Inktober 2021 community art project returns to Maplewood this October

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — All through October, the walls of 1978 Art Center in Maplewood will be open for our community to join the worldwide Inktober phenomenon.

Inktober was created in 2009 by artist Jake Parker as a challenge to himself. Every year, he develops a list of 31 one-word prompts for each day in October and people around the world take on the challenge to create an ink drawing each day based on that day’s prompt. 

Join the fun with the Inktober community art project at 1978. The walls will be divided into panels for each day, labeled with the date and Parker’s official prompt. Everyone in the community of all ages and abilities are invited to do an ink drawing for the prompts. Draw one or draw 31. Help fill the room with ink drawings.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing Inktober back to Maplewood this year after missing a year due to COVID-19,” said Jeremy Moss, co-founder of Good Crowd Events, which is producing the event. “The project was so well received the first time around and we’re excited to reconnect with old friends, meet new people and see what the community creates this year.”

The kickoff was Friday, Oct. 1. Regular drawing hours are available all month with a closing celebration on Friday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. During the month, collections of beans and rice and dry cereal will be collected for Feed SOMany, a local group that gives food to area food pantries. 

“The Department of Community Services is excited to welcome Good Crowd Events and the Inktober community art project back to the 1978 Arts Center,” said Melissa Mancuso, director of community services in Maplewood. “This art project is truly multigenerational and changes daily. Visit often and see the new daily prompts and artwork of your neighbors. Doodling together is a quick way to lift your spirits and a worthwhile trip for the whole family. Bring your creativity and your mask, but don’t miss this event.”

Weekly drawing hours are Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit bit.ly/GCEinktober2021.