Nov 23, 2015 A Special Exhibition of Book Arts Instructors’ Work

The covers of a book enclose worlds constructed of text and image. To open a book is to expose the intimate details of story, experience and idea. Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library since 1995, the Book Arts Program champions wide-ranging explorations of the book. In our fully equipped studio, bookbinders, printers, and book artists utilize type, letterpress, photo engravings and bookbinding equipment as they combine traditional techniques with modern aesthetics and technology.

One way that the Book Arts Program promotes involvement with the art of the book is through community programming for local and national participants. National and local guest artists as well as staff instructors offer courses in various formats including drop-in sessions, one-day and two-day workshops, and multi-week courses. Course topics include bookbinding, relief and intaglio printing, collage and image-making, paper decorating, papermaking, lettering and other techniques related to the artistic practice of bookmaking.

The creative work in this exhibition represents the range of techniques, methods, and conceptual interests of the Book Arts Program’s 2016 instructors. Over the course of the calendar year, ten guest instructors and four staff instructors are offering various courses in encaustics, paper decoration, letterpress printing, traditional Japanese wood cut printmaking, leather bindings, alternative printing and photography, and basic bookbinding. A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supports the 2016 community workshops, some of which will be offered at no cost to participants. Final details about the 2016 community programming will soon be available at www.bookartsprogram.org. Look for more information on workshops taught by guest instructors Julianna Christie, Karen Hanmer, Allyn Hart, Michelle Macfarlane, Stacy Phillips, Louona Tanner, Keiji Shinohara, Pamela Smith, Claire Taylor, and Becky Williams Thomas as well as courses taught by staff instructors Crane Giamo, Allison Milham, Marnie Powers-Torrey, and Emily Tipps. Please join us for fun with paper, ink, and art in 2016!

Exhibition Info

November 6 – January 29

Marriott Library Special Collections Gallery, Level 4

Curated by Allison Milham and Luise Poulton