Guests uncover the secrets of the Little Black Book Project at last year’s closing reception and silent auction.

The Little Black Book Project began with some blank books and a few secrets and has turned into an annual collaborative art project.

Project Co-coordinator, Angel McDowell, says the concept of the Little Black Book Project is simple. "Participants take a blank book with a secret theme hidden in the back of the book - they have three months to re-invent the book based on the theme."

In the project's first year, each participant received a 5" x 7" blank book with instructions to alter it in any way they saw fit. The results yielded journals, photo albums, collage art, graffiti and sculptures.

Now in its second year, 142 little black books are being re-invented by employees and students across campus. 

"The goal of the project was to bring the campus community together through art and that's exactly what the project is doing," says McDowell.

She adds that most of the 2011-2012 entrants are not faculty or students within the University's visual arts program.

"People across campus are embracing this art project and using it as a vehicle to explore art and have fun," says McDowell. "It's wonderful!"

The project closes in March with a reception and silent auction during which the completed books will be available for bid.  Proceeds from the silent auction will be used to benefit students in the Faculty of Fine Arts.

To learn more about the project or track the progress, visit http://littleblackbookproject.blogspot.com/