by Elissa | Nov 4, 2021 | B.A.G. Book Swap, B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Call to artists, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 10, 2021, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting will once again be held via Zoom, an online conference program. If you’ve never attended a Zoom meeting before, check out this video – it will go over the basics of how to join a meeting.
Stay safe!
The B.A.G. Board
Program: Paper Tricks – Books, Cards, and Garlands
We have rebranded our annual November tradition from Book Blitz and Card Tricks to Paper Tricks! Member-led mini demonstrations can include any paper-centric item, including mini books, holiday cards, ornaments, garlands, or any other form you come up with.
While we are unable to be together IRL, we can still celebrate each others’ creativity. Your task – design an item that has a trick or two; maybe a pop-up, French doors, a window, or unusual material or structure.
Here’s where we need YOU.
We are seeking volunteers to share their paper manipulation during our Zoom meeting. You will simply hold up your creation for us to see and demonstrate how you made your paper item. We can post follow up references on Chat if desired.
Contact Marcia to secure a spot in the spotlight. The more members who participate, the richer our meeting will be.
If you plan to attend the meeting, please contact Elissa so she can send you the Zoom meeting details.
October Meeting Reflections
We are all missing IRL meetings and the socializing that we enjoyed during those times. But I really felt the camaraderie in our group at our meeting in October where artists shared work from the NEKAG show.
There was a lot of giving going on in the form of positive feedback, helpful ideas, and general admiration. And what’s not to admire? We had very positive feedback from the gallery, and succeeded in one of our main missions, to further the public knowledge of book arts.
So thank you to all the artists who participated in the show, and special thanks to those who shared their work more intimately at the meeting. It’s always inspiring to me to know where ideas come from, and how they make it into book form. How does that happen for you? What makes you create a book? Ah, these questions deserve discussion.
B.A.G. Library Corner
We’re entering the holiday season once again and beginning to put our gift lists together. And what could make a gift giving prettier than Naomi Shiek’s leafy gift set?
In her book, Fold It and Cut It, Shiek provides templates and instructions for creating intricate hand-cut leaf designs for gift tags, gift wrap, and ribbon. Together, these designs make any gift something special.
If you have ideas for books to feature or if you have a library book in your possession you’d like to share something from, email Sally at salblanch@gmail.com.
You can check out and download the project here.
B.A.G. News
*** We have over 20 participants in the B.A.G. Zine Swap Challenge!
Remember to mail your 10 zines by November 20th to:
Ann Joppe-Mercure
10 Brookwood Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403
Here’s a recap of the details:
- Create your zine using an 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of paper – it should be an 8 page origami structure (one-sheet book).
- The final zine size should be 4.25″ x 2.75″.
- Make 10 copies of your zine and fold them.
- Optional fun – create a box or wrap to contain your zines.
We will mail packets of 10 assorted zines to you in late November, just in time to share them at our December B.A.G. meeting
*** B.A.G. Co-Founder Nancy Stone will selling her book 251 Vermont Vistas from a booth at the Made in Vermont Marketplace put on by Vermont Business Magazine. The book is a collection of original watercolor ‘postcards’ that she painted over several years as she and her husband visited each of Vermont’s 251 towns and cities. To preview the book or to order on-line, visit Nancy’s website.
The Marketplace will take place on Saturday, November 20th from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Double Tree by Hilton Burlington on Williston Road. It will welcome exhibitors who make unique Vermont products, from food to spirits to woodworking to Vermont clothing and more.
The timing of the event, a week before Thanksgiving, enables people to start shopping for holiday gifts early. With all the talk of supply chain shortages, now is the time to buy local for Christmas.
For more information please visit the Made in Vermont Marketplace website.
*** Emma Percy is teaching Zines & Book Arts at River Arts in Morrisville on December 5.
Zines have a recent but rich history as an underground mode of sharing information, art, and new ideas with other like-minded creative folks. This workshop will explore what zines and artist’s books are and what they can be, introductory layout, printing, and bookbinding techniques to get you started, as well as things to consider when beginning a do-it-yourself publishing or bookmaking project.
A zine can be anything from a folded sheet of paper to a beautifully crafted booklet, and with help and inspiration from Emma’s extensive zine library and scrap paper collection, we will all make a few small zines as well as the foundation for a larger artist’s book where you can let your creativity shine!
For more information or to register, visit the River Arts website.
*** This one comes to us from Nancy Stone:
Gwendolyn Evans is seeking someone to help her with technology for creating pages of her own writing that can be put into a handmade book. Due to vision loss, she is unable to do this herself. She has “always wanted” to make a book using her original content that would be bound within covers created from her work with polymer clay.
She can be reached at (802) 879-2706 or at gwendolynvt@gmail.com.
Book Arts News
*** Now through November 16th, the Baker-Berry Library at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH is hosting The New England Guild of Book Workers 40th Anniversary Exhibition.
