by Elissa | Feb 10, 2013 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 13, 2013, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
DATE CHANGE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WE NOW MEET ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH.
There will be no change in location – we meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement.
Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Amazing Accordions and Fabulous Flags: An Upcycling Odyssey with Dorsey Hogg
Confronted with the depressing task of packing and purging years’ worth of art supplies and unfinished art projects when she and her family moved to Sweden in 2010, Dorsey Hogg resolved to become a master of using on-hand materials.
While in Sweden, she started a study on accordion and flag books using only what she could get for free, secondhand, or at minimal cost. She achieved amazing results using large advertising posters from shopping centers and bus stops. Since returning to Burlington, Dorsey has continued creating books by reconstructing and interacting with whatever she has on-hand.
At our February meeting, Dorsey will share her body of upcycled work, including pieces made by reconstructing used books. She will also lead us in a hands-on project building a multi-accordion book using old movie posters.
Dorsey will provide the posters, but please bring the following tools:
- Glue Stick
- X-Acto Knife
- Ruler
- Cutting Mat
- Bone folder
Reflections on January’s Meeting
January’s meeting brought out hearty members on a cold winter’s night. We shared resources, ideas, challenges and book projects. We formed an informal critique group helping members work though possible directions and solutions for works in process. The discussion was rich and the ideas were flowing.
Again we demonstrated that one of the strengths of the Book Arts Guild is our enthusiasm and appreciation of each other and our creative book arts projects.
You can view the list of resources on the B.A.G. blog.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** Please note that in 2013, our meeting date has permanently changed to the second Wednesday of the month. The change was made to resolve meeting/holiday conflicts.
Mark your calendars! Our 2013 meeting dates are:
- February 13, 2013
- March 13, 2013
- April 10, 2013
- May 8, 2013
- June 12, 2013
|
- September 11, 2013
- October 9, 2013
- November 13, 2013
- December 11, 2013
|
*** B.A.G. is happy to announce that our 2013 spring exhibit, There’s No Place Like Home, will be hosted by Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT. The show will take place at the same time as an exhibit on children’s literature in the Main Floor Gallery.
The exhibit will be in SPA’s Third Floor Gallery from June 4 – July 6, 2013. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2013. The official call for artists will go out soon, along with more details on the exhibit.
Members are encouraged to submit work for this exciting show. This is a great opportunity to get your work out there, whether you are a first time exhibitor or a seasoned artist. The theme is very accessible, and brings up many references that are unique to each person.
Beyond the reference to The Wizard of Oz, the idea of ‘home’ can suggest family, rooms, objects, memories, and dreams, just to mention a few. Start now with some brainstorming and word association techniques presented by Stephanie Wolff at the September meeting, and generate content for your book.
*** B.A.G. member Elissa Campbell is teaching a brand-new class, Leather Pocket Journals, at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on 2 Tuesdays in February 12 & 19, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you’ll learn 6 bindings that use only leather, paper, and thread – no glue needed! For each binding, you’ll sew 3 sections of folded pages into covers cut from one piece of leather. These bindings are very flexible and allow the books to open completely flat, making them perfect for use as sketchbooks or journals.
Each sewing technique creates a different decorative sewing pattern on the spine and we’ll try out different closure methods. No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner. You can even bring in your own leather to customize your book.
To register, contact SPA via phone (802) 479-7069 or Email.
Book Arts News
*** A Book Arts Bazaar, presented by the Kate Cheney Chappell ’83 Center for Book Arts in conjunction with Maine Reads and the Maine Festival of the Book, will take place on April 7th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the University of Southern Maine.
The Bazaar will feature book artists, papermakers, bookbinders, printmakers, educators, writers, and all things related to the book. 50 tables on the first floor of the Wishcamper Center are available for those interested in selling their products to the public. Tables are $45.00 and are for Book Arts related vendors only.
The Wishcamper Center is located at 34 Bedford Street on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Campus. For more information, download the registration form or contact Rebecca Goodale via Email or phone: (207) 228- 8014.
Books On Tape by Woody Leslie
*** The Book As Art exhibit at the Cooperative Gallery 213 in Binghamton assembles artist’s books from over 30 local and national artists and represents the first local overview of the emerging book art form. Peg Johnston curated the exhibit that runs now through February 23rd.
