VT Book Arts Guild “MailB.A.G.” January 2010

Next Meeting:

Wednesday February 3, 2010, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Enter by side door: Punch in the code (contact us for code). When the green light glows, pull open the door.

$5 voluntary contribution to Burlington City Arts for their education programs. (Remember, if you write a check, it can be evidence for a tax deductible contribution.)

Program: Nancy Stone, Guest Speaker

The Program Committee aims to balance popular hands-on meetings with guest speakers whose work exemplify the possibilities of book arts. At the February meeting, we will learn how a painter/art educator ended up as Co-founder/Co-chairperson, Editor and ”Membership Mama” of the Book Arts Guild of Vermont.

Nancy will project images of her artwork, experiences at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, her artist’s books, and some of her student’s amazing projects in her Community College “Introduction to Book Arts” course. She will also display some of her one-of-a-kind books, created over the past fourteen years, which integrate her paintings and drawings. There likely will be discussion about finding a balance between Life-Demands and Creative-Time.

BAG Exhibit at Creative Space Gallery in May:

The Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes will host the Book Arts Guild of Vermont in an exhibit titled “Celebration of Hand-made Books” during the month of May.

Guild members will display unique artists’ books, participate in Open Studio Weekend over Memorial Day weekend, and offer classes and guest speakers. To participate in celebrating the Vermont Craft Council’s 20th anniversary, we are also applying to have the exhibit be designated a “Showcase Event” with marketing and publicity support from state agencies. This partnership between a newly opened gallery and the Guild (now five years old with over 250 members) exemplifies the Craft Council’s goal of innovative collaborations to serve new audiences.

Eloise Beil, a BAG member and Gallery director, invited our guild to exhibit at the lovely gallery next to the Black Sheep Bistro on the main street of Vergennes. She and Nancy Stone are nailing down the specifics but, for now, these are likely: Creative endeavors relating to Book Arts (hand-made books, paper, calligraphy projects, etc. are welcome, whether hung on the wall or displayed on a table, whether for sale or not. Artists may submit up to 3 pieces, with a guarantee that at least one will be displayed. Delivery can be made directly to the gallery or work can be brought to the April 7th meeting so it will be driven down in time for hanging.

An Email will be sent out in the future with the detailed application. But, it would be helpful to know that there are enough members interested in exhibiting, so….

Please let us know if you intend to participate in the exhibit with book arts.

Also, if you would like to offer a workshop or be a guest artist/speaker, respond with specific suggestions and your contact information.

If you would like to be on hand for demonstration/display book arts/welcome the public during the Open Studio Weekend Memorial Day weekend (Sat. and/or Sunday or part of either day), respond with your specific interest and contact information.

Reflection on the January meeting:

Spitting snow and chill winds did not deflate the attendance for our “Sharing & Support” program. It again proved to be an exciting and exhilarating sharing session of resources, new creations and art in process. We were inspired and in awe of new art works and artists books created by our members. Since nearly everyone had something to share, at the end there was at least one person was ‘hyper-ventilating from creative over-stimulation’! Also, delightful networking occurred as members gravitated to others who shared common backgrounds or interests. Conversations were full of the possibilities of new creative adventures for personal work and for future B.A.G. endeavors.

Here is a quick overview:

Sara K.: A book on bison projects including an installation of bones and painting with light in the Grand Tetons (plus a hilarious bra and thoughtful corset project that she’s soon sending to a show.
Judy B.: With a background in aquatic marine biology and teaching science, her books included “Seed Time” with accordion pockets made from seed packets that held original poetry and an impressive watercolor accordion with transfers, direct printing, and flotsam/jetsam of shells, algae, etc. with original poetry about the sea.
Marcia V. and Nancy S.: Haunted by their blank collage-journals started in B.A.G.’s Jane Davies last summer, they both decided to attack the pages with gusto and originality in time for this meeting.
Elizabeth R.: Discovered the Guild on-line and joined immediately. Her exquisitely crafted books, designed bindings, leather work and paper gilding reflected her training and teaching at Boston’s North Bennett Street School. Hearing requests for her to give workshops, she said she’d develop some proposals for the Guild.
Annie W.: Shared her Nag Hammadi project based on the ancient Egyptian Gnostic Gospel structure, with leather cover walnut dyed paper.
Elissa C.: Shared sources and samples of distinctive papers as well as books on creating hand-made books from recycled materials…she’ll soon be teaching a course on that at Frog Hollow.
Lyn S.: Shared a fascinating stack of her hand-made paper which she altered or embedded with materials to suggest the alphabet. Searching for an appropriate binding method, she received several helpful suggestions…another reason for this meeting!