This exhibition highlights the creative range and skills of the current members. The work bridges traditional fine binding to innovative design binding where book forms are re-imagined using unconventional materials in new experimental ways.
If you can’t make it to the exhibit, you can view a catalog of the work online.
For more information, please visit the Baker-Berry website.
*** Now through November 20, 23 Sandy Gallery is presenting UNSEEN, and exhibition of book arts featuring 76 works juried by Fulbright recipient and book arts educator Barb Tetenbaum, Jordan Eddy (director of form & concept), and Erin Mickelson (owner of 23 Sandy).
Artists were asked to consider the invisible forces that can shape our lives and surface in unexpected ways – physically, psychologically and philosophically. Work ranges from traditional codexes and interactive and exquisite corpse-style works to reactive sound art books and sculptures.
You can view all of the included work on the 23 Sandy Gallery website.
*** Now through December 6, Abecedarian Artists’ Books is accepting submissions for its upcoming show, Lettered & Bound. The exhibit will be on view at Dayton Memorial Library, Regis University, in Denver, CO in February 2022 and Tallyn’s Reach Public Library in Aurora, CO in March 2022.
Eligible are book works that include calligraphy (the art of beautiful writing) as a primary element. Book works can be unique, editioned, traditionally bound, created using experimental forms (e.g. folded forms), wall mounted (e.g. scrolls) or loose sheets presented in a portfolio or box. Calligraphy is here defined as human mark making that draws upon traditional forms of calligraphy or modern, gestural, or abstract forms.
For more information or to submit work for consideration, please visit the Abecedarian Artists’ Books website.
*** Now through December 11, the Center for Book Arts is hosting CBA 2021 Faculty Fellow Colette Fu‘s exhibition, What the Butterfly Dragon Taught Me, Dimensional Stories in Paper.
The exhibition showcases Fu’s mastery of complex three-dimensional compositions engineered from paper and her own photographs – a practice she has honed over almost two decades.
CBA recorded an artist talk with Fu, where she both discussed the individual stories of each work and spoke to the overall series they are part of – We Are Tiger Dragon People.
You can watch Fu’s talk on YouTube.
Stay-at-Home Fun
*** The Jaffe Center for Book Arts is offering the Sewn Boards Binding with Karen Hanmer on November 13.
This variation on the Sewn Boards Binding is based on Gary Frost’s first prototype. It is held in University of Iowa Library Historical Bookbinding Model Collection. A quick and utilitarian notebook, the outer card folios are glued shut, the spine lined, and a breakaway spine wrapper is added while covering the book in sturdy bookcloth.
Expect a fast-paced workshop; some binding experience and familiarity with basic concepts like folding and paper grain direction will be helpful.
For more information or to register, please email John Cutrone at jcutrone@fau.edu.
*** The Center for Book Arts is offering Intro to Tunnel Books with Maria G. Pisano on November 17 & 18.
In this workshop, students of all experience levels will learn how to make tunnel books. A tunnel book is a wonderful book structure that creates the optical illusion of perspective through accumulated layers.
Traditionally a tunnel book is accompanied by supporting concertinas sides, which make the work collapsible, portable, and easily viewable. The reader is able to hold a tunnel at eye level and marvel at it!
Students will work with their own images to create the book. The images should all be related in theme and subject matter to facilitate a successful outcome.
For more information or to register, please visit the CBA website.
*** The Austin Book Arts Center is offering the Secret Belgian Binding with Kevin Auer on three Mondays, November 29, December 6, and December 13.
Developed by the Belgian artist Anne Goy in 1986 this binding has a similar appearance to a Japanese stab binding. The structure uses a primary and secondary sewing. The sewing creates a distinct thread pattern on the cover and it is a very sturdy binding that allows the book to open completely flat.
In this class we will create a three-piece cover using book board. This board will be covered in paper. The cover pieces will then be sewn together to create the case and the unique sewing pattern. Once the case is completed the textblock will be sewn directly onto the cover using the existing sewing to anchor it in place. We will explore two different sewing methods for connecting the textblock to the case.
For more information or to register, please visit the ABAC website.
*** The Minnesota Center for Book Arts is offering Fuzzy Books with Joanna Manning on two Tuesdays, November 30 and December 7.
Chase away the cold pricklies with some warm, fuzzy, hand-felted artist’s books! In this interactive workshop, get acquainted with needle felting materials and turn wool into a miniature artist’s book of your design.
Craft your own miniature book creation with simple techniques and minimal materials. Learn basic wool felting techniques including how to create and use stencils, fill in shapes, blend colors, and master fine details like thin lines, sharp edges, and dots.
This beginner-friendly workshop doesn’t require any previous knowledge or skills. A materials list will be provided and you’ll walk away with your own unique finished project, plus techniques to continue making more after the workshop.