On February 21st at 7:00 p.m., in an event related to the exhibit, is an artist talk by Bertha Rogers of the Bright Hill Press and Literary Center in Treadwell NY Rogers is not only a book artist, but also curates book arts and showcases poets and artists at the center.
The Cooperative Gallery 213 is located at 213 State Street in Binghamton, NY and is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fridays, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays, and by appointment.
*** Open now through April 30th at the University of Southern Maine is the exhibit Fashionable Books and Paper Fashion. Exhibitors include Anne-Claude Cotty, Mary Howe, Alex Rheault, Crystal Cawley, Allison Cooke Brown, Julie Stackpole, Susan Perrine, Sissy Buck, Edward Maeder, and Erin Sweeney.
The exhibit features artists’ books on, about, or picturing fashion and/or paper constructions and prints related to apparel of any kind.
These pieces are on display in the glass cases in the UNUM Great Reading Room on the 7th floor of the Glickman Family Library. Some work is also displayed on the walls and on top of the cabinets and book shelves in the Reading Room.
The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. For more information please contact Rebecca Goodale via Email or phone: (207) 228- 8014.
The USM Glickman Family Library is located at 314 Forest Avenue on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Campus.
Book Arts Classes
*** Carol Barton‘s most recent newsletter announced that she’ll be teaching at the North Country Studio Workshops at Bennington College in 2014. Unfortunately, there are no further details. If you’re interested in learning more, keep an eye on Carol’s schedule on her website.
Bennington College is located in Bennington, Vermont.
*** Richard Horton will be teaching a photo album structure workshop on May 24-25, 2013 at his book restoration department at Bridgeport National Bindery in Agawam, MA.
The course focuses on eight album page structures based on historical structures. Students will make a set of completed leaves, sew them, make a folding paper cover for them, and make a one-piece folding box for the album. They will then get started on a larger album project which they will complete at home.
For more information and to express interest, contact via Email.
by Elissa | Jan 8, 2013 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
DATE CHANGE: PLEASE NOTE THAT WE NOW MEET ON THE SECOND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH.
There will be no change in location – we meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement.
Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Sharing and Support
Welcome to our annual meeting of minds! Perhaps you have an idea you’re not sure how to execute, or a project that has presented unexpected difficulties. Bring your questions or challenges and take advantage of the cumulative skills and wisdom of fellow B.A.G. members.
Bring book arts projects, either in process or completed, resources (books, magazines, web sites, blogs), favorite tools, sources of innovation, or anything else that inspires or connects you to the book arts. Perhaps you have a project begun at a meeting or in a class or workshop that you could share.
You are also invited to come with proposals for programs: speakers, projects, field trips etc. that you would like to see happen or that you would like to do yourself! This popular annual program will help us celebrate our eighth anniversary (!), so come, share and be ready to leave with a wealth of new creative energy.
Reflections on December’s Meeting
Our annual Pot Luck with Swap and Shop proved to be a delicious evening in many ways, with lots of exciting food to share, friends to meet, and book arts items to swap and purchase.
We were inspired by each others’ creativity in the culinary arts as well as paper arts, and enjoyed swapping recipes and news before shopping and trading for materials and gifts.
Thanks to all who attended for an enjoyable, relaxed evening during the holiday crunch.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** Please note that in 2013, our meeting date has permanently changed to the second Wednesday of the month. The change was made to resolve meeting/holiday conflicts.
Mark your calendars! Our 2013 meeting dates are:
- January 9, 2013
- February 13, 2013
- March 13, 2013
- April 10, 2013
- May 8, 2013
|
- June 12, 2013
- September 11, 2013
- October 9, 2013
- November 13, 2013
- December 11, 2013
|
*** B.A.G. is happy to announce that our 2013 spring exhibit, There’s No Place Like Home, will be hosted by Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT. The show will take place at the same time as an exhibit on children’s literature in the Main Floor Gallery.
The exhibit will be in SPA’s Third Floor Gallery from June 4 – July 6, 2013. The deadline for submissions is April 10, 2013. The official call for artists will go out soon, along with more details on the exhibit.
*** B.A.G. member Marcia Vogler asked us to share this with you:
Here is a book art project I found totally inspiring, and though you might as well.
