VT Book Arts Guild “MailB.A.G.” March 2010
Next Meeting:
Wednesday April 7, 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.)
Bring your books to this meeting if you want them to be delivered to the Creative Space Gallery for the BAG exhibit. Download the entry form for more details; deadline for entry is April 10.
Program: Edible Books
For our April 7th meeting, we invite you to combine your creative and culinary talents and bring a piece of edible art related to books. It can pun a title (The Brothers Karamatzoh, Grape Expectations); refer to a quote, scene, character or author (To brie or not to brie, Curd Vonnegut); look like a book or book form, or be a functional book made out of edible materials (Japanese sushi nori, Pop Tarts, etc.)
The inspiration for this meeting is the International Books Festival, an event held annually since 2000. On or near April 1st, bibliophiles, book artists and food lovers around the world gather to celebrate book arts by creating an ephemeral banquet that is consumed locally and shared globally on the Internet.
Of course, you are welcome to attend the meeting whether you bring edible book art to share or come to enjoy the creations, but here are some ideas to get your creative (and gastric) juices flowing:
- S’more and Peace
- Alice in Wonderbread
- The Bun Also Rises
- Tortilla Flats
- The Rosetta Scone
- A Confederacy of Blintzes
- Lord of the Pies
- Twelve Angry Gingerbread Men
We will visit each entry and try to guess the title before the artist reveals it! You may want to bring a camera and a notepad to record the humorous creations with their titles! Then, we’ll chow down on the truly edible creations while Jill Abilock demonstrates other creative possibilities for edible books.
For more inspiration, visit the International Edible Books Festival Website (www.books2eat.com), or check out the websites of the many organizations that participate (just Google “edible books” for an extensive list).
If you would like to bring a creation to share, please e-mail Jill Abilock (jabilock[at]japanlink-trans[dot]com) so we can get an idea of how many of us will be bringing creations to share.
NOTE: Also, consider making an edible book for display or for eating at our Creative Space Gallery opening on Sunday, May 2nd, 1-5.
BAG Exhibit at Creative Space Gallery in May:
Breaking news: Our exhibit has gained the “State of Craft Showcase status”, which comes with Vermont Dept. of Tourism publicity, to celebrate the Vermont Crafts Council’s 20th Anniversary! The jurors must have liked our application that addressed the goals of building new partnerships that build new audiences, and connecting communities of craftspeople that revive historical traditions. Also, several members have offered to give demonstrations or workshops, an added value in our application. Our exhibit will be the first event on the Showcase calendar! A feather in our book binding!!
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 their work, have an opening celebration, participate in Open Studio Weekend over Memorial Day weekend, and offer classes and guest speakers. In brief, 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. Artists may submit up to 3 pieces.
If you would like to be on hand for demonstration/display book arts/welcome the public on a Sunday afternoon or during the Open Studio Weekend Memorial Day weekend (Sat. and/or Sunday or part of either day), contact Eloise with your specific interest and contact information at arslonga[at]myfairpoint[dot]net.
Travel Journal Workshop May 8th:
We are pleased to offer Travel Journals – A Half-Day Workshop with Amy Lapidow on Saturday, May 8, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the home of Janet Ballantyne in Shelburne, Vermont.
Amy, of The Three Ring Binders in Somerville, MA, will teach us to construct pocket-size travel journals with a various features, such as pen loops and pockets, and closures that range from beads and button ties to magnets.
Each participant will make and embellish two journals — come join us and explore the possibilities!
Date: Saturday, May 8, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Shelburne, VT (directions provided with registration confirmation)
Meals: Tea and coffee will be available, bring snacks to share if you like.
Cost: $45 (includes materials fee) There are only 10 slots available! Payment is due in full with registration to reserve a spot!
Materials: Materials to make two journals will be supplied by the instructor. Additional tools list will be supplied with registration confirmation.
To register, complete and mail the registration form (download here) and along with a check for $45 made out to Book Arts Guild of Vermont, to:
Workshop Registration, c/o Jill Abilock, 2087 Ferry Road, Charlotte, VT, 05445
For additional information, please contact Jill Abilock at jabilock[at]japanlink-trans[dot]com or (802) 735-1443.
Reflections on March’s Meeting: Technology: Resources, Communication & Inspiration by Elissa Campbell
A good number of Guild members found their way to Mags Conant’s art room, passing through a labyrinth of hallways at Burlington High School. It was well worth the journey! Elissa Campbell, the Guild’s illustrious and gifted “Tech Schmoe”, prepared hand-made pamphlets for each of us, with content aligned to the projected images of Internet destinations related to Book Arts. Gasps of wonder arose as she guided us into new sites! Elissa has posted the listings at the Guild’s blog that she manages and on her own entertaining, informative blog, both of which are listed below. She has even made the pamphlet available for you to download. Thank you so much, Elissa!
The Amazing Dremel, a workshop with Jill Timm
The Guild has been lucky enough to be presented with the opportunity to host a workshop with Washington book artist Jill Timm. On 7/31 – 8/1, Jill is available to teach her 2-day workshop The Amazing Dremel. Here’s the workshop description:
In this creation transforming class you will learn how to use the magic tool every artist should have, the amazing Dremel tool. You will drill, cut, carve, etch, shape, polish, and grind non-traditional book making materials such as, glass, plastic, metals, wood, clay and more. You will be able to make books out of just about anything! After this class your material options will be limitless. You will try your hand at working with various materials and using several bits for different purposes and effects. As you play with materials you will be making pages for your sample book for later reference.
The workshop fee is $200, which includes materials. Elissa Campbell took this workshop last year and wrote about it on her blog. You can read her posts to get a better idea of the class structure:
We’d like to get a sense of the Guild’s interest in hosting this workshop. Please click on the following link and complete the survey so we can decide whether or not to proceed with holding the workshop: Jill Timm survey
We appreciate your help!
Book Arts Opportunities:
*** Call out for book artists of all sorts! Otter Creek Used Books is on the search for those who would like to share their art in Middlebury, VT by participating in the 2010 Middlebury Art Walk. This is an April – December monthly event held on the second Friday of each month. Need not to be present. Art will be on display for three weeks. 10% commission. Questions? Please contact owner, Barbara Harding for further information. 802-388-3241 or ottercreekbooks[at]gmail[dot]com
*** 2010 Friends of Dard Hunter Annual Meeting: Call for presentations and demonstrations
October 22-24, 2010 in Arrowmont, TN
Presentations and demonstrations or hands-on-workshops will be held on Friday, October 22nd and Saturday, October 23rd at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. These events should be 30-45 minutes in length. Presenters will receive no compensation, no meeting registration fee waiver or honorarium.
Please complete the proposal form (download here). The deadline for these proposals to arrive is April 30, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.
If you have any questions regarding these proposals contact Peter Thomas, at 260 Fifteenth Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062. 831-475-1455. peteranddonna@[at]cruzio[dot]com
Time Line:
April 30, 2009: Deadline for presentation proposals to arrive in Santa Cruz, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
May 30, 2009: Notification will be sent to all applicants.
October 22-24, 2010: Annual Meeting held at Arrowmont in Gatlinberg, TN
***Note: Please submit news for the “MailB.A.G.” at least one month ahead.
- 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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