by Elissa | Feb 7, 2019 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 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.
Picture the Possibilities: Imagery for Books
Join us as we kick off 2019 with a multi-month exploration of various methods and materials for adding imagery to your books. Whether you have an illustrator’s hand or stand proudly in the stick-figure league, you can create books rich in imagery through techniques as diverse as collage, stenciling, and even stitchery.
Join us for an adventure in learning that’s bound to add richness and dimension to your work!
Program: Imagery for Books Part 1 – Collage with Marcia Vogler and Marilyn Gillis
Co-presenters Marcia Vogler and Marilyn Gillis will start off our first Imagery for Books meeting by sharing wonderful examples of their own work to illustrate how collage can be used in bookmaking. They will introduce various collage techniques, methods, and mediums; offer tips on finding and creating papers and collage materials; and suggest ways to enhance your collage.
In the latter portion of the meeting, we will gain hands-on collage experience by participating in an exciting, round-robin collage-athon to loosen our creativity and free our imagination.
Come prepared to have fun, be inspired, and learn a lot!
In addition, please bring the following:
- Scissors
- Glue sticks
- Image-rich magazines
- Small painted or art paper scraps
B.A.G. News
*** Support the Book Arts Guild of Vermont by becoming a member!
The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is supported by its members and you have kept us going for more than ten years. Our organization is solely run by volunteers and we do what we do because we love the book arts and we love B.A.G. We continue to be inspired by our community, and the enthusiasm and talents that you bring to our meetings.
The Board of Directors recently met to plan the year ahead and decided to give members a picture of B.A.G.’s annual expenses.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Rent: $50.00 per month
- Presenter honorarium: $35.00 per meeting
- Website and email newsletter: $100.00 per year
- Presenter reimbursement for supplies: Varies
If you’ve done the math, you’ll see that we need a minimum of $910.00 (not including supply reimbursement) to cover our annual expenses.
Membership dues are our main source of income and we hope that you will show that you value what we have to offer – quality programming, field trips, exhibits, and more – by becoming a member. You get so much value out of your $35.00 and attending just one meeting can give you your full money’s worth.
We hope that you will renew your membership or join us as a new member at the February meeting. If you will not be at the meeting, you can download our membership form and send it in with your payment.
Thank you so much for your continued support of the guild. We wouldn’t be here without you.
*** Announcing the Book Arts Guild of Vermont’s annual exhibition!
The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery in Burlington has kindly offered to host our annual show this year. We are excited to be in a wonderful space in Burlington from June 7 – 29! The title for the show will be Bound to Happen, and is open to any interpretation from the artists.
Here are some important dates:
- Entry due date: May 31, 2019
- Exhibit dates: June 7 – 29, 2019
- Opening reception: June 7, 2019, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
More details will be offered at a later date, but let’s get working!
Have questions? Please ask Marcia.
*** Elissa Campbell is teaching Blizzard of Blizzards, a folded book class at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on March 9, 2019.
If this winter is giving you the blues, here’s a reason to like it a bit more – book artist Hedi Kyle’s famous Blizzard Book was invented during a snowstorm! This gem of a book has a spine made of folded pockets that lock pages into place without using adhesive. The folded components can be modified to create other structures that Hedi affectionately refers to as the Blizzard Clan.
In this class, you’ll start by making the book that started it all, the Blizzard Book. As time allows, you’ll complete up to five variations including the Blizzard Box, the Blizzard Pocket, and the amazing Wheel of Fortune. All of these structures are intended to house your choice of content – for example, business cards, ticket stubs, or fortune cookie fortunes.
You’ll leave this workshop with a completed set of books and a basic knowledge of folding and bookbinding technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use.
Register online or contact Studio Place Arts at (802) 479-7069.
Book Arts News
*** Now through March 2nd, the Chandler Gallery is showing Paper Possibilities, an exhibit of ten Vermont artists who use paper in diverse and innovative ways. They have cut, printed, painted and sculpted paper in to a visual feast.
In an artist’s hand and mind paper is never blank but full of possibilities. Those diverse possibilities are reflected in each artist’s unique approach.
Featured artists include May Babcock, Beth Barndt, Lian Brehm, Joan Curtis, Carolyn Guest, Ann Kresge, Lyna Lou Nordstrom, Susan Osgood, Kirstin Quick, Philip Robertson, Deb Sharpe Lunstead, J. Turk, and Joanne Vecchiola.
The Chandler Gallery is located in Randolph, VT.
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is looking for volunteers to teach simple bookbinding techniques and creative content at two upcoming Girl Scout events. Through these events, NEGBW volunteers will be helping Cadettes earn their Book Artist badge and potentially inspiring future bookbinders.
The first event will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Camp Rice Moody in Reading, MA. The second event will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA. Each event generally lasts from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and carpooling can be arranged.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Lauren Telepak at negbwprograms@gmail.com.
Book Arts Classes
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is hosting a one-day paste paper workshop with Madeleine Durham on either March 23rd or 24th. The workshop will take place at the Washington Street Art Center in Somerville, MA.
