Last year I elected to participate in the Brooklyn Art Libraries Canvas Project.
The goal of the project was to create a visual encyclopedia, inviting artists from all over the world to create images in response to a crowdsourced word search. The Brooklyn Art Library was started 12 years ago, and since then has become a catalyst for creating and sharing art from across the globe. The cornerstone of their accomplishment is the Library/Museum itself.
Located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Art Library is home to over 41,000 sketchbooks from over 130 different countries. Participants of the project order blank sketchbooks, choose a theme, fill them up and connect their books online with search terms, an artist bio and other unique content. Every single sketchbook that is sent back to us is cataloged and placed on our shelves for visitors to view. – The Brooklyn Art Library Website
There is no jury or application project. To participate in any of the libraries projects you simply have to purchase the materials, and then they send you the goods. I received my canvas and word promptly. I was excited to receive Playgrounds as my word for the encyclopedia, as play and childhood are common themes in my mixed media paintings.
I incorporated gelli printing, stamped images, and a bit a sparkle in a mini version of the style I was playing with a lot last year. Once complete I mailed back my canvas and eagerly awaited the completion of the project.
Look my painting is in the bottom right! Thank you to Tre Marsala for sharing photos from the exhibition with me through the magic of Instagram! I couldn’t make it out to Brooklyn myself so this was a huge gift.
Earlier this month I received my copy of the encyclopedia with my art, as well as images of the exhibition hosted at the library. It is such an honor to be alongside some many amazing and diverse artists. In addition to being a participant in the encyclopedia and exhibition, I received a canvas from another participant to host in my home. I know my canvas is somewhere being enjoyed as well, creating a visual web with artists everywhere. What a treat!
In addition to participating in the Canvas Project, I also submitted a sketchbook to the library. More on this little treasure soon!
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