For more information or to register, please visit the MCBA website.
by Elissa | Jan 8, 2021 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Vermont, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 13, 2021, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting will once again be held via Zoom, an online conference program. If you’ve never attended a Zoom meeting before, check out this video – it will go over the basics of how to join a meeting.
Stay safe!
The B.A.G. Board
Program: Winter Mail Art Swap sharing and Mennonite Foldnote activity
With seventeen B.A.G. members participating in our Winter Mail Art Swap, our January Zoom meeting will be a sharing of the mail we received. If you wish to share, have your Mail Art pieces ready to hold up to the camera for a quick show and tell.
And if that weren’t enough, we’re also going to have a hands-on project! Debra Kraemer will lead us through the process of making a Mennonite Foldnote, from Creative Correspondence (2003) by Michael and Judy Jacobs.
It was supposedly designed by Mennonites to eliminate the cost of an envelope. While having thrifty motives, this simple, clever foldnote requires no measuring or cutting.
Here’s what you’ll need to participate:
- 1 sheet of 8.5″ x 11″ text weight or slightly heavier paper – plain or decorated on one side
- Ruler
- Bone folder
If you plan to attend the meeting, please contact Elissa so she can send you the Zoom meeting details.
December Meeting Reflections
December’s meeting brought the promise of light to our world with Luminaries. Ann, Penne, and Becky shed light on 3 structures and their variations that can be illuminated with a tea candle (not a real candle, folks) to brighten our winter table.
Now that the solstice has arrived, we look forward to increasing daylight and the hope that we will be sharing our table together in the future.
Thanks to everyone for participating, and special thanks to our presenters for lighting the way.
B.A.G. News
*** Support the Book Arts Guild of Vermont by becoming a member!
Big News!
Our 2021 dues have been reduced from $35.00 to $25.00 for one year’s membership since we are saving on meeting rental space.
The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is supported by its members and you have kept us going for fifteen 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.
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, future exhibits, and more – by becoming a member. You get so much value out of your $25.00 and attending just one meeting can give you your full money’s worth.
Just to give you an idea of where membership dues go, here’s a breakdown of B.A.G.’s annual expenses:
- Zoom subscription: $149.90 per year
- Rent: $50.00 per month when we can return to in-person attendance
- Presenter honorarium: $35.00 per meeting
- Website and email newsletter: $100.00 per year
- Presenter reimbursement for supplies: Varies
We hope that you will renew your membership to help us with our annual expenses. You can download our membership form and send it in with your payment by check of $25.00 made out to the Book Arts Guild of Vermont:
Book Arts Guild of Vermont
c/o Ann Joppe-Mercure
10 Brookwood Dr
South Burlington, VT 05403
Thank you so much for your continued support of the guild. We wouldn’t be here without you.
*** Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT is hosting Consider the Book from January 26 – March 6, in the second floor gallery.
This group show highlights the joy and diversity of book arts, featuring work from the Book Lab artists group, whose members use the book form as a means of artistic expression.
Participating artists include B.A.G. members Carolyn Shattuck, Penne Tompkins, Vera Ryersbach, Dorsey Hogg, Marcia Vogler, Ann Joppe-Mercure, Rebecca Boardman, Debra Kraemer, Marilyn Gillis, Elissa Campbell, and Judy Sgantas.
Book Arts News
*** In conjunction with the New England Chapter of The Guild of Book Workers 40th Anniversary Exhibition, the University of Southern Maine is hosting a gallery talk, A Wider Purpose: Maker Talk with Members of the Guild of Book Workers, New England Chapter on February 3rd, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The exhibition features works by 30 artists, some of which were completed as early as 2004, and one of which remains in progress. Exhibitor and GBW Board Member Jennifer Pellecchia will discuss some of the challenges and advantages of moving the exhibition online. Katrina Carye, Colin Urbina, and Stephanie Wolff, will speak about the works they submitted, and the ways that current events have shaped their creative lives.
Click here to register.
*** From February 18 – 20, Book Paper Thread is hosting a free virtual conference, Form & Function From Afar, featuring presentations and demonstrations in bookbinding, book conservation, surface design, letterpress printing, and more. The roster of speakers includes Todd Pattison, Nancy Jacobi, Shawn Sheehy, Georgia Deal, and Gina Pisello.
There will be three presentations scheduled each day at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 7:30 pm Eastern Time. The presentations will be live via Zoom, with recordings available on the conference website to registered participants.
The conference website will also be hosing a virtual tips and tricks sessions, where participants can share their favorite technique, tool, or tip.
Click here to register.
*** From February 12 – May 9, the San Francisco Center for the Book is hosting the online exhibition Rising Together: an Exhibition of Zines, Artists’ Books and Prints with a Social Conscience. The show was juried by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr., Chandler O’Leary, and Jessica Spring.
