artist studios. Working artists add to them at their own pace.
Classrooms. Teachers have used them with their students.
Corporate offices. At UPPAbaby, a sketchbook gave staff a way to loosen up and break up the workday.
Private Homes. Families and friends can host one too.
You know your community best! If you believe that your staff, customers, or clients would enjoy a creative break, your space is probably a great fit.
Why Host a Community Art Project?
Little pressure, big creativity. Nobody has to be good at art. Contributors fill white space and build on each other's work.
Be a community connector. Everyone who adds to the book leaves a mark alongside their neighbors, coworkers, or classmates.
Support local art. You help a Massachusetts nonprofit reach more people, since a wider reach of participation serves the project.
Start conversations. A sketchbook in a waiting area, break room, or studio gives people something to talk about.
What Participants Do
Participation is simple, self-guided, and satisfying. Contributors fill space, respond to earlier drawings, and leave room for whoever comes next. They can add a quick doodle, an illustration of something they love, or a bold shape. All ages and abilities are welcome, so children and professional artists often end up drawing on the same pages that results in a one-of-a-kind juxtaposition only your community can result in.
What Happens Next?
After a sketchbook has traveled and been filled up, Beth Bailey cuts it up and uses the pages as collage material in her original artwork. So, yeah, pretty cool—your community's contributions become part of new art.
You can browse and buy her original art and prints. All purchases support Creative Pathways.
How to Request a Sketchbook
Simply reach out to Creative Pathways to host. You can explore the programs page to see the sketchbook project and other offerings. You can also email beth@creativepathwaysproject.com or send a DM on Instagram at @creativepathwaysproject.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to host a sketchbook?
Hosting is free. Beth Bailey is happy to cover the cost of shipping to and from most locations.
Who can host?
Workplaces, studios, classrooms, businesses, families, and friend groups.
Do my staff or customers need art experience?
No. The project welcomes all ages and abilities.
What kinds of places have hosted sketchbooks?
Yoga studios, framing shops, artist studios, classrooms, and corporate offices like UPPAbaby.
How do I get started?
Visit the programs page or contact Beth at beth@creativepathwaysproject.com or on Instagram at @creativepathwaysproject.