In this workshop you will learn the brush technique that Madeleine has developed over the last many years. You will learn what kind of brushes work best and how to hold them so that you create a variety of lines, shapes, and patterns. You will also learn tricks for blending colors.
You will leave the class with a basic knowledge and ability to create straight lines, wavy lines, subtle blending techniques and geometric patterns. Madeleine’s paste paper technique is delightfully spontaneous. Come to class ready to have fun!
Registration is available online. Due to the limitations of the NEGBW’s registration system, you will not be able to choose between the two available days. After you register, please contact them with your preferred date.
*** From February 25 – March 1, the North Bennet Street School is offering Fundamentals of Bookbinding I with Erin Fletcher.
Students will learn the foundations of bookbinding by combining hands-on exercises and discussion. The class starts by exploring non-adhesive structures: soft cover pamphlet, Coptic, historical longstitch and link stitch. The class ends with a look at case bindings, with the creation of two hardcover flatback bindings. Students also learn different structural elements, sewing variations, covering and cutting techniques using various materials, tools and equipment.
Throughout the course discussions will cover terminology, paper grain and folding, selecting proper materials and tools, and adhesives and their properties. Please bring a notebook with you to class. All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
*** On Sunday, March 17th, The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA is offering Altered Books with Cristina Hajosy.
Transform books, old or new, into art objects. The book becomes a canvas, a sculpture or a reliquary of personally meaningful content. Draw inspiration from the book’s author or contents or purely use the book as a structure. Incorporate paper cutting, collage, bookmaking and other processes. The instructor will have books on hand or bring your own, along with small objects and images to include.
For more information about the class, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Jan 3, 2019 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 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: Mini Leather Journals with Elissa Campbell
Start the new year by adding a Keith Smith 3-signature binding to your collection!
In this hands-on presentation, Elissa will teach you Keith Smith’s Triple Parquet binding, using leather for the cover. This three signature binding creates a lovely decorative pattern on the spine. The book also has an integrated closure that coordinates with the sewing.
All materials will be provided, but please bring the following tools:
- Bone folder
- Awl
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Bookbinding or tapestry needle
Optional (for punching small holes in leather):
- Japanese screw punch with a 1.5mm bit
- Eyelet hole punch with a 1/16″ bit
December Meeting Reflections
It was another joyous meeting, filled with lively participation and creative spirit. With Jill Abilock‘s guidance, we cut and folded up some beautiful snowflakes and origami ornaments. Even the simple snowflake that we have all made (thousands of) before received a new look at technique and precision. Thanks, Jill, for sharing your techniques and patterns!
The 2nd Annual Holiday Ornament swap proved to be just as fantastic as the 1st. The sweet creations showed just how talented you all are! I’m already planning for next year’s ornament.
Thank you all for participating, showing up, and caring. Happy Holidays!
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** It’s time to renew your annual membership!
The primary mission of the Book Arts Guild of Vermont is to act as both an educational and creative resource in the field of book arts. Our monthly meetings are $5.00 an evening or free with a $35.00 annual membership. Your membership supports the mission of the Book Arts Guild, pays for our rented space, provides opportunities to exhibit and supports honorariums to presenters.
In addition to the benefits you receive (you can check them out here), your paid membership also enables us to cover expenses such our website and email newsletter – key tools for keeping our book arts community in touch and informed. A special membership benefit this year is that you don’t have to pay to submit work to our annual, non-juried book arts exhibition. You’ll also receive a personal thank you from Ann Joppe-Mercure (priceless).
If you have a skill, a passion, a favorite technique or a body of work that others would love to learn about, and then take the leap and volunteer to share it with us as a presenter. If you present at a B.A.G. meeting, you receive free membership for the year. Think about it – we know you have something to share!
If you would like to become a supporting B.A.G. member, click here to download our membership form.
*** Congrats to Dorsey Hogg on the recognition she got in the December 19th issue of Seven Days (and what an awesome photo)! Dorsey Hogg Turns Books Into Sculptures details how she got her start in altered books and shares her creative process. Yes folks, she does it all by hand.
Book Arts News
*** The Children’s Museum of the Arts in New York City is currently hosting A Way With Words: The Power and Art of the Book, an exhibition that presents artworks which draw attention to the long and remarkable history of the book. The show is open now through April 29th.
The exhibit showcases the transformation of everyday books into expressions of identity, community, environmentalism, memory, and reconstructed narratives. Families will see unconventional treatments such as cutting, weaving, tearing, burning, and shredding, as artists transform books into sculptures, animation, drawings, and paintings that capture the book’s significant history and power to inform the public. Children and their families will also create their own artworks inspired by the exhibition.
The exhibit includes works by Cara Barer, Doug Beube, Long-Bin Chen, Casey Curran, Brian Dettmer, Ann Hamilton, Andrew Hayes, Lisa Kokin, Guy Laramée, Mike Stilkey, and Robert The.