The work in Rising Together demonstrates how artist books give activism a visual voice, and can serve as powerful agents in effecting positive social change on issues encompassing social justice, power, politics, the environment and more. Rising Together showcases the potential of the book arts to engage – through messaging, through critique, through action – and to speak truth to power in an era when such truth is direly needed.
For more information, visit the SFCB website.
Stay-at-Home Fun
*** The Minnesota Center for Book Arts is offering Book Biz with Karen Hanmer on January 20.
Join artist and fine binder Karen Hanmer as she shares an overview of her career and varied practice through the lens of running a business. Topics covered will include: networking; planning editioned work; pricing, exhibiting, and promoting that work; professional development; and the value of community.
For more information or to register visit the MCBA website.
*** The MCBA is also offering Roll-Up/Pop-Up Books with Shawn Sheehy on 4 Wednesdays from January 27 – February 17.
You have explored how-to books on making pop-ups. You’re ready to make your own pop-up project. You are stymied by the question: “How do I adapt these classic, foundational structures to make MY OWN structures?” This virtual workshop will help you think through that problem by exploring nine different structures at four levels: foundational, transitional, transformational, and personal.
To add to the fun, you will employ an innovative roll-up binding approach (think scroll rather than codex) for the pop-up folios. In the end you will have a tidy bound collection of study models that will propel you to the next step of pop-up invention. While all skill levels are welcome, pop-ups are technical and some basic experience may be helpful.
For more information or to register, visit the MCBA website.
*** The Center for Book Arts is offering Generative Measures: Research and Writing for Artist Books with Ellen Sheffield on February 1, 3, & 5.
This workshop will focus on non-traditional approaches to developing original content for artist’s books. A wide range of research tools will first be demonstrated to jump start ideas for projects. From these research seeds participants will respond to writing prompts and engage in experimental creative writing techniques to grow these ideas into prototypes for artist’s books.
Processes will be taught for getting text onto the pages of simple folded book structures including alternative mark making, transfers, rub-on type, stencils, rubber stamps and pressure printing.
This workshop is for visual artists who want to expand their writing skills and for writers who want to explore the artist book as a time-based medium and go beyond their usual writing practice.
For more information or to register, please visit the CBA website.
*** The San Francisco Center for the Book is offering Making Multiples: The Artist’s Book in an Edition online workshop with Matt Runkle on February 1, 8,15, & 22.
In the first of four sessions, we’ll look at an overview of artist’s books – books where form and content work together – discussing definitions, concepts, and numerous examples from the form’s history. We’ll also learn a simple book structure, which students will then develop into a “book sketch” as homework.
Students will share their book sketches in the second session. We’ll also begin talking about tools, materials, and techniques as we learn several book models and structures.
In the third session, we’ll continue to explore bookmaking techniques, as well as a couple low-tech printing techniques (stenciling, image transfers) that students can do at home. Students will be asked to make a mockup that they may hope to later develop into a more finished edition.
In the final session, students will share their works in progress. The instructor will help them address any hurdles they face on their way to completing an artist book edition, discussing strategies for furthering and expanding concepts developed during the class. We’ll wrap up by talking about some of the practical considerations when embarking on a content-based book project and how they relate to the book artist’s many roles: author, illustrator, editor, publisher, printer, and binder.
For more information or to register, visit the SFCB website.
by Elissa | Dec 4, 2020 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, MailB.A.G., Member News, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting will once again be held via Zoom, an online conference program. If you’ve never attended a Zoom meeting before, check out this video – it will go over the basics of how to join a meeting.
Stay safe!
The B.A.G. Board
Program: Luminaries
Our December zoom meeting will feature 3 different hands-on luminaries. We all need more light so let’s celebrate together! Gather your supplies and we will light the way. If you have luminaries to share we may have time for some show and tell.
Note: For one of the luminaries, you will need to print out this template on an 8.5″ x 11″ piece of lightweight paper in advance of the meeting.
Supplies and Materials:
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue stick
- X-acto knife
- Cutting mat if available
- 10 or more pieces of 8.5 x 11” text weight paper
- Larger square paper if available
- Scraps of tissue paper (optional)
- LED tea lights for illumination (can be purchased later)
If you plan to attend the meeting, please contact Elissa so she can send you the Zoom meeting details.
November Meeting Reflections
As the days slide into each other and every day seems the same, I look forward to the BAG zoom meetings as an event not to be missed!
The Card Trick and Book Blitz meeting did not disappoint. Ann Joppe-Mercure acted as the hostess, and called upon volunteers to show their simple, complicated, or just plain fun ideas for winter cheer. Pop-ups, dimensional tricks, and sweet sentiments were shared and appreciated!
Thank you all for bringing your ideas and creativity to our virtual world, and thanks to Ann for being the hostess with the mostess.
