The JSMAC Sketchbook Collective was started spring 2015 in response to interest in keeping a sketchbook for reflection, stress management and exploring art process. We host times for students of any discipline to come together every two weeks on and off campus to sketch, write and make art in their sketchbooks or journals, providing prompts through social media for inspiration and practice, as well as additional resources here on the JSMAC blog.
A limited number of sketchbooks are available at no cost on a first-come-first-serve basis.
MISSION
Encourage University of Oregon students to utilize sketchbooks for professional development, exploring art process and creativity, as well as personal growth and mental health.
OBJECTIVES
- Increase understanding of sketchbook benefits and uses
- Advocate for mental health and well-being; encourage mindfulness, awareness and relaxation
- Increase drawing and art-process skills
- Develop self-evaluation and reflection abilities.
CURRENT SKETCHBOOK PROMPT:
Coming soon!
SKETCHBOOK COLLECTIVE SCHEDULE – SPRING 2016
Prompts will be posted to the blog and Facebook page every Wednesday. Meetups are every other Sunday. Bring your own supplies and sketchbook (if you have one), otherwise we do have sketchbooks available. These meetups are drop-in, no skill necessary and all are welcome! They are mostly self-led, as each of us works in different ways, but there will be some direction if wanted, and there are always opportunities for feedback.
The Open Figure Drawing at MECCA are open, pay-what-you-want figure drawing sessions with a nude model. MECCA hosts these every Thursday but we will go twice as a group.
For those days where we plan to sketch outdoors we can work inside the JSMA if it happens to rain.
Thursday, April 28, 4:00 MECCA – Open Figure Drawing
Sunday, May 1, 11:00 Vero Espresso Patio
Sunday, May 15, 11:00 Campus (outdoors); meet in front of JSMA
Thursday, May 19, 4:00 MECCA – Open Figure Drawing
Sunday, May 29, 11:00 Campus (outdoors); meet in front of JSMA
Sunday, June 12, 11:00 Campus (outdoors); meet in front of JSMA
CONNECT
If you are interested in keeping a sketchbook or creative journal and participating in the collective, please email project coordinator Stacey Ray at sroth3@uoregon.edu. You can also follow the JSMAC Facebook page for updates and information.
LINKS & RESOURCES
SKETCHBOOK PROMPTS – A list of prompt questions and activities to get you thinking and working in your sketchbook or journal.
“Everyday Matters” by Danny Gregory – Receptive to a broad audience; Danny picked up sketching as a way of realizing his own life and the world around him and to get through the challenges he faced with his wife becoming paralyzed. Great introduction to the motivation behind keeping a sketchbook and why it might be valuable for anyone. Also helps connects to life experience/awareness, mental health and well-being.
“An Illustrated Life” by Danny Gregory (a collection of artist sketchbooks)
“The Creative License” by Danny Gregory (more of a self-help book for those who want to pick up sketching)
“The Art of Urban Sketching” Gabriel Campanario (a collection of sketchbooks / urban sketches by various artists; fantastic visuals)
“1000 Artist Journal Pages: Personal Page and Inspirations” (more scrap-booky / whimsical but visually very creative; a good one to inspire kids/young adults or those looking for a creative outlet)
Nine Things That Happen When You Carry a Sketchbook with You Nonstop
Why Drawing Needs to be a Curriculum Essential – The Guardian