ZINE PROJECT: Regular art-making sessions are part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s new community zine project, which is accessible for all skill levels. Sign up at artscouncilofprinceton.org.

The Arts Council of Princeton (ACP) has announced the new iteration of their popular Princeton Sketchbook Club program: a community zine project.

Short for magazine or fanzines, “zines” are self-published books that can be easily reproduced and distributed within a community. They can be about a variety of different subjects from politics to art, mental health, culture, science, activism, and much more.

Participants are invited to join a growing group of creatives that will make zines based on their respective interests to be displayed in a collaborative Zine Library in the ACP’s downtown Paul Robeson Center for the Arts.

The zine project is open to artists of all ages and skill levels.

“The original Princeton Sketchbook Club was the perfect example of the magic that can be made when a wide range of ages and experience come together with a common focus,” said ACP Program Manager Melissa Kuscin. “The zine project is perhaps even more inclusive — pick any topic that interests you and explore it with whatever materials you’d like. What’s important is that your unique voice comes through.”

Artists can work on their own or join fellow participants for drop-in sessions at the Arts Council on Wednesday evenings, kicking off on August 9 at 6 p.m. At this free gathering, artist and Sketchbook Club member Christina Freeman will present a beginner-friendly intro to zines. Freeman will go over basic folds, ideas for binding, and have a zine show-and-tell. Non-instructional art-making sessions will continue every other week to provide opportunities for participants to meet and share their work.

Those interested in joining the project can learn more and register at artscouncilofprinceton.org. A one-time $10 fee includes eligibility to display your finished zine, invitations to the drop-in sessions, Club field trips, and discounts on related workshops. Completed zines are due November 17.

The Arts Council of Princeton is located at 102 Witherspoon Street. For more information, call (609) 924-8777 or visit artscouncilofprinceton.org.