The Icebook by Davy and Kristin McGuire is a miniature theatre show made of paper and light. An exquisite experience of fragile paper cutouts and video projections that sweep you right into the heart of a fantasy world. It is an intimate and immersive experience of animation, book art and performance.
*** B.A.G. member Elissa Campbell is teaching a brand-new class, Leather Pocket Journals, at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on 2 Tuesdays in February 12 & 19, 2013 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
In this workshop, you’ll learn 6 bindings that use only leather, paper, and thread – no glue needed! For each binding, you’ll sew 3 sections of folded pages into covers cut from one piece of leather. These bindings are very flexible and allow the books to open completely flat, making them perfect for use as sketchbooks or journals.
Each sewing technique creates a different decorative sewing pattern on the spine and we’ll try out different closure methods. No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner. You can even bring in your own leather to customize your book.
To register, contact SPA via phone (802) 479-7069 or Email.
Book Arts News
*** Now through January 19th, Burlington City Art‘s exhibit Constructed Conceptual brings together four different bodies of work in which paper and graphite drawings are uniquely cut, torn, rolled, twisted, folded, and painted to create dynamic sculptural objects, and alphabets of line and color.
Vermont-based artist and architect John Anderson challenges conventional definitions of drawing and sculpture by blurring the boundaries between two-dimensional drawing and three-dimensional space.
Burlington City Arts is located at 135 Church Street in Burlington, VT.
*** On March 5, 2007, a car bomb exploded on al-Mutanabbi Street, the ancient street of booksellers, poets and writers, located at the literary and cultural heart of Baghdad, Iraq. The attack killed 30 people and injured scores more.
As part of an international response to this event, the Cambridge Arts Council presents Al-Mutanabbi Street Starts Here, a three-part exhibition of 261 artist books made by 260 international artists from 24 countries.This exhibition events aims to bear witness to the events on Al-Mutanabbi Street, and to collectively affirm that the right to a free exchange of ideas and culture in public space is never to be taken for granted.
An opening reception will be held on January 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the CAC Gallery at the Cambridge Arts Council, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd floor, Cambridge, MA.
For more information about exhibit, event listings, images and video, please visit the project website.
*** The North Bennet Street School will present the lecture, Reflections of a Bookbinding Career with Sam Ellenport, on February 7th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sam is a highly skilled bookbinder, collector, lecturer and writes about the history of bookbinding. His influence on the bookbinding field in New England cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in establishing the bookbinding program at North Bennet Street School in Boston, was the first Chair of the New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers and is past President of Harcourt Bindery.
The event is free and registration is available online.
Book Arts Classes
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is hosting a Tyvek Toning Workshop with Dana Kull at the Northeast Document Conservation Center. The workshop will take place on Saturday, January 19th, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
You’ll learn what Tyvek is and the different varieties that are available. Students will learn how Tyvek takes color and experiment with different effects. Most important of all, Dana will discuss how you can use toned Tyvek in your own bookbinding projects. Each participant will leave the workshop with a number of colored pieces of Tyvek.
To register for the workshop, please send an Email to bookandtile@att.net – space is limited so please register early. The Northeast Document Conservation Center is located at 100 Brickstone Square in Andover, MA.
*** Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has announced their 2013 summer workshop lineup:
If you would like to receive a course catalog or be added to their Email list, please contact them at haystack@haystack-mtn.org or (207) 348-2306. Haystack is in Deer Isle, ME.
*** The Penland School of Crafts has announced their 2013 spring and summer workshop lineup:
Registration is available online. For more information, please visit Penland’s website.
*** Now celebrating its 30th year, the Paper & Book Intensive is a working sabbatical for practitioners and motivated beginners in the book arts, papermaking, and conservation. PBI will be held at Ox-Bow in Saugatuck, MI from May 12 – 23. Available classes include:
- Finesse the Sheet: Papermaking with Bernie Vinzani
- Pressure Printing: A Painterly Approach to the Press with Sarah Bryant
- The Three Ls: Limp – Link – Long; or Exploring Techniques Hidden In Libraries Across Europe with Adam Larsson
- Turning The Corner – And other useful leather covering techniques with Jeff Altpeter
- Page Design – It’s an Open Book with Paula Jull
- A Look at the World of Islamic Bookbinding with Yasmeen Khan
- Writing Tablets, Personal Almanacs and Calendar Books with Pam Spitzmueller
- BigAss Papermaking with Julie McLaughlin
- Daredevil Letterpress with Jessica Spring
- Ideas and Actions in Context and Construction with Tim Ely
Applications are being accepted online until April 15th, but acceptance letters are sent out in mid-February, so timely application is encouraged. For more information, please visit PBI’s website.
by Elissa | May 12, 2012 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement.
