Arthouse Sketchbook Project 4: Library

Hello there! Yes, I did indeed manage to get into Atlanta during some rather cold raw weather to check out the last day of The Arthouse Sketchbook Project --

not to mention the last days of The Arthouse Cooperative itself. The gallery is moving to Brooklyn NY pronto! No kidding, in a couple of weeks they have their grand opening, along with the Sketchbook Project.

I snapped this poignant little shot of the gallery's logo, which reads: "and then go north for 896 miles. Thanks for everything, Atlanta!"

Shane said I was the ONLY person who asked about it and took a photo. I think people were just too down in the mouth about losing them... they've done such fun, good things with and for artists -- not just from Atlanta but it seems everywhere on Earth that knows about them.

I tell you -- there's not much sadder sight than a gallery being packed up. But until that time, let's have a PARTY!

The Arthouse Cooperative is/was at 309 Peters Street in downtown Atlanta. I don't know who that clown is.... some poser.

This is the "official poster" for Sketchbook Project 4.

Here are the "how to do this" lists. You had to check out the books (which had their own cards) on Friday night so none would be misplaced or uh -- ahem -- take a walk.

Below are the themes for this year's project, in no particular order.

This fine lad is Shane His Own Self -- one of the owners/proprietors -- looking for Anne Gaal's and Sarah Wallis's sketchbooks for T and me.

Anne Gaal's Sketchbook Project: The Elephant in the Room.

And Sarah Wallis's Sketchbook Project: Outside of Myself.

FYI, Anne's and Sarah's were two of the very few -- as in a handful -- of artists who dressed up the outsides of their sketchbooks. Most folks either left them alone or did as I did (mine is hiding behind Sarah's there) and only added a small bit or put a drawing on the cover.

But as you can see from their works, they totally CHANGED the outside of the journal. Which caused a bit of chatter... good going, girls!

T checked out the entire group of "Outside of Myself", before perusing all of "The Elephant in the Room" stash. We then looked over the theme of "It's Not Easy Being Green" (yours truly) and an intriguing group of sketchbooks with the theme of "Monster".

All in all, there were 2700 books. No way could I have gone through them all even if I had been there for both days. I also took shots of another project going on quietly in the background called "Chair". That's what you see on the walls in some of these here photos. More on those in my next post along with other -- dare I say it? -- eyecandy! smirk...

Michelle and Devon showed up, which was so so appreciated. The way the weather was, I didn't expect anyone really, but sure enough, there was a small but steady stream of patrons. By the way, Devon's favourite Sketchbook Project was Anne's. He loves elephants and had the best time quietly checking out the pages as Mom turned them.

I told Shane "Next year, I'll make Brooklyn for Project 5." He seemed totally stoked over that and asked, "Do you think those other ladies will come, too?" Yeah, how about it, Anne and Sarah? Can you imagine what our Gleesome Threesome could do?

About that tree...! Remember, I was leaving the ol' Holly Jolly Christmas tree up and celebrating everything possible on it this year. Sort of my own "arthouse project".

This is the beginnings of the Valentine Tree. More on that Sunday, 14 February -- which is ALSO Chinese New Year this time out the gate. I suppose I should look for a paper tiger for a topper! And let's not forget Mardi Gras!

Take care, everyone.

Candace