100+ Journals Project

100+ Journals Scottsdale Public Art is spreading this form of community engagement that began with the 1000 Journals Project in San Francisco. Originator Brian Singer, also known as someguy shares his story: 2 "I've always been fascinated by what people scrawl on bathroom walls and in public spaces. I had been taking photographs of this writing for years, and wanted to put together a book. It seemed appropriate to encourage readers to become contributors, and join the conversation by writing in the actual book. From there, I decided that a blank book might be more fun... especially one that traveled around, to gather a variety of thoughts and opinions. And then, why not 1000 of them? It's such an absurd number. The 1000 Journals Project officially launched in August of 2000, with the release of the first 100 journals in San Francisco. I gave them to friends, and left them at bars, cafes, and on park benches. Shortly thereafter, people began emailing me, asking if they could participate. So I started sending journals to folks, allowing them to share with friends, or strangers. It's been a roller coaster ever since." -Brian Singer (someguy) How it Started Individuals who find the journals are invited to add something—a story, drawing, photograph, an expression. Then they pass the journal along, to a friend or stranger, and the adventure continues. Check out ScottsdalePublicArtBlog.org to follow the project and seek out a journal. Also look here for information on workshops leading up to and throughout the exhibition. How it Works Scottsdale Public Art Scottsdale Public Art’s 100+ Journals Project is an ongoing collaborative experiment attempting to follow over 100 journals on their travels throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area. The goal is to provide a method for interaction and shared creativity among friends and strangers. Rediscover Your Creativity If you ask a kindergarten class how many of them are artists, they'll all raise their hands. Ask the same question of 6th graders, and maybe one third will respond. Ask high school grads, and few will admit to it. What happens to us growing up? We begin to fear criticism, and tend to keep our creativity to ourselves. Many people keep journals, of writing or sketching, but few people share them with others. (When was the last time a friend invited you to read their diary?) You will not be judged here. And you will have company. This is for you. For everyone. We welcome you to join in, adding your voice and imagination to these new journals! in keeping with the spirit of the project 1 Covered with the work of12 local artists, selected from an OPEN CALL 3 Reunited for an exhibition March-May of 2012 at TheGallery@theLibrary in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library Handed off to partners in the community