The Sketchbook Project Co-Founder Steven Peterman Shares Goals For The Arts Community [Exclusive Interview]

Our design editor Meg came across The Sketchbook Project exhibition space a few months ago and today she shares the recent opportunity she had to speak with the company's co-founder, Steven Peterman. 

The Brooklyn-based art library, "The Sketchbook Project," features nearly 34,000 artists' books that have been created by individuals around the globe. It is a openhearted, one-of-a-kind environment that wishes to involve the community and be a resource for creative individuals. 

Steven Peterman and Shane Zucker initially started the project in Atlanta in 2006 and nearly 10 years later he says he still experiences those moments of thinking that this concept is "pretty cool!" The Sketchbook Project aims to not just be an art gallery, but also a unique space that allows individuals to connect with art and creativity. 

The art library is located at 103A North 3rd Street in Brooklyn. The Sketchbook Project is open everyday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Find out what plans Peterman has for the art book collection and what impact he sees The Sketchbook Project continuing to have on our future!

MB: Where/how/when did The Scketchbook Project begin?

SP: The Sketchbook Project began in Atlanta in 2006. We had a small gallery space and wanted to find a way to get the community involved. We started all of these different types of projects. The Sketchbook Project was just one that took off. We moved the project up to NYC in 2009 and opened our current space in 2010. 

MB: What was the initial sign or "aha" moment that propelled you to create a concept like this?

SP: It has been a very organic process. We just kept working at it over the years. We have had some amazing years and some tough ones. I don't know if there was ever one moment. But I do know that I still get the moments, even 10 years in, where I am like "this is pretty cool!"

MB: Could you express the mission behind Sketchbook Project?

SP: Our main mission is to be a resource for creative people. We know it is hard to create on your own sometimes. We want to be a place where you come to look and enjoy art, feel inspired by what you see, create your own work and then inspire someone else. In a normal museum or gallery, it is one sided. You just get to look. It is a mysterious world that is hard to get into and show your talent. We want to disrupt that by creating something beautiful out of thousands of peoples work. 

MB: And if you could define its "identity" in 3 words, what would those be?

SP: Global, Community, Interactive. 

MB: Can you describe the experience you wish for individuals to have when visiting the Sketchbook Project?

SP: We hope that people will find it to be resourceful and inspirational. This is not just a normal gallery. It is 34,000 stories, perspectives and creative contributions. Each one of these books represent someone in the world seeking to share their story. In our space you get to hold the work and connect with it. You have a moment with it that you cannot experience while looking at the work on a wall. Each time these books are viewed they are creating a new experience. 

MB: Where do you see the Sketchbook Project in the future?

SP: We are focusing on finding a way to have long term stability for the collection as a whole. We want to eventually set up a permanent museum space in an area that allows us to grow. It is something that is very hard in the current Brooklyn climate. We also want to grow as a resource for creative people more. We hope to become part of college and high school curriculum's, and give young artists a chance to participate.