Click here for more information on directions/parking.
Program: Paper Engineering with Robin Cooper Collins
Please join us in May when Robin Cooper Collins shares her expertise in pop-up and movable books.
During the first part of the meeting, Robin will present From a Sows Ear to a Silk Purse, a talk she gave at the Movable Book Society conference in Portland, OR. The talk focuses on movable books that came across her work bench as complete train wrecks, and how they were brought back to life. She will also offer a glimpse at several unique and unusual books.
After the talk, everyone will have the opportunity to build a plate using one of the more unusual mechanisms she has encountered. The base papers will be provided but, but you will need to bring:
- Scissors
- Glue (White glue, PVA, and Elmers, etc. are fine, but not glue stick, because we will be gluing wood to paper.)
- Embellishments (decorative papers, paints, pencils, etc., as well as decorative cutting tools)
Robin Cooper Collins’ hand bookbinding practice is focused on the restoration and conservation of antiquarian children’s books. Her specialty is the restoration of pop-up and movables from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Reflections on April’s Meeting
Deborah Howe gave a fascinating presentation at our April meeting. She chronicled her investigation and work on the conservation of Dartmouth’s 15th century manuscript called the Brut Chronicle. This legendary and historical chronicle of England is valued as a working text and will be used for research.
Deborah led us thorough her investigation with slides and a working model that she created to bind the text. The final decision for conserving this manuscript came as a bit of a surprise to our group as a simple cover was chosen over the historical binding that Deborah reproduced and we greatly admired. We all gained new insight and appreciation for the work of a conservator and the choices made for academic conservation.
Thank you Deborah for traveling up to Burlington and sharing your presentation with us.
B.A.G. News
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is pleased to announce that book artist Daniel Kelm will be coming to Vermont to offer The Book Restructured: Wire Edge Binding, a two-day workshop from 7/28/12 – 7/29/12.
Book artists produce a truly remarkable range of books – some diverging wildly from what we recognize as traditional book form. Wire edge binding, which employs a thin metal wire along the hinging edge of each page, was developed by master bookbinder, artist, and innovator Daniel Kelm to meet the challenge of creating a nontraditional book that opens exceptionally well and allows for unusual shapes.
During this two-day intensive workshop, which includes two projects, you will master basic wire edge skills for producing highly functional bindings of both traditional and unusual shapes. The first project – a simple codex of six identical page panels – teaches you the basics of integrating metal wire into a paperboard construction. The second project – an accordion with triangular pages that fold to form a tetrahedron – teaches you how to make books of various geometric shapes.
All experience levels welcome!
Dates: July 28 – 29, 2012 (Saturday – Sunday)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (including lunch break)
Location: The Bindery Place, Shelburne Pond Studios, Shelburne, VT
Cost (all-inclusive!):
– Paid by 5/16/12: $195.00 (members), $210.00 (non-members)
– Paid after 5/16/12: $210.00 (members), $225.00 (non-members)
Space is limited and B.A.G. members are getting a head start on registering, so sign up as soon as possible! Click here to download the registration form.
For further information about the workshop, please contact Jill Abilock at (802) 238-0883 or SixLoonsStudio@gmail.com.
*** The May/June exhibition at the Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes, VT includes work from our 2012 spring exhibit, Shaping Pages. Featured work includes handmade books by B.A.G. members Jill Abilock, Janet Ballantyne, Eloise Beil, Elissa Campbell, Elizabeth Rideout, Maryann Riker, Nancy Stone, Annie Watson, and Cynthia Weiss.
There will be a reception with the artists on Friday June 2nd from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. You can also visit during gallery hours on Thursday – Sunday, now through June 24th.
