VT Book Arts Guild “MailB.A.G.” June 2009
Next Meeting:
Wednesday July 1, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We will not be meeting as usual at Burlington City Arts’ Firehouse. Instead we are going on a field trip to UVM Special Collections in the basement of the Bailey/Howe Library.
There is a suggested $5 donation.
Program: Visit to Special Collections at the University of Vermont
Prudence Doherty will guide us through some of the amazing artists books held in the Special Collections including Vermont artists’ books and books from the 18th-19th centuries. Not everyone knows that we have one of the finest collections of artists’ books in the nation, right here in Burlington. Join us in a hands-on exploration of creativity that will stimulate your imagination almost to the point of overwhelming it!!
Directions to UVM Special Collections:
The UVM web site has locations for parking but here is one possibility:
After exiting I-89 at 14W, travel on Rte 2 (Williston Road) to the third traffic light (past Staples Plaza with the Michael’s Craft Store on your left). At that light, (which is past the East Avenue light), enter the right hand road that leads to the Hospital and the water tower.
Park at the visitor’s parking at parking lot between Main Street, the windmill and the water tower. After 3:30, the parking meters do not have to be fed (except the ones in the oval outside of the visitor’s parking lot). So, follow the signs to the visitor parking and then feel free to park in any space in the big lot; it’s not necessary to park at the meters.
Take the pedestrian walk along Main Street to the Davis Center. Walk past the center and head down the stairway (past the Rubenstein School for Environmental and Natural Resources). At the bottom of the stairway, head straight to the Bailey-Howe Library (construction is on your left) which has a white marble wall, two long rows of windows and a large abstract sculpture out front.
Enter the doors and go down the stairs on your Right. At the foot of the stairs, turn Left to enter the Special Collections. Bring only a pencil and paper to write on; pens are not allowed.
Please bring a pencil, not a pen, if you plan to make notes.
Announcing a Summer Book Arts Workshop
The Book Arts Guild of Vermont presents Unbinding the Visual Journal, a one-day workshop with Jane Davies.
Date: Saturday July 18, 2009
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Williston Federated Church, Fellowship Hall, Williston, VT
Directions: Located on Rte 2 in Williston village between Richmond and Williston’s Taft Corners. (It’s the white steeple seen from I-89.) Parking is behind the church and also across the street near the recreation path.
Cost: $50 (Payment due in full with registration to reserve a spot!)
Meals: Please bring your own bag lunch and drinks. (You can also bring optional afternoon snacks to share.)
Materials: Materials list will be supplied with registration confirmation
Jane Davies on Unbinding the Visual Journal:
Like many creative mixed-media enthusiasts, I LOVE the idea of visual journaling. I look at other artists’ journals and think ‘oh, I could do that,’ or ‘I wish I had thought of that.’ But when it comes to actually using one of my handmade books, or even a store bought art journal, I get The Blank Page syndrome. After years of wrestling with my seeming inability to find a satisfying approach, I came up with a way to make a visual journal that solves the Blank Page Problem. I call it my “unbound collage folios” journal because you begin by creating random collages on unbound folios, and then assemble them into a book. Each page spread offers something that you can respond to. Collage, write, paint, sew, cut, tear, draw – anything you can think of. There are no mistakes and no blank pages! This workshop takes you through the process of unbinding your visual journaling, resulting in a beautiful handmade collage book.
For further information or to receive a hard copy registration form, please contact Jill Abilock: jabilock[at]japanlink-trans[dot]com or (802) 735-1443
Reflection on the June meeting: Carolyn Shattuck’s Personal Journey as a Book Artist
Those lucky enough to attend the June BAG meeting enjoyed a stunning presentation by Book Artist Carolyn Shattuck. Carolyn discussed how she began her career as a silkscreen printmaker and then studied painting at Bard College before moving toward Book Arts after studying with Claire Van Vliet of VT and at The Women’s Studio Workshop in NY.
Carolyn presented a beautiful slide show of her progression as a book artist. She has been creating books for over 15 years; she brought samples to show as well. Her works tell stories, both fictional and real in a manner reflecting her many years as a printmaker and painter. Her techniques include collage and layering of both text and image which, when merged with paper engineering and book making, create fabulous visual journeys.
Her presentation was followed by a lively Q&A where she shared even more of her experiences and personal adventures. Thanks Carolyn!
Upcoming Programs:
- August: Inspirations from the Focus on Book Arts conference by Elissa Campbell
- September: Design Bindings by Rebecca Coll
- October: Simple One Paper Book Structures with Amazing Possibilities by Liz Kappel
- November: Sharing of Design Binding challenge with Rebecca Coll and Post-it-Note Books workshop with Janet Ballantyne
- December: Annual Ethnic Potluck with Swap & Sale
- January: Sharing of challenges, projects & resources
- February: Personal Journey as a Book Artist by Nancy Stone
- March: Technology: Resources, Communication and Inspiration by Elissa Campbell
Note: If we have a book arts exhibition a meeting will be rescheduled to make a time to share the books in the exhibit.
Update on our Quadricentennial flag book celebrating Lake Champlain:
Liz Kappel, Ann Joppe-Mercure and Jen Alderman have been busy as bees, cutting, folding, gluing, carving and painting the book that will be displayed at ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The pages (flags of our artwork celebrating the lake, the land and the people) are glued in and the paste papers are completed for the outside and inside. They will finish the structure at their next meeting.
Member news:
Lorraine Reynolds is currently showing her book arts at Crow Book Shop, 14 Church Street Burlington, as part of the Arts Alive Festival of Fine Art in Burlington.
www.glimmeringprize.etsy.com
www.glimmeringprize.blogspot.com
Carolyn Shattuck is exhibiting her books at the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts and Sciences in New Jersey, June 11-29, at the Beyond Words Bookfest 2009. She is also looking for information on a business that can die cut images. Contact her at Shattuck@sover.net.
Book Arts Learning Opportunities:
*** Susan Bonthron B.A.G. member, writes:
Hi, fellow book artists,
There are still a few places available in an upcoming class:Chitu Class on June 27th (10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Also, I am planning a paste paper class for July 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
If any of these interest you, please let me know ASAP.
Thanks!Susan Bonthron, Book Arts Instructor
Otter Pond Bindery
108 S. Belden Hill Rd.
Guilford, VT 05301
www.otterpondbindery.com
802.257.0003
*** If you have a website and/or blog that showcases your creative work, we’d love to share it on the member links page of the B.A.G. blog. Send an Email with the details to Tech Schmoe Elissa Campbell: erscampbell[at]hotmail[dot]com.
Book Arts Guild of VT chat room: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BookArtsGuildVT
Book Arts Guild of VT blog: http://bookartsguildvt.wordpress.com
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