*** Also at the Children’s Museum of the Arts is an art installation by Rachel Marks. The Bridge Project: Naturae Liber creates an immersive installation in which families will be invited to see and hear the story of the unnatural forest. With each step into this otherworldly plant life, objects seem familiar yet peculiar. A once recognizable structure, the book, becomes overthrown with cutting, ripping, painting, sanding, and stacking, transforming to create vegetation, vines growing and fungi popping out of windowed portholes.
This site-specific installation of a peaceful forest will be completely constructed head-to-toe from donated used books. The viewers will be invited to walk down the paper trail and immerse themselves in the tranquil and calming environment. Naturae Liber will feature tree trunks created from old book covers, a waterfall created from hundreds of attached pages, live foliage hanging from the ceiling and delicate paper mushrooms growing out from the walls and windows.
*** Now through January 15, 2019, the Bromer Gallery is hosting Goldman and Lee: Shadow and Color, featuring Jane Goldman‘s watercolors and editioned prints from her Audubon Series, together with the color woodcuts of Jim Lee.
The gallery was launched by Bromer Booksellers to mark its fiftieth year as a leading specialist in rare books. It will operate in conjunction with the book shop, and will feature original art, edition prints, and related material, executed by artists whose work is centered upon the idea of the book as art. This new endeavor is a natural extension of Bromer Booksellers’ long history as specialists in the art of the book.
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is looking for volunteers to teach simple bookbinding techniques and creative content at two upcoming Girl Scout events. Through these events, NEGBW volunteers will be helping Cadettes earn their Book Artist badge and potentially inspiring future bookbinders.
The first event will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Camp Rice Moody in Reading, MA. The second event will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA. Each event generally lasts from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and carpooling can be arranged.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Lauren Telepak at negbwprograms@gmail.com.
Book Arts Classes
*** On February 2 – 3, the North Bennet Street School is offering Italian Paper Bindings with Bill Hanscom.
Explore the history and use of inexpensive paper-covered book structures beginning at the advent of the printed book in Europe and continuing through the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century. Participants will create four models of bindings commonly used in the Italian region including a plain wrapper, laminated case wrapper, basic long-stitch, and paper case. Models will incorporate decorated and handmade papers, as well as historically-employed sewing techniques and end-sheet constructions. Structural variations and decoration will be examined through images and historical examples from the instructor’s collection.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA has two book arts classes coming up this winter. Here’s the scoop:
Stab-Bound Books with Dan Paret will take place on 2 Sundays, January 27th and February 3rd, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stab-bound books are a satisfying and accessible project for beginning book makers. Start with a small partial-cover book and move on to a larger, fully-covered book. You’ll consider a variety of options, including cloth and paper choices, binding patterns, thread sizes and colors. Leave with two carefully made books and an understanding of how to continue your bookmaking journey.
Paste Paper with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday February 17, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Paste paper is traditionally used for endpapers and book covers, offering a textural and colorful alternative to marbling. See some historical and contemporary approaches, then create your own. Start with a traditional method, then learn ways to make more creative and painterly versions.
For more information about the classes, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Dec 6, 2018 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 12, 2018, 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: Origami and Kirigami: Holiday Decorations and Ornaments in Paper
Join us in December as Jill Abilock shares easy patterns and techniques for creating stunning cut snowflakes and beautiful origami ornaments. The items we make can be used to decorate holiday cards, spruce up the windows and walls of your home, or brighten up your tree!
Jill will provide the paper and patterns.
Please bring:
- Bone folder
- Scissors
- X-Acto knife
- Ruler
- Cutting mat
- Pencil & eraser
- Glue stick
Also, if you have paper-crafted items for the holiday, please bring them in to show and tell.
Jill will bring hot mulled apple cider and a baked treat to celebrate the season. If you have the time and are so inclined, bring a goodie to share as we celebrate another successful year of Book Arts Guild programs together!
November Meeting Reflections
Our program for November, Book Blitz and Card Tricks was, as usual, hugely successful. Members and friends shared the love of the handmade, showing tricks and techniques to make seasonal greetings and fun stuff. There is always something new to learn, even from the simplest structure.
The meeting allowed everyone to participate in the open setting, where we learned how to make a dimensional card, an envelope sleeve, and a sweet non-adhesive binding. We also learned that some of our members are a little crazy – who makes 125 complicated seasonal cards? We all want to get on her mailing list!
Ann was kind enough to bring her Cricut cutting machine for all to try out. The possibilities seem endless and much less stressful than cutting small shapes with an X-Acto. Thanks, Ann, and thanks to everyone who shared and participated. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what all of you talented people will bring for the ornament exchange in December.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** December Handmade Ornament Exchange
At our December meeting, we will host an ornament exchange where members and friends are invited to swap handmade baubles. Bring one, take one!
Here’s how it works:
- Make an ornament to share – instruction or directions on how to make are optional.
- Bring to the meeting, wrapped or unwrapped.
- Swap for another ornament.
That’s it! The only rule is that the ornaments must be handmade.
Need inspiration? Check out these blog posts:
Get making!
Book Arts News
*** Chena River Marblers is holding their Annual Studio Sale on December 8 & 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The studio is located at 70 Justice Drive in Amherst, MA.