*** B.A.G. members Carolyn Shattuck, Meta Strick, Ken Leslie, Marianna Holzer, Elizabeth Rideout, Jill Abilock, and Elissa Campbell are opening their studios as part of the state-wide Open Studio Weekend sponsored by the Vermont Crafts Council. The Creative Space Gallery is hosting books from our Shaping Pages exhibit during the event, so if you missed it in Burlington, you now have another chance to see it.
If you want to visit fellow book artists on May 26 – 27 (Memorial Day weekend), you can find them in the following locations:
- Carolyn: Rutland, studio #88
- Creative Space Gallery: Vergennes, studio #125
- Jill: Shelburne, studio #130
- Elizabeth: Shelburne, studio #130
- Marianna: Hinesburg, studio #135
- Meta: Fairfield, studio #172
- Ken: Hardwick, studio #186
- Elissa: Montpelier, studio #211
Elissa created a Google Map with all of the locations to help you with your tour. You can find maps and directions to studios on the VT Crafts Council website. You can also download a pdf of the 2012 Spring Vermont Open Studio Tour Guide. Please note that this is a really big file – 13.5 M
Book Arts News
*** Chemically Altered: Historic Paper Marbling, a lecture by Gretchen and Garrett Dixon from The Marbler’s Apprentice, will take place on May 14, 2012 at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA. The lecture, sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is free and open to the public.
There will be discussion of the history, patterns, and fabrication techniques for chemically-altered patterns of marbled paper – Stormont, Shell, Broken, Romantic, Schroetel, and Tiger Eye. These patterns all involve the use of chemical additives to the watercolor paint in order to achieve their effect. These patterns were popular from the end of the 18th century through the 19th century.
For directions, please visit the North Bennet Street School’s website.
*** ArtisTree Gallery and Pentangle Arts Council, in conjunction with the Bookstock Festival, are looking for submissions for their upcoming exhibit, Unbound Vol II: Art using the book as a material/format. The show will be juried by Daniel E. Kelm, founder of the Garage Annex School for Book Arts in Easthampton, MA.
The broad theme of UNBOUND Vol II encompasses all of the possibilities of what we may think or may not think a “book” is. Is it story? An entry to another world? An exploration? What does it indicate? This 2nd annual juried show looks to explore these ideas of “the book” and all the ways artists use its format as a stepping off point or as a material to explore new ideas.
The exhibit is open to all 2D and 3D, installation, and assemblage artists working in New England and New York. Submissions must be postmarked by mail or Emailed by June 9, 2012. For more information, please visit the ArtisTree Gallery’s website.
Book Arts Classes
*** From 8/3/12 – 8/5/12, Velma Bolyard will be teaching Pulp Clouds: Hand Papermaking at the Long Ridge Farm in Westmoreland, NH. In this workshop, you’ll gather plants, cook pulp, form and dry sheets of your own papers.
Expect to make strong, useable, and beautiful waterleaf (un-sized) sheets. You’ll make a book from your papers, binding sheets into sample books utilizing structures that allow you to explore bookbinding as well. Each participant may expect to make a portfolio of sheets of various sizes from at least five different plants.
The fee for the workshop is $500.00 with a limited materials list. For more information, please contact Long Ridge Farm.
*** The Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, MA is offering a Shockingly Good Book Arts Course with Sarah Smith from June 4 – June 8, 2012. This course is designed to teach you the basics of two traditional techniques that are enjoying a modern resurgence: bookbinding and letterpress.
Along with mastering the art of setting metal and wood type, students will also have the opportunity to convert their own imagery into a printable format by creating polymer plates. Additionally, learn to sew, fold and glue some simple binding structures to bring images, text and three-dimensional ideas together. By the end of the course, you will have produced bound and printed models as well as a simple artist book of your own.
The fee for the workshop is $795.00 and you can register online. For more information, please contact either Kathleen Burke or Chelsea Sams.
*** The North Bennet Street School is offering a Bookbinding Intensive with Stacie Dolin from June 25 – July 27, 2012. The five-week program meets Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This class is designed for individuals interested in an intensive, hands-on bookbinding experience and is suitable for book artists and novice binders wishing to learn or enhance fundamental bookbinding skills. Explore a variety of book structures and binding techniques and the process for determining what materials and structures to use for a given project.