Click here to access a list of resources from the meeting.
B.A.G. News
*** Winter Mail Art Reminder
Seventeen B.A.G. members signed up for our Winter Mail Art Challenge.
This is just a reminder to mail your two pieces of mail art by December 20th and save them for sharing at our January 2021 meeting.
*** Support the Book Arts Guild of Vermont by becoming a member!
Big News!
Our 2021 dues have been reduced from $35.00 to $25.00 for one year’s membership since we are saving on meeting rental space.
The Book Arts Guild of Vermont is supported by its members and you have kept us going for fifteen 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.
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, future exhibits, and more – by becoming a member. You get so much value out of your $25.00 and attending just one meeting can give you your full money’s worth.
Just to give you an idea of where membership dues go, here’s a breakdown of B.A.G.’s annual expenses:
- Zoom subscription: $149.90 per year
- Rent: $50.00 per month when we can return to in-person attendance
- Presenter honorarium: $35.00 per meeting
- Website and email newsletter: $100.00 per year
- Presenter reimbursement for supplies: Varies
We hope that you will renew your membership to help us with our annual expenses. You can download our membership form and send it in with your payment by check of $25.00 made out to the Book Arts Guild of Vermont:
Book Arts Guild of Vermont
c/o Ann Joppe-Mercure
10 Brookwood Dr
South Burlington, VT 05403
Thank you so much for your continued support of the guild. We wouldn’t be here without you.
Book Arts News
*** The San Francisco Center for the Book‘s Shelter in Studio series is featuring Julie Chen on December 10th. The focus of the series is to chat with folks (SFCB Staff, instructors, and community members) about projects and processes that keep hands and minds engaged.
For more information, please visit the SFCB website.
You can view past studio tours on the SFCB Vimeo page.
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers 40th Anniversary Exhibition is now available for viewing online.
Members from across the nation created a range of bindings from traditional fine bindings to creative design bindings. There are innovative artist books and sculptural pieces. The exhibit showcases the brilliant and creative community that makes up the New England Chapter.
The exhibit website features interviews with members who have served as Chairs for the New England Chapter. Each interview has been organized by a current board member to pair each Chapter Chair with another Guild member in order to create an interesting snapshot of the Chapter during the years they served in addition to speaking about their current work in the field.
*** The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is hosting the All Sorts (No Licorice!) artist’s books exhibit at the Sherry Grover Gallery from now until December 31st.
This new rotation from the Collection of Cynthia Sears serves up an astonishing assortment of artist’s books. Included is All Sorts, a new work by Emily Martin in collaboration with Ellen Knudson. The work was conceived during Martin’s artist’s residency – inspired by the University of Florida’s collection of citrus labels.
Click here to get a video tour of the exhibit.
*** An online exhibit of bindings inspired by Quilted: From Pattern to Patchwork is now available for viewing. The book is the sixth volume in Janine Vangool‘s Encyclopedia of Inspiration series.
Ms. Vangool shared unbound copies of the book which were given to different binders who were tasked with creating unique covers based on the contents. The result is a variety of bindings using various covering materials, bookbinding structures and ornamentation techniques.
B.A.G.’s own Judy Sgantas was among those chosen to participate in the project. You can see her wonderful binding here.
Click here to check out all of the bindings.
Stay-at-Home Fun
*** The Center for Book Arts is offering Embroidery On and Off the Page with Iviva Olenick on December 16th.
In this two-hour workshop, the instructor will teach students beginner and intermediate embroidery stitches that can be done on fabric or paper. We will also discuss strategies for stitching on paper versus fabric.
Finally, we will explore the creative embroidery applications for book arts: stitching to create text and images, or piercing or poking holes to make an image or text without using thread. The instructor will also offer advice for transferring drawings and/or text onto fabric or paper from a digital or printed source.
For more information or to register, please visit the CBA website.
*** The San Francisco Center for the Book is offering Finishing Tool Making with Brien Beidler on January 9, 16 & 23, 2021.
Students in this workshop will learn the basics of making finishing tools. Beginning with brass stock (supplied in the class kit), students will cut, drill, and file seemingly basic designs that can then be used to create a surprising range of patterns. They will learn to durably mount their newly cut tools into wooden handles. Thermodynamic considerations and tool blank fabrication options will also be discussed.
Finishing tools are expensive and difficult to find, so being able to make one’s own is an asset to any binder. In addition to potential savings, there is the added advantage of having a unique and personal catalog of tools. We will focus on developing tool designs that can be repeated in interesting ways to build up a variety of patterns.
Be prepared for a lot of hand filing of metal!
For more information or to register, visit the SFCB website.
*** The Minnesota Center for Book Arts is offering Non-Linear Artist’s Books with Yuka Petz on January 5, 12, 19, & 26, February 2, & 9, 2021.
