I’ve been scribbling Essex doodles for months. Fancy buildings. Falling down buildings. Quirky characters who pass by and through both. And some who don’t… This ongoing project is an effort to crowdsource the most engaging information (especially visual information) about our village in a way that is entertaining and informative for visitors and residents alike. In other words, it’s a chance for you to dive into the creative process, to share your perspective on what makes Essex unique. Care to share? This is your chance! (Essex on Lake Champlain)

The Doodler’s Guide to Essex, NY is a spin-off project from the Essex on Lake Champlain community blog which is the unlikely progeny of the 2011 floods that nearly drowned Essex. It is an evolving series of doodle-based guidebooks for Essex residents and visitors, a whimsical look at the lives, legends and landmarks of our fair village. And eventually a whole lot more! Think food, art, adventure…

So What’s the Doodle Back Story?

Essex, New York is a charming Adirondack Coast village dating to the late 1700s. With architecture so well-preserved it’s listed on the National Historic Register, Lake Champlain vistas that awe artists and lure vacationers, and a leisurely rhythm that beguiles all, Essex is a tiny town with an enormous spirit. It has captivated year-rounders and seasonal visitor for generations, mysteriously weaving itself into the most memorable parts of our lives.

The Doodler’s Guide to Essex, NY is a collaborative effort to showcase and celebrate all that distinguishes Essex, drawing (quite literally) upon the sometimes apparent and other times hidden creativity of those who know and love it best. So the “doodle back story” is similar to the Essex blog, but instead of blogging about Essex, we want to encourage Essex doodling. Old school, immersive, interact-with-your-subject doodling!

From Doodle Back Story to Invitation

Do you harbor an enduring affection for Essex? Do you possess a unique perspective on what makes Essex interesting and enjoyable? If you do, we need your help. We need your doodles! We need your input to transform this doodle back story – an admittedly “tilting at windmills” type pipe dream – into a series of doodle handbooks. Please contact us if you’re interested in participating. Thank you.

Related articles

• How do you doodle, Essex? (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Doodles Weekly: We Want You to Doodle Essex! (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex Doodles Weekly: From Booms to Boats (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Essex is Buzzing with Activity (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Postcard: Main Street Essex (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Photo: Old Brick Store, Main Street, Essex, NY (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
• Vintage Stereoview: View from Essex Quarry (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)