|
June 5 - August 3, 2025
Collins Memorial Library, University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, Washington
Contact:
Debbi Commodore, Exhibition Chair
Email: psba.exhibition@pugetsoundbookartists.org
The 2025 Exhibition Committee: Debbi Commodore, Kim Izenman, Diane Miller, Sha Towers, Suze Woolf
Tacoma, WA – May, 2025 – The Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) is proud to announce the 14th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Field Work, featuring 57 original artists’ books. The exhibition will be on view at the Collins Memorial Library, University of Puget Sound, from June 5 to August 3, 2025, and will travel to the Daniel J. Evans Library at The Evergreen State College in Olympia from September 29 to December 12, 2025. Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.
This year’s theme, Field Work, invites artists to interpret the idea of the “field” broadly—whether natural, historic, literary, scientific and more. The result is a rich and imaginative display of books exploring landscapes, passions, disciplines, and discoveries.
“We are excited to share this exceptional range of work with the public,” said Exhibition Chair Debbi Commodore. “These books demonstrate the boundless creativity and thoughtfulness that define the book arts today. This exhibition proudly demonstrates PSBA dedication to art, education, community outreach and diversity.“
The exhibition reflects a variety of interpretations of the theme of Field Work. The exhibition reflects a variety of interpretations of the theme of Field Work. For example, LeeAnne Campos created an accordion book with materials that reflected the book’s story—TRABAJAR LOS CAMPOS (to work the fields). In 1942, a deal was signed by Mexico and the United States to alleviate the labor shortage in the U.S. during WWII. Vital to the U.S.'s food supply, the agreement created the Bracero program. Bracero means "one who works with his arms" or field hand. Ending in 1964, this program brought 4.6 million Mexicans to the U.S., where many endured harsh treatment and unrealized promises of fair wages.
LeeAnne Campos: TRABAJAR LOS CAMPOS
Some interpretations focused on a sense of place like Servane Briand in her work, Botanikals-4. The artist states, “These books are impressed by my surroundings. They reflect the seasons in Northern California. These were made in late Spring 2024, when the hills are golden, the days are long and everything bursts with color.”
Servane Briand: Bontanikals-4
Others chose unique geographic settings like our own Puget Sound, while others traveled across the globe. Some of the artists went back in time, some explored regional histories, accomplishments of women or they honored inspiring artists who came before us.
The naturalists focused on the flora and fauna from their special “sit spot.” Other artists were not grounded in an earthly field but offered their work in ethereal realms of dreams, heavenly sightings, spiritual references or magical parables. Books also touched on social issues both historical and current—some capturing an adventurous moment, others painful ones—emphasizing our shared notions. And finally, some artists found their field work in this moment, right in front of them.
PSBA acknowledges the support of Collins Memorial Library, University of Puget Sound and the Daniel J. Evans Library at The Evergreen State College.
Associated Exhibition Dates:
Opening Reception—Thursday, June 5, 2025, 4:30 - 6:30 at the Collins Memorial Library, University of Puget Sound. Awards will be announced at the event. See the University website https://www.pugetsound.edu/ for library hours and parking information.
Open Case — ZOOM, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at noon. Participants should register for the event at the Puget Sound Book Artists website. There will be a moderated discussion with select artists about their books.
Open Case— in-person, Thursday, July 24, 2025, 4:00 – 5:30 at the Collins Memorial Library in room 053. This is an opportunity to meet the artists and hear them describe their work.
Community Engagement Project—Participants will have the opportunity to write their thoughts about book arts. The cards will be collected throughout the show and turn into an artist book at the end of the exhibition.
To learn more about the Puget Sound Book Artists, visit the website at: https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/
For media inquiries, images, or to schedule an interview, or for more information, please contact: mailto:psba.exhibition@pugetsoundbookartists.org
|