Explore artist’s books that defy conventional front-to-back reading. In this weekly virtual workshop, make six non-linear artist’s books, including one-sheet books, flexagons, dos-à-dos, French door, flag books, and volvelles.
Each week, learn a new book structure and techniques for adding content that works in tandem with the non-traditional bookform to create meaning. Examples of artists’ books that use these structures will be discussed. The group will also engage in brief idea generation exercises and friendly critique. Participants will have the option to exchange books with one another to begin or grow a personal collection of artists’ books.
For more information or to register, visit the MCBA website.
*** On January 20, 2021, the MCBA is also offering Book Biz with Karen Hanmer.
Artist and fine binder Karen Hanmer will share an overview of her career and varied practice through the lens of running a business. Topics covered will include: networking; planning editioned work; pricing, exhibiting, and promoting that work; professional development; and the value of community.
For more information or to register, visit the MCBA website.
by Elissa | Oct 9, 2020 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, Exhibitions, Lecture, MailB.A.G., Member News, Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 2020, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
This month’s meeting will once again be held via Zoom, an online conference program. If you’ve never attended a Zoom meeting before, check out this video – it will go over the basics of how to join a meeting.
Stay safe!
The B.A.G. Board
Program: Virtual Visit to UVM’s Silver Special Collections
At this month’s B.A.G. meeting, University of Vermont librarian Prudence Doherty will once again host our annual visit to Special Collections, but this time virtually.
Not everyone knows that we have one of the finest collections of artists’ books in the nation, right here in Vermont. Prudence will share books acquired since last March, as well as a selection of books that speak to these challenging times.
If you plan to attend the meeting, please contact Elissa so she can send you the Zoom meeting details.
September Meeting Reflections
The program for September allowed Mail Art Challenge participants to share the mail art they received. Being a total mail art junkie, I was thrilled to both receive and send a piece or two, and equally excited to see everyone else’s contributions.
The sharing was really joyous, and I think gave us all a sense of being connected in a new way. Thanks to Ann Joppe-Mercure for suggesting and organizing the challenge, and thanks to all who participated.
I hope that we can do it again, and that we have more participants to share the joy.
B.A.G. News
Elissa Campbell is teaching the Phabulous Photo Album at Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on October 17th. This is a “small batch” class that limits enrollment to 3 or 4 students, providing appropriate social distancing for health safety.
In this workshop, you will learn how to create an elegant hard-cover photo album using bookcloth and handmade paper – this is a wonderful keepsake that can hold 4” x 6” photos from your recent vacation or family holiday gathering (or perhaps your pandemic adventures).
Each participant will leave class with a completed photo album and a basic knowledge of bookbinding technique. You will receive a detailed handout and resource list for all materials we use.
No previous experience required – this is a great class for a beginner. You can even bring in your own cover materials to customize your book.
Register online or contact Studio Place Arts at (802) 479-7069.
Book Arts News
*** The Guild of Book Workers is generously offering FREE access to videos of the Standards of Excellence presentations from 1984-1993. Videos can be found at this link.
Enter the code GBW1020 during checkout to reduce the cost of a rental to $0.00. Rentals are available as streaming content for 7 days. This code will expire on October 31, 2020.
For help watching videos on Vimeo, please consult the Vimeo FAQ. For other video related questions, please contact GBW Library Chair, Jay Tanner at library@guildofbookworkers.org.
*** The New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers recently had an online Show and Tell featuring bindings from Uppercase Magazine‘s Encyclopedia of Inspiration.
Todd Pattison talked about the history of the binding project, and detailed how he facilitates distributing the Encyclopedia in sheets to each group of binders. Ten binders shared the books they made for the project, including our own Marcia Vogler!
If you couldn’t watch it live, never fear – you can now watch it on the Guild of Book Workers’ Vimeo page.
*** The Book as Art Exhibit v.8 Infinity is currently on display at the Decatur branch of the Dekalb County Library through October 17th. While viewing the exhibit in-person is limited, you can access the full catalog of the show online.
Held in the hand, a book can be a source of stability in unsettled times. Tactile and olfactory, the black and white pages conjure emotions and images that endure longer than flickering light on small screens. From tablet to folio, papyrus to scroll, song to psalm – all are created as a concept that becomes thought, becomes word, becomes book, becomes sculpture.
These objects, in an increasingly digital world, stubbornly survive. The objects in this exhibition will interpret the concept of the book and invite the viewer to look beyond the printed page to where ideas, words, and symbols are transformed and are transfigurative. They are expressive, expansive and iconic. They have become form, and are infinite.
In addition, there are recordings and live streaming events associated with the show. Check out the Dekatur Arts Alliance website to view past videos. Check out the Georgia Center for the Book‘s Eventbrite page for details on upcoming live Zoom artist talks.