Marblers Regina and Dan St. John will be selling overstock works and seconds, including marbled silk scarves, ties, bow ties, sketchbooks, notepads, pencils, barrettes, holiday ornaments, and marbled papers in both full sheets and small scrap bag size.
For more information, please call (413) 253-2835.
*** Now through January 15, 2019, the Bromer Gallery is hosting Goldman and Lee: Shadow and Color, featuring Jane Goldman‘s watercolors and editioned prints from her Audubon Series, together with the color woodcuts of Jim Lee.
The gallery was launched by Bromer Booksellers to mark its fiftieth year as a leading specialist in rare books. It will operate in conjunction with the book shop, and will feature original art, edition prints, and related material, executed by artists whose work is centered upon the idea of the book as art. This new endeavor is a natural extension of Bromer Booksellers’ long history as specialists in the art of the book.
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is looking for volunteers to teach simple bookbinding techniques and creative content at two upcoming Girl Scout events. Through these events, NEGBW volunteers will be helping Cadettes earn their Book Artist badge and potentially inspiring future bookbinders.
The first event will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Camp Rice Moody in Reading, MA. The second event will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA. Each event generally lasts from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and carpooling can be arranged.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Lauren Telepak at negbwprograms@gmail.com.
Book Arts Classes
*** On December 15 – 16, the North Bennet Street School is offering Bookbinding 101 with Erin Fletcher.
In this two day class, students get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class begins with a simple pamphlet and continues with constructing two multi-signature books known as a flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students construct a box to house all of their creations. This class is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft.
All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA has two book arts classes coming up this winter. Here’s the scoop:
Stab-Bound Books with Dan Paret will take place on 2 Sundays, January 27th and February 3rd, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stab-bound books are a satisfying and accessible project for beginning book makers. Start with a small partial-cover book and move on to a larger, fully-covered book. You’ll consider a variety of options, including cloth and paper choices, binding patterns, thread sizes and colors. Leave with two carefully made books and an understanding of how to continue your bookmaking journey.
Paste Paper with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday February 17, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Paste paper is traditionally used for endpapers and book covers, offering a textural and colorful alternative to marbling. See some historical and contemporary approaches, then create your own. Start with a traditional method, then learn ways to make more creative and painterly versions.
For more information about the classes, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Nov 9, 2018 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 14, 2018, 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: Book Blitz and Card Tricks – Member-led Mini Workshops
Join us for our always-popular annual November tradition: Member-led mini hands-on workshops in the form of a card or mini-book exchange that we call Book Blitz and Card Tricks. Get prepared now and join the fun!
Design a card or small/simple book structure that has a trick or two; maybe a pop-up, French doors or a window. Bring your completed card or mini-book, along with materials for six undecorated cards or mini-book structures to share. We will have an exchange and then engage in some decorating fun.
Please feel free to join in the fun even if you don’t have time to prepare cards or mini-books to bring. We do a similar program every November and there is always more than enough to go around. As in years past, expect to go home with some great new ideas, several new tricks up your sleeve, and a few new cards for the season.
Things to bring:
- A decorated card/mini-book with a “trick” (optional)
- 6 card structures of your card/mini-book “trick” to exchange (optional)
- Glue
- Scissors
- X-Acto knife
- Cutting mat
- Ruler
- Bone folder
- Awl or needle tool
- Decorative punches
- Stamps and ink pads
- Pens, pencils, markers
- Decorative papers
- Fun stuff!
October Meeting Reflections
Our yearly field trip to UVM Special Collections was indeed special. We met at their new home in Billings Library, a newly renovated space with historic appeal. I was wowed by the impressive fireplace and the rotunda-like room.
Also impressive was the collection of artists’ books chosen for us by University of Vermont Librarian Prudence Doherty. Her introduction to each book gave us a vision of the artist’s intent, while our time alone with the work let us delve deeper into the meaning and content.
It was more about content this year, as many of the books concentrated on September 11 as well as social issues. A big thank you to Prudence for allowing us to enjoy these special books, and to everyone who attended.
Did you know you can visit Special Collections any time? You can make an appointment with Prudence if you are interested in a specific structure or topic, or just show up and browse the collection of Vermont ephemera.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** December Handmade Ornament Exchange
At our December meeting, we will host an ornament exchange where members and friends are invited to swap handmade baubles. Bring one, take one!
Here’s how it works:
- Make an ornament to share – instruction or directions on how to make are optional.
- Bring to the meeting, wrapped or unwrapped.
- Swap for another ornament.
That’s it! The only rule is that the ornaments must be handmade.
Need inspiration? Check out these blog posts:
Get making!
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont has once again reserved table space at the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair in Northampton, MA. The Fair will take place Friday, November 30th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith College.
This is an opportunity for the Book Arts Guild to spread the word about book arts, show and sell work, and meet other like minded book people. Last year, a group of members stayed at an Airbnb during the show and had a great time together.
If you are interested in participating by manning the table, helping to set up and break down, and/ or having work shown, please contact Marcia.