Other members shared publications, inspiring books, and resources. You can view the list of resources on the B.A.G. blog. We look forward to Inspiration at next year’s “Share & Support” event!

You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.

Upcoming Programs:

March: Technology: Resources, Communication and Inspiration by Elissa Campbell
April: Edible Books with Jill Abilock
May: Hands-on project combining math and books, with Judy Sgantas
June: Sharing & pick up of books from Creative Space Gallery exhibit

Book Arts Opportunities:

*** Haystack Mountain School of Crafts: Check out its website for the classes in book arts, printmaking etc. http://www.haystack-mtn.org. Scholarships are available. Applications are due by 4/1/10.

***The Paper and Book Intensive recently posted its online brochure and application for 2010. This year the conference will be held at the University of Maine, Machias campus from July 11-22, 2010. Applications are due by 2/15/10. For more information, please visit the PBI website: http://www.paperbookintensive.org/pbi2010.

*** Garage Annex School: Please visit www.GarageAnnexSchool.com in order to view our 2010 program!

*** BAG member Elissa Campbell is teaching two classes at Studio Place Arts in Barre this February. To enroll, please call the SPA office at (802) 479-7069.

Know When to Fold ‘Em:
Date: 3 Thursdays, February 18 & 25, March 4, 2010
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

The accordion book is a deceptively simple book structure. While the basic folded form is easy and quick to produce, it can be adapted into more complex and creative books. In this workshop, participants will create several books based on the accordion structure – the panel book, the flexagon, and the flag book. In addition, the structures will incorporate the artist trading cards that will be created during the workshop.

Participants are encouraged to bring materials/tools for both decorating the book covers and creating the artist trading cards. Additional materials will be available for use during the class.

In this three-day workshop, each participant will leave class with four completed books and a basic knowledge of bookbinding technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use. No previous experience is required – this is a great class for a beginner. Materials fee to the instructor: $10.00

Supplies (bring them if you have them – don’t feel obligated to buy anything): awl, bonefolder, ruler, X-Acto knife or utility knife, cutting mat, scissors, pencil, glue brush, glue stick.

Optional materials for creating content for your pages: Collage materials – small bits of handmade paper, fabric, fibers, etc.; rubber stamps and pads; markers, pens colored pencils, etc.; and decorative scissors.
Members $85/Non-Members $95

Strappy Journal (ages 14 – 18):
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 (during school break)
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Journals are great for so many things – exploring our creative selves, recording dreams and feelings, documenting travels, or preserving details of our daily lives. Why not make a journal of your own, just the way you want it – it’s easy! In this workshop, we will use a binding that allows the book to remain flat when opened, making it perfect for use as a sketchbook or journal. Participants are encouraged to bring collage materials to decorate the covers of your book. Additional materials will be available for use during the class.

In this workshop, each participant will leave class with a completed book and a basic knowledge of bookbinding technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use. No previous experience necessary. This workshop is grant-funded and free of charge.

*** BAG member Elissa Campbell is also teaching a recycled book workshop at Frog Hollow in Burlington this February. Registration is required. For more info, please call Frog Hollow at (802) 863-6458.

Date: February 20
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Bookmaking is a fun, yet accessible way to create a personal art piece that you can keep for yourself or give as a gift. Local book artist Elissa Campbell of Blue Roof Designs will be running this workshop on how to make your own unique book from recycled materials. You won’t look at your recycle bin the same way again! No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner.