Welcome to Sketch Wonder’neath! See below for details of our Sketch Artist in Residence Series.
We are delighted to introduce Sketch Wonder’neath, at 2482 Maynard St in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), Nova Scotia. Here, you will find the Canadian collection of the sketchbooks from originally from the Sketchbook Project / Brooklyn Art Library as well as new contributions since the project’s arrival to Wonder’neath!
In 2023, Wonder’neath became one of five stewards of sketchbooks from the Brooklyn Art Library/ Sketchbook Project- a crowdsourced project of sketchbooks from around the world that ran for 17 years. As we take steps to take this collection on its next journey here in Kjipuktuk. After a year-long cataloguing process, we have opened a purpose-built, studio-based library at our location on 2482 Maynard St. to house these unique books and make them accessible to the public.
Since 2025, we have been offering weekly drop-in programming, artist residencies and special events. Sketch Wonder’neath programming encourages hands-on participation by artists and community members of all levels of experience.
Whether you're curious about our cataloguing process, looking for your sketchbook or opportunities to contribute, we're here to provide you with the information you need! Get in touch through sketchbook@wonderneath.com
2026
program schedule
Sketch Drop-in
Weekly, Wednesdays 4:30-7:30 pm & Fridays 2:00-4:30pm
Sketch and Coffee
Saturday, March14 - 10:00am – 12:00pm
Free, drop in and for all ages!
Find us on Instagram @sketchwonderneath
Online Catalogue
Are you curious about the wide range of sketchbooks housed at Sketch Wonder’neath? Are you a Canadian artist looking for your sketchbook created between 2006 and 2022 with the Brooklyn Art Library? Click below to see if it is at Wonder’neath!
Didn’t find your sketchbook in our collection? There is a chance that it is in the Sketchbook Project’s digital library (2006-2022).
Sketch Wonder’neath Artist in Residence
Launched in 2026, the Sketch Wonder’neath Artist in Residency Program is a new initiative engaging artists across disciplines to activate our Sketch Library in diverse ways. Residencies will emphasize engagement in Wonder’neath’s public programming, including weekly Open Studio and Sketch sessions, culminating in a public presentation to share their artistic response as we launch the Sketch Initiative, a legacy project of the Sketchbook Project/Brooklyn Art Library.
Thanks to Halifax and Canada Council for the Arts for supporting this project.
galeforce theatre
Residencey: January 5th-17th & March 9th-22nd
Performance: March 26th at 7 pm at our 2482 Maynard Studio. Free performance of Sketchbook Time Machine, Galeforce’s public presentation in response to the Sketch Library .
From Galeforce: We/ve been deep in the sketchbook library being transported through time and space into artist’ lives. Come and see the stories we found, the images that stirred us, as well as bing accompanied with music by Behrooz Mihankhah and a number of special guest readers.
Gale Force Theatre was started by Mount Allison University graduates, Franziska Glen and Lily Falk. Based both in Kjipuktuk/Halifax and Upper Lahave, Nova Scotia, their work spans productions for children and adults that includes new works, devised productions, and puppetry.
Jon ClaytoR
Residency: January 20th-31st & February 9th-21st
Artist talk & workshop: Sunday, March 29th @ 7-9pm
Jon’s public presentation will launch his new graphic novel, Nowhere, and share his experience with the Sketch collection. All are welcome and there is cost to attend.
Jon Claytor is a graphic novelist and artist based in Sackville, New Brunswick. His new graphic novel is Nowhere (Goose Lane, 2026) and he has illustrated several interviews for the CBC, and enjoys teaching workshops on storytelling and comics.
During Jon’s four-week residency (split into two two-week sessions)Jon shared a series of drawing prompts, inviting folks to book a feedback session to talk about their projects, portfolio, and offered a 2 part graphic memoir workshop during his studio hours.
ANDRE FENTON
February 22nd-March 7th March 22nd-April 5th
Public presentation TBD
Andre Fenton is an award-winning African Nova Scotian writer, performer, and arts educator who has represented Halifax at eight national spoken word festivals across Canada, and is the director of the Narrative Program at The Bus Stop Theatre Co-Op. Andre is the author of three young adult fiction novels. Andre has facilitated writing and performance workshops in over 100 classrooms across Nova Scotia, and founded The Ink Collective, a Black writers workshop series.
Andre will be on site at the Sketch library starting February 22nd!
Support Sketch Wonder’neath
Wonder'neath is fully committed to the stewardship and continuation of the Sketchbook Collection. With the support of the Halifax Municipality, we commissioned customized storage to ensure long-term care of the sketchbooks. This dedicated storage are designed to meet the unique requirements of taking care of these beautiful books while making them as accessible as they once were through the Brooklyn Art Library. We are also working on expanding the collection through our programming efforts. This includes weekly drop-in programming, pop-ups through diverse community initiatives, and a line up of artist in residence to bring the sketchbook to the community and provide opportunities for artists to contribute to the collection.
If you would like to support the Canadian Sketchbook Project at Wonder’neath, please follow the 'Donate' button below. Your generous donations will directly contribute to the ongoing efforts of stewardship and continuation this awesome collection.
We deeply appreciate any support you can provide, and offer charitable tax receipts over amounts of $20.