*** Rebecca Boardman will be teaching The Art of Paper Ornaments at the Barnet Public Library on Tuesday, November 27th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. All materials are included.
You will make up to four different ornaments along with the skills you need to make more of them on your own after the class.
To register, call (802) 633-4436 or email barnetpl@hotmail.com.
*** Elissa Campbell is teaching Find Closure, a leather journal class at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on November 10, 2018.
Consider this workshop the equivalent of a Closure Dressy Bessy. First you’ll complete a soft cover, leather book using a variation of the long stitch binding. Then comes the fun part – you’ll experiment with a variety of ways to secure those books. You’ll explore ways to use buttons, leather straps, and metal hardware to create up to 5 closures per book (as time allows).
Bring your own embellishments (buttons, ribbons, etc.) that you’d like to use for closures – there will be time for discussion and problem-solving as a group.
Register online or contact Studio Place Arts at (802) 479-7069.
Book Arts News
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is looking for volunteers to teach simple bookbinding techniques and creative content at two upcoming Girl Scout events. Through these events, NEGBW volunteers will be helping Cadettes earn their Book Artist badge and potentially inspiring future bookbinders.
The first event will be held on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at Camp Rice Moody in Reading, MA. The second event will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham, MA. Each event generally lasts from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and carpooling can be arranged.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact Lauren Telepak at negbwprograms@gmail.com.
*** November is offering two book-related events in the Boston area.
- During November 16 – 18, the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair will be held at the Hynes Convention Center. Among the events is an exploration of the contemporary world of book arts in Kyoto and Japan, from the perspective of one who has devoted a good part of his professional life to the study and appreciation of the history of the Japanese illustrated book.
For more information, please visit the event websites.
Book Arts Classes
*** On December 15 – 16, the North Bennet Street School is offering Bookbinding 101 with Erin Fletcher.
In this two day class, students get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class begins with a simple pamphlet and continues with constructing two multi-signature books known as a flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students construct a box to house all of their creations. This class is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft.
All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA has two book arts classes coming up this fall. Here’s the scoop:
Altered Books Workshop with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday, November 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Transform books, old or new, into art objects. The book becomes a canvas, a sculpture or a reliquary of personally meaningful content. Draw inspiration from the book’s author or contents, or purely use the book as a structure. Incorporate paper cutting, collage, bookmaking and other processes. The instructor will have books on hand, or bring your own, along with small objects and images to include.
Paste Paper with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday November 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Paste paper is traditionally used for endpapers and book covers, offering a textural and colorful alternative to marbling. See some historical and contemporary approaches, then create your own. Start with a traditional method, then learn ways to make more creative and painterly versions.
For more information about the classes, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Oct 4, 2018 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 10, 2018, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The October meeting will be held at UVM’s Special Collections‘ new home in Billings Library at 48 University Place.
Click here for directions to Special Collections’ new location.
Please note that in October we will not be meeting as usual at the Unitarian Church in Burlington. In addition, the meeting will start 1/2 hour earlier than our normal meeting time, at 6:00 p.m.
Program: Field Trip to UVM Special Collections
At this month’s meeting, University of Vermont Librarian Prudence Doherty will guide us through some of the amazing artists’ books held in the Special Collections department.
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 that will stimulate your imagination and spark your creativity!
* Please bring a pencil, not a pen, if you plan to take notes.
September Meeting Reflections
We had a great time at the September 12th Book Arts Guild meeting. Ann Joppe-Mercure provided us with the materials to construct three hard cover books in the space of less than two hours!
The first book contained a simple accordion signature, the second a single sewn signature book, and the third contained a post-it pad. We covered them with decorative paper or cloth, and made the spines with pre-cut book cloth from Ann. It was so satisfying to leave the meeting with three lovely, 3” x 3” little books.
They felt really good in the hand and everyone could leave feeling confident that they could make more of these books with the skills Ann taught us.
A giant thanks to Ann, and to everyone who participated!
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is proud to be participating in this year’s Burlington Book Festival on October 12 – 14, 2018 at the UVM Alumni House Silver Pavilion. This annual event celebrates the written word by offering readings, book signings, panels, workshops, demos, family activities, and special events.
We have been invited to exhibit original works at the festival to introduce the community to the book arts and increase awareness of our organization. We will have an exhibit during the evening opening ceremonies on Friday, October 12 as well as on Saturday, October 13 throughout the day. During the exhibit time, we have also committed to demonstrating various book structures (not hands-on workshops).
Although the deadline for submitting work for sale has passed, the festival is very generously providing us with exhibit space free of charge. We would love to share your beautiful work with literary book lovers who may not have had much exposure to the book arts. Please consider submitting work for display! You can submit new work or something you have previously exhibited.
If you would like to submit work for the exhibit, please download the entry form and bring it, along with your work, to the October meeting at Special Collections. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to submit work, please email Jill Abilock by Monday, October 8 to make arrangements to get your work to her.
We also need volunteers to “staff” the exhibit table on Saturday, October 13 during the festival. Volunteers at the 2016 festival found the experience fun and rewarding – please join us this year! To sign up to volunteer, simply email Jill!