Field trips and other specific topics are part of the curriculum and will be based on student interests. The tuition includes a materials fee for paper, board, and other basic supplies; students are expected to provide some materials and all hand tools.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBBS’s website.
by Elissa | Feb 10, 2012 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We meet at the Unitarian Universalist Society Church located at 152 Pearl Street in Burlington, VT. We will be in the Sophia Fahs Community Room, a large room located in the basement. Click here for more information on directions/parking.
This will be our first meeting at this new location!
Program: Folded Books with Elissa Campbell
This month’s meeting is inspired by the inventive work of Hedi Kyle – we’re making folded books! We’ll start with Hedi’s fabulous Blizzard Book, followed by her All-in-One Book, a structure created from one folded sheet of paper. Lastly, time permitting, we’ll attempt Alisa Golden’s Origami Pocket Pamphlet, a variation of one of Hedi’s structures.
Paper will be provided, but please bring the following tools:
- Bone folder
- Scissors
- X-Acto Knife
- Ruler
- Cutting Mat
- Glue Stick
- Folding fingers!
Reflections on January’s Meeting
The January B.A.G. meeting was full of good will and comradeship. Delicious food was shared by all as we munched our way around the room renewing friendships and making new book arts buddies.
Many members brought supplies and creations to sell. We admired and bought then sat down for a good old fashioned Show and Tell book arts style. Members shared current projects, asked for critiques and shared resources. You can view the list of resources on the B.A.G. blog.
Our annual Meet and Munch, Swap and Sale, and Show and Tell proved to be another enriching meeting for all!
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** As of the start of this month, the Book Arts Guild of Vermont is officially a membership organization!
Your membership will help us to improve and expand our organization’s efforts to act as both an educational and creative resource in the field of book arts. Annual dues are only $35.00 – an annual savings over making a monthly donation to Burlington City Arts.
For more information about the benefits of B.A.G. membership, please download our membership form. Membership forms will be available at our next meeting.
*** There is less than a week remaining for submission of work for our 2012 spring exhibit, Shaping Pages: An Exhibit of Artist Books & Fine Bindings. The exhibit will be hosted by the S.P.A.C.E Gallery in Burlington and will run during the months of April and May, 2012. Our exhibit will be part of the First Friday Art Walk.
Submission details:
- Entries for the exhibit may be submitted, accompanied by registration forms, until February 15, 2012.
- All entries are required by the gallery to be for sale. Sale prices must be indicated on the entry form.
- All submissions must be accompanied by an entry form and a single page artist statement or artist bio.
- Reading copies (typed or photographed) are required for all multi-paged artist books.
Exhibit Dates: April 6 – May 3, 2012
Artist Reception: April 6, 2012, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We’ll have a potluck o’ snacks, so it would be fabulous if you could bring some finger food.
All book arts entries and questions should be directed to Nikki King.
Good Luck and Happy Bookmaking!
Book Arts News
*** Julia Miller will be giving a free lecture, Scaleboard Bindings, at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA on April 26th at 6:00 p.m.
Drawing from her study of 350 scaleboard bindings in library collections, Julia Miller explores the variety of structural elements and material combinations used on American imprints bound in scaleboard.
The lecture is co-sponsored by the New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers and North Bennet Street School. Please register in advance on the NBSS website.
***The Wells College Book Arts Center has announced its classes for the Book Arts Summer Institute in July 2012. The week-long courses include letterpress printing, binding, calligraphy, Monotype casting, and digital book and font design.
Instructors include Carol Barton, Steve Miller, Daniel Kelm, and Sarah Bryant. You can download the course catalog (pdf) from the Wells College website.
Book Arts Classes
*** Elissa Campbell is teaching a Book Arts Intensive at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on February 20th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In this one-day, intensive workshop, participants will create several books based on the accordion structure – the basic accordion, panel book, the flexagon, and the flag book. In addition, the structures will incorporate artist trading cards that will be created during the workshop.
No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner. To register, contact SPA via phone (802) 479-7069 or Email.