*** Another organization that moved an exhibit online is Designer Bookbinders. Their summer exhibition Art Book Craft (ABC) can be viewed in their online catalog.
ABC showcases some of the finest work in contemporary bookbinding and book arts in the world today. All produced by Fellows and Licentiates of Designer Bookbinders, each bringing their unique interpretation of contemporary bookbinding and book arts to the fore.
We hope ABC will not only be of interest to established, discerning bibliophiles and collectors, reaffirming the allure of the contemporary book as art but also to allow a new, wider audience the opportunity to engage with and delight in unique and exceptional bookbinding and book arts.
For more information about the exhibit, visit Designer Bookbinders website.
*** A Tradition of Generosity: A Lecture on the Wells College Book Arts Center will be presented by Leah Mackin on October 14th.
The Book Arts, as an academic and artistic discipline, relies upon historic study, preservation of materials and equipment, and contemporary documentation and discourse. This lecture will provide a virtual walk-through of the Wells College Book Arts Center programs, history and goals.
Click here to register.
Stay-at-Home Fun
*** Bay Area Book Artists (BABA) is hosting a Virtual Book Arts Jam, now through October 31st. This online celebration of the book arts features speakers, member galleries, and a marketplace where you can purchase goodies from book-related vendors and book artists.
In addition, the members of BABA are offering live online and on-demand classes. Upcoming live classes include:
October 10: Pop-Out Book with Kit Davey
Kit will guide you through the process of making this fun, easy book in just 90 minutes. Each page opens like a flower. When the book is open it takes the shape of a semisphere.
October 14: Making Bookcloth: Tips & Tricks for Best Results with Rhiannon Alpers
Making your own bookcloth is a gateway to the options for your bookmaking with color, texture, pattern, and weight. In this workshop, you’ll be lead through three different ways to create bookcloth from start to finish. We’ll also walk through many samples of finished cloth to discuss the tips and tricks for the best results for different applications.
For more information about the event, visit the BABA website.
*** Book Paper Thread is offering Kakishibu and Washi with Linda Marshall on October 24 & 25. In this workshop, you’ll be working with kakishibu, a granular persimmon dye. You’ll learn how to prepare it using different recipes.
You’ll look at the traditional Japanese uses of washi and kakishibu and discuss how to use those techniques in contemporary ways. You’ll discuss various preparation techniques and how to apply kakishibu to washi. You’ll create samples on a range of Japanese papers for future personal studio reference. Lastly, you’ll learn alternative applications, patterning ideas, and traditional and modern dye techniques.
For more information or to register, visit the Book Paper Thread website.
*** The Dartmouth College Book Arts Workshop has some online offerings this month, including the following:
October 19: Hang Out with Letterpress Printer Katherine Ruffin
The Book Arts Workshop will meet with Katherine Ruffin, Director of Book Studies Program and Lecturer in Art at Wellesley College. Katherine has published limited editions under her own imprint of Shinola Press since 1994.
She’ll be sharing views of her studio and work – especially a series of letterpress printed broadsides encouraging voting! That series of posters began in 2008, when Katherine drew inspiration from a case of wood type in her studio and carved linocut stars and stripes letterforms to spell VOTE. The same case of wood type played an important role in a series of prints she made which are portraits of her Universal I Vandercook press.
October 21: Isaac’s Mail Art Extravaganza with Isaac Feldman
Join Book Arts Workshop student assistant, Isaac Feldman ’23 for an exploration of the history of mail art from around the world and some information, ideas, and techniques in how to make your own mail art. You might want to have handy some paper, scissors, tape/glue and a tool for making creases.
For more information about these or other upcoming events, visit the Book Arts Workshop website.
*** BookArtsLA is offering Japanese Binding Duo: Flutter Book and Butterfly Book with Anne Covell on October 18th. These two Japanese bindings are both from the Heian period.
In the Flutter Book, individual sheets are pasted to hinges at the fore-edge and attached to a single cover sheet that wraps around the spine. Because the textblock is only tipped to the cover and not glued at the spine, the pages can easily be blown out by a gentle breeze, giving the book its descriptive name.
In the Butterfly Book, individual sheets are folded and pasted along a narrow strip at the spine. The cover is made in three parts: a decorative spine liner, and two laminated paper covers that are pasted and attached to the first and last pages of the textblock. When open, each pair of leaves joined by paste turns at an angle that resembles the wings of a butterfly.
For more information or to register, visit the BookArtsLA website.
by Elissa | Aug 9, 2020 | B.A.G. Meetings, bookbinding, MailB.A.G., Workshops
Next Meeting: Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This month’s meeting will once again be held via Zoom, an online conference program. If you’ve never attended a Zoom meeting before, check out this video – it will go over the basics of how to join a meeting.
Stay safe!