*** Book Arts Guild of Vermont artists Nina Gaby and Jill Abilock will be presenting Exploring Dimensionality in Narrative at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday October 13th at the Burlington Book Festival with moderator Rachel Moore, director of the Helen Day Art Center.
Artists Josh Turk and Cynthia Close round out the panel. “Words can be presented on the flat page but can the thoughts behind those words find shape in other materials?” This and other questions will be considered in what is sure to be a lively dialogue. B.A.G. will be exhibiting and offering demonstrations in conjunction with this panel.
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont has once again reserved table space at the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair in Northampton, MA. The Fair will take place Friday, November 30th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith College.
This is an opportunity for the Book Arts Guild to spread the word about book arts, show and sell work, and meet other like minded book people. Last year, a group of members stayed at an Airbnb during the show and had a great time together.
If you are interested in participating by manning the table, helping to set up and break down, and/ or having work shown, please contact Marcia.
*** On October 13 & 14, Elissa Campbell will be participating in the statewide Fall Open Studio Weekend. The event is a great way to combine fall foliage viewing and harvest activities with visits to artists across Vermont.
Come for a tour of the studio, demonstrations, and tantalizing talk about the world of handmade books. Feel free to paw through my paper drawers and peruse my extensive library of bookbinding manuals! There will also be selection of bookbinding supplies available for purchase.
Copies of the the 2018 Fall Event & Resource Guide will be available at the October B.A.G. meeting. You can also download a pdf of the guide from the VT Crafts Council website. Please note that this is a really big file.
County-specific maps and directions to studios are also available on the VT Crafts Council website.
Book Arts News
*** Dartmouth College is presenting two days of programming featuring book artist Daniel E. Kelm – Daniel Kelm and Poetic Science: A Life in Science and Art.
On Thursday, October 4th from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., there will be reception for Kelm in the East Reading Room of Baker-Berry Library. This will be followed by a lecture from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
On Friday, October 5th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., there will be a follow up to Thursday’s lecture. Kelm will have books and objects to show in a more intimate setting allowing for more conversation. This event will be held in the Kresge Library Conference Room.
Daniel E. Kelm is a book artist who enjoys expanding the concept of the book. He is known for his innovative structures as well as his traditional work. His expression as an artist emerges from the integration of work in science and the arts. Alchemy is a common theme in his book work. Before Daniel began his career in the book arts he received formal training in chemistry and taught at the University of Minnesota.
For more information, please contact Sarah Smith at book.arts@dartmouth.edu.
*** On Thursday, October 18 at 5:30 p.m., the Silver Special Collections Library at the University of Vermont is presenting The Stewardship of History: Reconfiguring the Markings of Time, a lecture with Michele Burgess.
Burgess will talk about The Stratigraphic Archives, a series of eleven linked artists’ books, all concerned with the archives of both quiet and cataclysmic events – natural and human made. Working in collaboration with poets, Burgess has interwoven remnants of human and natural history, questioning the honesty and inclusivity of our institutionalized “record keeping.”
Michele Burgess works in book arts, printmaking, painting, and sculpture. She is the director of Brighton Press and collaborates with other artists and poets on projects that involve the book as an art medium. Burgess’s books are housed in over seventy-five public collections across the country, including the University of Vermont.
The lecture is free and open to the public and will be held in the Marsh Room at Billings Library.
For more information, contact Silver Special Collections at uvmsc@uvm.edu or (802) 656-2138.
*** On Friday October 12th at 4:00 p.m., the Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts will host Building A Sustainable Visual Art Practice, a lecture with Andrea Dezsö.
Andrea Dezsö is a visual artist who works across a broad range of media including drawing, painting, artist’s books, embroidery, cut paper, animation, sculpture, site-specific installation and public art. Dezsö’s permanent public art has been installed in two New York City subway stations, at the United States Embassy in Bucharest, Romania and at CUNY BMCC Fiterman Hall in Lower Manhattan. Community Garden, Dezsö’s mosaic in the New York City subway was recognized as Best American Public Art in 2007 by Americans for the Arts.
Dezsö exhibits in museums and galleries around the world. She is Associate Professor of Art at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and maintains studios in NYC and in Western Massachusetts.
The Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts is located in Portland, Maine. The lecture will be held in the University Events Room on the 7th floor of the Glickman Family Library.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Goodale at (207) 228-8014 or goodale@maine.edu.
Book Arts Classes
*** On Saturday, October 13, 2018, the Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts is hosting a Tunnel Book workshop with Andrea Dezsö. The workshop will be held in room 424 in Luther Bonney Hall at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
When popped open tunnel books reveal miniature, multi-layered worlds viewers can peek into as into dioramas. Structurally, tunnel books belong in the same family as carousel books and toy theaters and were extremely popular during the Victorian era. In this class students will create a fully developed one-of-a-kind artists book of their own design, based on a four-layer, hand-cut and assembled single scene tunnel book developed by Dezsö using either a subtractive (paper cutting), an additive (collage) method or a mix of the two;
Students will learn to rapid prototype by first creating a tunnel book model to understand the form, followed by creating their fully developed books. Students will be encouraged to consider composition, layering, materials and to treat form and content as an interdependent whole as they create their one-of-a-kind tunnel books. All levels welcome.