*** Susan Kapuscinski Gaylord is giving a workshop, Gathering of Gifts, at the Center for Creative Wholeness in Newbury, MA on Saturday, February 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
You’ll be making diamond fold books which look complex, but are easy to make. Once you learn how to make the folded sections, you can combine them to make accordions, stars, and necklace books.
For more information, please download the workshop flyer (pdf).
*** Karen Hanmer is teaching a Flag Book workshop at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, MA on March 10 – 11 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
In this two day workshop, students will make two different styles of flag book. For both styles a sample will be made from kits provided by the instructor, plus a more finished book with students’ imagery and hand written text will be made for one or both as time permits.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
by Elissa | Mar 30, 2011 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Workshops
Next Meeting
Wednesday, April 6, 2011, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
We meet at the Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts, located to the right of City Hall on Church Street in Burlington, VT.
Punch in the code (contact us for code). When the green light glows, pull open the door.
$8 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: Snapology with Gail Martin
Snapology is a combination of knotology, math, paper and patience (though less patience than you might think). It’s another way of thinking about paper, in a third dimension, and has applications that will be enhanced by your imagination!
Participants should bring:
- Paper that’s a little heavier than cheapo copier paper but lighter than index weight (Gail will bring some, but it won’t be pre-cut). If the paper is pre-cut before class, much time would be saved. The best way to cut the strips would be 3/4″ x 11″. Two colors is nice, not necessary. About 15 strips of each color, or 30 strips.
- Small scissors
- Tiny clips (those really tiny clothespins), tiny bulldog clips (chihuahua sized) or any other tiny clops (Gail will have some, but not enough).
- A plastic grocery bag (to carry home your snapology)
| Spring Member Exhibition: Big Ideas, Small Books
The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is looking for member work to be displayed in Big Ideas, Small Books, an exhibit of artist books at the Emile A. Gruppe Gallery. The show will run April 17 – May 22, 2011. The opening reception will be on Sunday April 17th, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.Subject matter includes both 2-D and 3-D works, smaller than 5″ x 5″, in all media relating to book arts, including hand-made paper, artists’ books, calligraphy etc.
The deadline for submissions is April 6, 2011.
You can submit work to Gallery Gal Elizabeth Rideout in one of the following ways:
- Deliver it to Elizabeth at the April 6th Book Arts Guild meeting.
- Mail it to Elizabeth: 87 Manseau St. Winooski, VT 05404.
- Special arrangements should be made by contacting Elizabeth by Email or phone: (610) 416-6823.
For more information, please download the entry form or contact Elizabeth via Email. |
Reflections on March’s Meeting
Our March BAG meeting was an inspiring presentation of book arts by Ken Leslie and his son Woody Leslie.
Ken is an artist and professor who has moved painting beyond the rectangle into circular forms that then fold into books. He invented this structure and shared artworks of his many explorations of time and shape. Ken generously brought sample after sample of his painted journeys of time, chronically: days, years, summers, winters, morning sky, night sky, the universe, quarks, Iceland, Hardwick… He shared his progression as an artist and his methods for setting creative challenges for himself and his students.
Ken’s work enriched us all as artists, as book makers and as humans living on this planet.
Woody follows his father with his own personal adventure in creating books. His latest escapade is One Page Productions, his production company that creates small books made from single pieces of paper cut and folded to make little books. His books can easily be copied and assembled. He shares his books both with friends and the universe at large by leaving his books on subways and other pathways of his life for strangers to find and ponder. We were all enchanted with the idea and eager to read his miniature book treasures.
Thank you Ken and Woody for so generously sharing your work and lives with us. You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** The Creative Space Gallery and Jill Abilock of Six Loons Studio are cosponsoring Senbazuru: 1000 Cranes of Hope, a fundraising effort to aid the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. A senbazuru is a chain of 1,000 origami cranes folded and strung together. Japanese tradition holds that making a senbazuru will grant a wish, and they are often given as gifts to people facing illness or difficulty.
Senbazuru: 1,000 Cranes of Hope aims to raise funds to aid recovery efforts and to create as many senbazuru as possible to carry wishes for health, safety, and recovery to the people of Japan. You can help reach these goals by making an online donation to the Red Cross via the Senbazuru: 1,000 Cranes of Hope fundraising page. In return, you will receive a paper crane-folding kit that includes materials and folding instructions to make one crane for every dollar that you donate. Each kit also includes an envelope for you to mail in your completed cranes.
