Jan 15, 2019 Showcasing the Showcase

By Luke Leither

I was asked this week to visit a Graphic Design class along with favorite items from the Fine Arts & Architecture Collection. The class is examining the history of publication and how artists, designers, and editors have shifted expectations around the form and function of publications. Based on this, I was asked to pull exemplars from our collection to illustrate the theme and show the students the incredible range of items that can fall within the sphere of “publication”.

This is truly where our collection shines. From an issue of Visionaire that is simple three scented candles designed by three separate artists, to a collection of 20th century broadsheets, to a limited edition, three-issue artist serial out of New York; our collection embraces experimentation and the defiance of norms across many spectrums. Students seemed stunned at the breadth of what we have to offer and I was gratified to showcase a small glimpse and spark their interest.

From here, the students will pick one object from the collection as a jumping off point and chase their interest through the Marriott Library’s collection. The semester will culminate within each student creating their own publication to reflect all they’ve seen, learned, and loved. The Fine Arts & Architecture Collection will accept copies of all these student publications for future use and study.

Luke Leither | Assistant Head of Fine Arts & Architecture Library
Creativity & Innovation Services / Fine Arts & Architecture Library
luke.leither@utah.edu