Register online or call (207) 780-5900.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA has two book arts classes coming up this fall. Here’s the scoop:
Altered Books Workshop with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday, November 11th from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Transform books, old or new, into art objects. The book becomes a canvas, a sculpture or a reliquary of personally meaningful content. Draw inspiration from the book’s author or contents, or purely use the book as a structure. Incorporate paper cutting, collage, bookmaking and other processes. The instructor will have books on hand, or bring your own, along with small objects and images to include.
Paste Paper with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday November 25th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Paste paper is traditionally used for endpapers and book covers, offering a textural and colorful alternative to marbling. See some historical and contemporary approaches, then create your own. Start with a traditional method, then learn ways to make more creative and painterly versions.
For more information about the classes, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
by Elissa | Sep 5, 2018 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 12, 2018, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 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: Hardcover Basics with Ann Joppe-Mercure
Join us in September for a fun and informative hands-on foray into hard cover bindings. Ann Joppe-Mercure will share her simple and elegant methods for making hinged hardcover bindings with book cloth and paper.
We will make hard covers with soft spines for a small accordion book and a sewn signature book. Then we will practice making a covered hard spine cover to hold post-it-notes. All three items will be useful for future reference or as small handmade gifts.
Ann will provide the cardboard, glue, book pages and post-it-notes, along with extra papers and book cloth.
Please bring:
- Bone folder
- Awl
- Scissors
- Needle
- Sewing cord
- X-Acto knife
- Ruler
- Cutting mat
- Glue brush
- Glue stick
- Book cloth and any special papers (if you have them)
Note: If you have extra tools, it is always appreciated if you can bring them to share with others who would like to participate but may not have tools of their own. Thank you!
But wait, there’s more!
Elissa Campbell will once again be bringing in her advance copy of Hedi Kyle‘s much-anticipated book The Art of the Fold: How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures.
This book is not due to hit stores until October, so this is your chance to check it out before getting it for yourself.
August Meeting Reflections
The August meeting brought some new faces to our group, and we are always thankful for that. We had time for short introductions, and surprisingly, everyone seemed to have ‘paper’ in their statements. It’s reassuring to know we have like minded people surrounding us.
Jill Abilock was kind enough to offer personal tutoring for her version of the coptic binding, as well as kits for those of us who missed her previous instruction (June meeting). Thanks, Jill!
It is a reminder that there are endless variations to the structures we learn, and that experimentation can bring wonderful results. The studio support and workshop time format gave the participants an opportunity to chat about , well, paper, and also about current and future happenings for our group, notably the Burlington Book Festival and the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair. Read about the opportunities to participate in the News Section.
You can view images from the meeting on the B.A.G. blog.
B.A.G. News
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is proud to be participating in this year’s Burlington Book Festival on October 12 – 14, 2018 at the UVM Alumni House Silver Pavilion. This annual event celebrates the written word by offering readings, book signings, panels, workshops, demos, family activities, and special events.
The Book Arts Guild has been enthusiastically invited to exhibit original works at the festival to introduce the community to book arts and increase awareness of our organization. We will have an exhibit during the evening opening ceremonies on Friday, October 12 as well as on Saturday, October 13 throughout the day. During the exhibit time, we have also committed to demonstrating various book structures (not hands-on workshops).
In addition to very generously providing the Book Arts Guild exhibit space free of charge, the Burlington Book Festival is also offering Book Arts Guild members the opportunity to sell original artists’ books and book-related work with no commission or fee.
Here are the opportunities for participation:
- Exhibit/Sell Artists’ Books:
You can submit new work or something you have previously exhibited. If you would like to submit work for the exhibit, please download the entry form and bring it, along with your work, to the September 12th Book Arts Guild meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to submit work, please email Jill Abilock by Monday, September 10th to make arrangements to get your work to her.
- Volunteer at the Book Arts Guild exhibit and/or help with set up and/or break down:
Book Arts Guild Exhibit volunteers at the at the 2016 Burlington Book Festival found the experience fun and rewarding. Opportunities at the upcoming festival include:
–> Friday evening set-up
–> Saturday morning set-up
–> Exhibit Volunteer (2 – 3 hour shift)
–> Saturday evening break down
Please email Jill if you would like to volunteer!
*** The Book Arts Guild of Vermont has once again reserved table space at the Northampton Book and Book Arts Fair in Northampton, MA. The Fair will take place Friday, November 30th from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 1st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith College.
This is an opportunity for the Book Arts Guild to spread the word about book arts, show and sell work, and meet other like minded book people. Last year, a group of members stayed at an Airbnb during the show and had a great time together.
If you are interested in participating by manning the table, helping to set up and break down, and/ or having work shown, please contact Marcia.
*** Elissa Campbell is teaching Find Closure, a leather journal class at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on September 22, 2018.