On April 30, 2011, Senbazuru: 1,000 Cranes of Hope will culminate in an event at the Creative Space Gallery, when all the cranes received will be strung into senbazuru. There will also be an opportunity to purchase and fold more cranes during the event.
The completed senbazuru will be displayed at the gallery and elsewhere in the area as an expression of solidarity with the people of Japan in this difficult time, and will eventually be sent to Japan as an expression of goodwill from the people of Vermont.
For more information, please read the full press release.
*** B.A.G. member Annie Watson of New Haven,VT has a book and five prints in the show Journeys and Journals, currently on view at the Creative Space Gallery in Vergennes through April 30. The exhibit features artwork inspired by travel. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. or call (802) 877-3850 for an appointment.
Sales of selected artwork and silent auction items will go towards the effort by the American Red Cross to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.
Book Arts News
*** ArtisTree Gallery and Pentangle Arts Council, in conjunction with the Bookstock Festival, are looking for submissions for their upcoming exhibit, Unbound: Creations by Artists that Challenge the Concept of “The Book”.
The broad theme of Unbound encompasses all of the possibilities of what we may think or may not think a “book” is. This juried show looks to explore this idea of “the book” and all the ways artists use that format as a stepping off point.
The exhibit is open to all 2D and 3D, installation, and assemblage artists working in New England and New York. Submissions must be postmarked by mail by 5/23/11 or Emailed by 5/27/11 midnight. For more information, please visit the ArtisTree Gallery’s website or contact Adrian Tans at (802) 457-3500.
*** The College Book Art Association is seeking peer reviewers with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests to assist in reviewing articles for its new academic journal, Openings: Studies in Book Art. The journal will maintain a database with the names and expertise of reviewers who will then be matched to articles as needed.
For more information, please download the full call for reviewers.
Book Arts Classes
*** Linda Lembke and Ellen Levitt are teaching Exploring the Book Arts at the Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, VT from June 26 – July 1, 2011. The course will focus on two major areas of the arts of the book – printmaking and bookbinding. For more information, please download the course announcement.
*** Erin Sweeney of Lovely In The Home Press is teaching the Chinese Sewing Box Book on Saturday April 23, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Peterborough, NH. A book made entirely of folded boxes and enclosures based on paper wallets used to store sewing supplies – an origami lovers’ dream! You will leave with a finished book and a pattern to make it again.
The workshop fee is $90, which is all-inclusive. For more information, please contact Erin.
*** The Garage Annex School in Easthampton, MA has announced their workshops for 2011. They are offering instruction in bookbinding, repair of books, and letterpress printing. In addition, Daniel Kelm is offering an open studio opportunity for artists to come work on a personal project – taking advantage of Daniel’s expertise as well as his fully-equipped studio.
For complete workshop details and registration information, please visit the school’s website or contact them via Email.
Book Arts Events
*** The University of Vermont‘s Spring 2011 exhibit, Beyond the Text: Artists’ Books from the Collection of Robert J. Ruben, is on display in the Bailey/Howe Library lobby. The featured artists’ books were selected to provide examples of different forms and media, with an eye to high quality. There are accordion books, scrolls, box books, pop-ups, and tunnel books that have known texts, new texts, or no text at all. Both materials and subject matter vary from book to book.
For more information, please call (802) 656-1493 or contact the library via Email.
*** Sam Ellenport will be giving a free lecture entitled A Romp Through Five Centuries of Bookbinding Design on Friday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m. It will take place at the Robert Frost Library at Amherst College in Amherst, MA and is sponsored by The Friends of the Robert Frost Library.
*** The Gallery 360 at Northeastern University presents What is Contained: The Book as Subject and Object now through April 12, 2011. The book as a container of ideas, narrative, images, and text is ever compelling for artists, designers, writers, and for those who critique and understand culture. As subject, object or both, the book is what unifies the six artists in this exhibit. It is still an essential part of what they value as a society, contributing to the ongoing conversation and concern about the fate of the book and of reading, itself.
For more information, please contact Jacqueline Ferrante at (617) 908-0495 or via Email.
by Elissa | Sep 8, 2010 | Lecture, Vermont