The B.A.G. Board
Program: Revisiting Accordions: Let’s Have a Sew-In with Marcia Vogler
Ah, the versatility of the accordion. In this workshop, Marcia will lead you in exploring different methods of adding pages to the accordion with sewing. Using the 3-hole pamphlet stitch and the 5-hole butterfly stitch, you will attach sections to an accordion spine in 2 different ways, then look at methods of adding covers with sewing or glue.
Here’s what you need to prepare for the meeting:
Materials:
- Card stock for accordion spines and covers: 4.25″ x 11″ ( 8.5″ x 11″ cut in half lengthwise) grain short if possible (6-8 pieces)
- Text weight for sections:
- 4.25″ x 7″ (12 pieces)
- 4.25″ x 8.5″ (12 pieces)
- Linen thread, waxed or unwaxed
Tools:
- Cutting mat
- X-acto knife
- Bone folder
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Punching cradle or magazine
- Awl
- Needle
If you plan to attend the meeting, please contact Elissa so she can send you the Zoom meeting details.
July Meeting Reflections
The July Zoom meeting gave us a chance to learn from Amy Lapidow, author of the Book Art Studio Handbook. She led us through the steps for the Accordion Album with Frames, a project from the book.
While teaching through Zoom is a challenge, Amy sailed through the project and we sailed along with her. Another great accordion structure with so much potential!
Thanks, Amy, and thanks to all who Zoomed along with us.
B.A.G. News
*** Mail Art Challenge – Make 2 Receive 2!
This August we are offering a quick fun challenge for B.A.G. The concept is to create 2 fun Mail Art envelopes and mail them. Then you will receive two fun Mail Art pieces in your mail.
Here’s what you need to do to participate:
- Watch the first lesson or more of the MAIL IS MAGIC video series produced by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.
- Join the challenge by emailing Ann by August 19. Include your name and address.
- Receive two names with addresses from Ann by August 21.
- Create two Mail Art envelopes and send then on their way by September 2.
- Please note that the Mail Art envelope is a suggested option but you are encouraged to be as creative as you wish. This is all for fun and art should be apolitical.
- Receive two pieces of Mail Art. Sharing will be at our September BAG meeting.
We hope you’ll get in on the fun!
Book Arts News
*** On 8/26/20, the New England Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers will host its Annual Meeting online. The meeting is open to both members and non-members.
There will be a presentation by Sarah Pike who will be speaking about the various services she offers at FreeFall Laser. Three different makers will also speak about how they’ve used laser-cutting in recent projects: Amy Borezo, Andrea Dezsö, and Aspen Golann.
Following the discussion, Chapter Chair Erin Fletcher will give updates on chapter business.
RSVP: Please register here if you plan to attend. Zoom info will be sent prior to the meeting.
Stay-at-Home Fun
*** The San Francisco Center for the Book has an online series of virtual tours called Shelter in Studio.
The focus is to chat with folks (SFCB Staff, instructors, and community members) about projects and processes that keep hands and minds engaged. Stop on by every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. PT for a half hour studio visit.
You can view videos of past visits (Coleen Curry, Macy Chadwick, Jennie Hinchcliff) by visiting the SFCB website.
*** On August 19, Yuka Petz is teaching Split-Page Books as a virtual workshop in association with the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Also known as mix-and-match books, split-page books are simple, yet compelling structures that encourage lots of hands-on engagement.
In this workshop, you will examine a variety of artist-made and commercially printed examples and then make your own folded and sewn variations of split-page books. You will also discuss creating split-page books in collaboration with adults and children, and how to structure content to create cohesive books that retain the play of chance operations. Participants will also have the option to collaborate on a split-page book with other class members, to be completed after the workshop.
For more information or to register, visit the MCBA website.
*** The San Francisco Center for the Book is also offering a number of online workshops via Zoom. Here is a selection of what’s available during the month of August:
August 25 & 27: Suminagashi Marbled Notebook with Juliayn Coleman
Suminigashi is a relaxing and fun way to marble paper, with little set-up, little clean-up, and yet the results can be stunning. Many types of paper will accept the ink, and consequently it’s a great way to make use of ordinary paper, or to think of fine paper in a new way. There is some flexibility in the dimensions of the finished book, so students may make use of the paper they already have.
Join us for a couple hours in this fun and creative project as we float ink on water, observing the ripples that form, and transfer them to paper as the record of a moment. In the second session, we’ll use some of our paper to make a simple binding for a blank book you can use.
August 29 & 30: Contemporary Gilding with Solange Roberdeau
Using a contemporary version of gilding, the process of applying paper-thin sheets of metal to a surface, workshop participants will learn how to add metal to paper, wood and stone in their own shapes and patterns.
Over the course of two 2-hour sessions, Solange will walk participants through the nuances of this technique from how to effectively prepare a variety of material surfaces and apply metal leaf as a compositional element.
For more information or to register, visit the SFCB website.