Consider this workshop the equivalent of a Closure Dressy Bessy. First you’ll complete a soft cover, leather book using a variation of the long stitch binding. Then comes the fun part – you’ll experiment with a variety of ways to secure those books. You’ll explore ways to use buttons, leather straps, and metal hardware to create up to 5 closures per book (as time allows).
Bring your own embellishments (buttons, ribbons, etc.) that you’d like to use for closures – there will be time for discussion and problem-solving as a group.
Register online or contact Studio Place Arts at (802) 479-7069.
Book Arts News
*** On September 7th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., the Free First Friday at the Shelburne Museum brings you an opportunity to see Crystal Cawley‘s marvelous work in the Hat and Fragrance building (there are some cool samplers too) for free!
And as a bonus, she will have an artist talk at 6:00 p.m. for you to learn about her innovative multimedia creations after which you can join the artist to view her work. The talk is at the Pizzagalli Center.
Pre-registration is not required, but is appreciated.
*** Now through October 8th you can view BOOKS: MATTER and MAGIC at the gallery at GreenTARA Space. The show is about books, their making, and the spirit behind them.
Genese Grill‘s painted work Almandal Grimoire: The Book as Magical Object is a large-scale set of written and drawn on wood panels, while Diane Gayer‘s Of Earth and Being is a book of photographs at the intersection of man and nature and was printed on the Heidelberg Press at Villanti Printers, Milton, VT. While very different in production and finished entity, both books speak to the magical realms of existence.
GreenTARA Space is located at 3275 US Route 2 in North Hero, VT, in the center of the Village. For more information, please call (802) 355-2150.
*** On Friday October 12th at 4:00 p.m., the Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts will host Building A Sustainable Visual Art Practice, a lecture with Andrea Dezsö.
Andrea Dezsö is a visual artist who works across a broad range of media including drawing, painting, artist’s books, embroidery, cut paper, animation, sculpture, site-specific installation and public art. Dezsö’s permanent public art has been installed in two New York City subway stations, at the United States Embassy in Bucharest, Romania and at CUNY BMCC Fiterman Hall in Lower Manhattan. Community Garden, Dezsö’s mosaic in the New York City subway was recognized as Best American Public Art in 2007 by Americans for the Arts.
Dezsö exhibits in museums and galleries around the world. She is Associate Professor of Art at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and maintains studios in NYC and in Western Massachusetts.
The Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts is located in Portland, Maine. The lecture will be held in the University Events Room on the 7th floor of the Glickman Family Library.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Goodale at (207) 228-8014 or goodale@maine.edu.
Book Arts Classes
*** On September 29 & 30, the North Bennet Street School is offering Medieval Long and Link Stitch Bindings with Bill Hanscom.
Long-and link-stitches connect the text block directly to the limp parchment cover and can be used individually or in combination to create striking exposed-sewing patterns on the spine.
After examining models and images of historical bindings, participants choose from a number of templates and create two structures using traditional techniques and features such as fore-edge flaps and string-and-button closures.
Bookbinding 101 or equivalent experience is a prerequisite.
For more information or to register, please visit the NBSS website.
*** On Saturday, October 13, 2018, the Kate Cheney Chappell 83 Center for Book Arts is hosting a Tunnel Book workshop with Andrea Dezsö. The workshop will be held in room 424 in Luther Bonney Hall at the University of Southern Maine in Portland.
When popped open tunnel books reveal miniature, multi-layered worlds viewers can peek into as into dioramas. Structurally, tunnel books belong in the same family as carousel books and toy theaters and were extremely popular during the Victorian era. In this class students will create a fully developed one-of-a-kind artists book of their own design, based on a four-layer, hand-cut and assembled single scene tunnel book developed by Dezsö using either a subtractive (paper cutting), an additive (collage) method or a mix of the two;
Students will learn to rapid prototype by first creating a tunnel book model to understand the form, followed by creating their fully developed books. Students will be encouraged to consider composition, layering, materials and to treat form and content as an interdependent whole as they create their one-of-a-kind tunnel books. All levels welcome.
Register online or call (207) 780-5900.
*** The Eliot School in Jamaica Plain, MA has two book arts classes coming up this fall. Here’s the scoop:
Paper Marbling with Cristina Hajosy will take place on Sunday, September 16th from 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Create beautiful swirls and mottling colors on paper with several forms of marbling. Learn Turkish- style marbling on water thickened with carrageenan (Irish moss). Experiment with a range of materials, colors and papers to create lovely, unique designs.
Marbled paper is striking when used as book end papers, portfolio covers, and more. Beginner to advanced students welcome.
Wild Journals with Susan Porter will take place from October 4 – November 8. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Create colorful, textured art journal pages, using paint, printmaking techniques, stamping, stenciling and collage. Transform your pages into intricate, multilayered surfaces. Add dimensions by cutting and folding. Add extensions, pop-outs, windows and pockets. Make each page a one-of-a-kind canvas for words, drawings, images and photographs. Bring a blank journal; all other materials will be provided.
For more information about the classes, please visit the Eliot School’s website or click here to download the complete catalog.
