ABOUT

In 2010, Jane Carlin, Director of the Collins Memorial Library at the University of Puget Sound, invited community members to join in a conversation about establishing a local book arts organization. Jane’s long-time interest in the book arts and art librarianship provided her with a strong desire to build a collection at the Library as well as to connect book artists in the region. Jane’s interest built on the existing foundation of local artists in the Tacoma community working with book arts including Rochelle Monner and Lynne Farren, supported by bookseller Sweet Pea Flannagan of King’s Books, also located in Tacoma.

An early goal of the organization was to increase awareness of the book arts and to create a spirit of community among those engaged with the book arts. From its beginnings, PSBA is an organization committed to increasing educational opportunities as well as fostering excellence through exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and publications.

Throughout the summer and fall of 2010, the founders group worked together to formulate a mission statement, bylaws, duties of officers, articles of incorporation, and a communication plan to encourage membership. The Puget Sound Book Artists began bringing its vision and mission to fruition.

Collins Memorial Library at the University of Puget Sound served as the unofficial home of PSBA during the years Carlin was Library Director. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to hold exhibits, workshops and lectures at the Library and to witness the growth of the artists’ book collection.

In 2013, the organization was honored by the City of Tacoma with an AMOCAT Award for Community Outreach by an organization. The citation states: 

“The City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission recognize Puget Sound Book Artists for its vision, dedication, and action in creating a lively arts community in Tacoma.”  —Marilyn Strickland, Mayor, City of Tacoma 

The combined skills of the founders and members in organizing, communicating, teaching, and artistic visioning has resulted in a lively, energetic, and compelling schedule of workshops, lectures, annual meetings, and the realization of a very successful Annual Members’ Exhibition.

The exhibit has grown in popularity and submissions over the last decade. The exhibition is organized by a volunteer member curatorial team. This approach not only allows for the continuity of knowledge of the process through returning curators, but provides our members with the opportunity to curate an exhibition. Members of PSBA who want to add that capability to their skills as artists thus get the opportunity of learning how to solicit works, organize the physical layout, shepherd the process through photography sessions, publish the catalog, facilitate publicity, and devise the themes for the presenters.

Programs and workshops have always been an important part of PSBA.

The early activities included “play dates” when members would get together on a regular basis to work with structures and mixed media techniques. These grew to include periodic “salons” focused on sharing ongoing work and ideas and new techniques in book arts.  

As our membership grew, a program structure was devised to allow for more complex multi-day workshops led by members themselves and also bringing in recognized book artists from outside the area. Also, regional meet-ups offer members a chance to gain experience teaching book arts to one another, thus sharing inspiration and knowledge.  

Alliances with academic institutions and allied book arts groups include the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, University of West England/Bristol, Seattle Book Arts Guild, San Diego Book Arts Group. In addition, private and public institutions such as the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, 23 Sandy Gallery, King’s Books, and booksellers Vamp & Tramp have created valuable connections and opportunities for the membership to bring their work to a larger audience. 

PSBA members also benefit by the expansion, cataloging, and development of the book arts collection at the Collins Memorial Library. Of particular importance is the gift of founding member Rochelle Monner’s bequest of the collection of structures and allied documents by Shereen LaPlantz. PSBA honored Rochelle and Ken Monner’s gift in a 2016 reception at the Library. The gift of more than 100 artists' books showcases the myriad of book structures developed by LaPlantz, a personal friend of Rochelle. Rochelle had a significant impact in our community as a supporter of artists' books, a collector, a mentor and also as an amazing teacher. Rochelle passed away in 2019 and PSBA recognizes her important contributions. You can learn more about this unique collection here: https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv935881

Since our formation, we continue to grow and embrace new programs and services through our website, Face Book, YouTube, and Zoom platforms. During the pandemic, PSBA began offering monthly Lunchtime Conversations via ZOOM, connecting with book artists across the globe. While ZOOM offerings continue to expand our reach, in-person meet-ups and events remain a hallmark of our organization.

As we enter our 15th year, we look forward to our organization continuing to grow and prosper and to promote new activities, diverse voices, energy, and creative vision as we welcome a new generation of book artists into Puget Sound Book Artists. 

We are all richer as book artists thanks to each and every member. Kudos, Puget Sound Book Artists! We couldn’t have done it without you. Whether we are old or young, beginners or masters of book arts, from a growing diversity of life experience there is a place for everyone in this wonderful organization. Long may it flourish! In 2010 our organization had 12 founding members and today our membership totals over 200!

Founding Officers: 

Rochelle Monner, President

Jane Carlin, Vice President

Deborah Greenwood, Secretary

Lucia Harrison, Treasurer

Past Presidents:

Rochelle Monner: 2010 - 2013

Mark Hoppmann: 2014 - 2017

Deborah Greenwood: 2018 - 2021

Sally Alger: 2022 -2024

Belinda Hill: 2025 -