Independent Arts News Reporting “Sketchsgiving” Kicks Off a New Season of Creativity at the Arts Council of Princeton
Reported on Monday, November 10th, 2026.
Pictured Above: Princeton Sketchbook Club kicks off their fourth chapter with a special “Sketchsgiving” event on Tuesday, November 24. New members are invited to join now.. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY
Arts Council of Princeton Invites All Ages to Join Free Sketchbook Club Events, Beginning with Sketchsgiving on November 24
Princeton, NJ — The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) shares the return of the popular Princeton Sketchbook Club. Now in its fourth iteration, the Sketchbook Club invites all ages and skill levels to make their mark on this growing public collection.
Each member of the Sketchbook Club receives the same blank sketchbook to make their own, customizing its pages with graphite drawings, paper collage, junk journaling, poetry, and so much more. Since the project’s launch in 2021, total beginners, accomplished fine artists, and everyone in between has tackled the project, submitting more than 300 unique sketchbooks.
What Is Garden State Sounds at the Arts Council of Princeton?
Finished sketchbooks are added to the growing Princeton Sketchbook Library, a permanent collection housed at the Arts Council and open to the public. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of this project: there is no jury or selection process, and all sketchbooks are accepted into the collection. Further, participation is not limited to individuals; school groups, art clubs, families, and coworkers have all worked collaboratively on sketchbooks together.
From November to April, a series of free Sketch-Ins will be held on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm, allowing attendees the opportunity to take a break from screens, disconnect from work and other responsibilities, and make art in a casual setting. The first Sketch-In is a special kick-off event – called “Sketchgiving” – on Tuesday, November 24. Meet your fellow Club members, work on your book, and enjoy a potluck. The meet-up is free, BYOB, and interested members can join on the spot.
“The response to the Sketchbook Club is nothing like I’ve ever seen”, shares Melissa Kuscin, ACP Director of Programming and Club founder. “I’ve watched firsthand as members build genuine friendships that last well beyond the final Sketch-In, and have listened as folks tell me they’re grateful for the space to create and simply be. Join us, even if you’re the type to say, ‘I can barely draw a stick figure’. You’ll fit right in!”
Books are $10 for local pick-up and $20 for domestic shipping. All proceeds benefit community arts programming in Princeton and beyond. Get your sketchbook by visiting artscouncilofprinceton.org.
An Opening Reception to celebrate the conclusion of the project will be held Saturday, May 8, 2027 from 3-5pm. View the newest chapter of the Club – as well as the existing collection of 300+ books – and help toast to the participants’ contributions. Free and open to all.
About the Arts Council of Princeton
The Arts Council of Princeton, a non-profit organization founded in 1967, fulfills its mission of building community through the arts by presenting a wide range of programs including public art projects, exhibitions, performances, free community cultural events, and studio-based classes and workshops. Arts Council of Princeton programs are designed to be high-quality, engaging, affordable and accessible for the diverse population in the greater Princeton region. To learn more, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or follow @artscouncilofprinceton.
