Residents make zines at the arts council in Princeton. — Regular art-making sessions are part of the Arts Council of Princeton’s new community zine project. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council of Princeton.

Artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join the Arts Council of Princeton’s new community zine project.

Zines are self-published books that can be easily reproduced and distributed. 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 zine library at the Paul Robeson Center for the Arts.

“The original Princeton sketchbook club was the perfect example of the magic that can be made when a wide range of ages and experiences come together with a common focus”, siad Arts Council 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, beginning on Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. At this free gathering, artist and club member Christina Freeman will present a beginner-friendly intro to zines. Freeman will go over basic folds, and 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.

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, field trips, and discounts on related workshops. Completed zines are due Nov. 17.