July PSBA Updates
Greetings and Happy Summer, PSBA Members!
PSBA Members' Exhibition
The opening reception of the 2022 Annual Members’ Exhibition celebrated the work of 52 artists, with nearly 55 guests and artists on hand to celebrate the first in-person artists’ reception at Collins Library since 2019.
Juror Dan Shafer selected Kimberly Izenman’s maze-fold accordion book “Grief” for the Award of Excellence. “Grief” invites the reader into a dense meditation on loss and devotion. The meticulously stitched fabric scraps, layered with family artifacts and memories, are both beautiful and fragile, and they seem to be quiet islands in a sea of chaotic, abstract painted gestures. The book reveals a journey through immense challenge and loss which, though intensely personal, is also invitational. In Izenman’s work, we are all given a space to consider our own grief, and to see a way through it.
The Exhibition Committee awarded the Curators’ Choice Award to Ray Zill for her work, “Peaks & Valleys.” This flag book structure incorporates photography and poetry by the artist and chronicles the peaks and valleys she experienced during the pandemic. Through photos using different exposure techniques, Zill depicts herself in a number of powerful poses, sitting back to back with herself drinking and smoking, “Speak the truth, if you let me; cloud your judgment by choice, What is real becomes an effigy when all is shaken but your voice.” The work embodies the exhibition theme, from its visual depictions of the personal ups and downs in the artist’s life to the physical manifestation of peaks and valleys in the book’s curving flag segments. All in all, it was a compelling piece that strongly resonated with the exhibition team.
The exhibition reception was followed by open case presentations over four days in June and July. These were a series of delightful informal, salon style events given by exhibiting artists in which they discussed their work, followed by a Q&A from artists and guests in attendance. The last presentation will be Wednesday, July 6th, 12:00-1:30pm. Registration is required to attend as a guest.
Panel Discussion, Thursday, July 28 5:30-7:00 Collins Library: This last event is a special screening of a panel discussion between several artists in the exhibition and moderator Peter Newland. Light refreshments will be provided. Registration to open soon. E
The Exhibition closes August 5th. The month of July will be our last opportunity to visit the exhibition before it closes forever. Plan a day to come and absorb the work in this exhibition!
To learn more about the exhibition, visit the Collins Library website.
Mini-Workshop: Dragon Book Structure: Instructor: Debbi Commodore, Thursday, July 7, 2022, 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Register here.
Book Club of Washington: Howard Iron Works Printing Museum Virtual Tour July 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM PDT Online Event. Register here.
Puget Sound Book Artists 4th Annual Book Exchange: Participant Registration opened May 1st with 16 artists registering for the event. There is still room for a few more registrants, but time is running out! Registration is required to participate.
Workshop: A Study of Home: Begins September 17. This is a combination of 4 Zoom and In-person sessions taught by Shu-Ju Wang designed to help you learn how to develop an idea, conduct research, and create a workable model for an artist book in time for the 2023 PSBA Exhibition. Registration is required. Registration opens July 7th. For more workshop details visit the PSBA website.
Alisa Banks Presentation: Save the Date! August 25, 4pm, Collins Library Alisa Banks, noted book artist will be speaking about her work on exhibit in Changing the Conversation at Puget Sound. Below is some information from her website.
Alisa Banks investigates connections to contemporary culture, her Creole heritage, and the African diaspora through the lenses of home, terrain, and the body, using Southern Louisiana as a point of entry. Her sculptural artist books, writings, and textile collages, which incorporate fibers and found materials, reference traditional craft forms through twisting, knotting, crocheting, and sewing. Her interests include exploring alternative modes of reading and the performative potential of the book. Alisa’s work has been exhibited in Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, and throughout the US, and is housed in several private and public collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, the US Library of Congress, and the New York Public Library.
Alisa holds a B.S. degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Oklahoma State University and an M.F.A. degree from Texas Woman’s University. She lives in Dallas, TX.
Sincerely,
Your PSBA Board
Greetings and Happy Start of Summer, PSBA Members!
Survey Update and Raffle Winners: Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey earlier this month. Participation was high--73 of 141 members filled out the survey. This tells the board that our members are engaged in PSBA and you have given us lots of food for thought. We will be reporting the results of the survey in the coming weeks.
Three lucky members were selected in a drawing to receive a packet of book arts materials. Congratulations go to Becky Johnston, Susan Kimmel and Ray Zill!
2022 Members’ Exhibition, Upcoming Dates
June 3: Delivery of Work to Collins Library. Front Entrance of Collins Memorial Library at the University of Puget Sound from 10-3. Directions and additional information is here. Masks are now optional but recommended!
June 11: Opening reception at Collins Library, 2-4pm. Masks are now optional but recommended!
June 15: Artists' Registration: 2022 PSBA Members' Exhibition: Open Case Presentations.
Do you want to share the story behind your book? Register to participate in an open case presentation during the 2022 PSBA Members' Exhibition.
Masks are now optional but recommended!
Open case presentations by the artists are scheduled for:
June 15
June22
June 29
July 6
Each open case presentation will be on Wednesday from 12:00-1:30.
Visit the Exhibition page for additional information.
Look for Registration for Guests and Other Artists Who Wish to Listen to the Presentations to open soon!
June 4: Workshop: Exploring Ways to Get Text on the Page.
Location: Dorothy McCuistion’s Tacoma studio
Instructor: Dorothy McCuistion
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Register here.
Workshop Description: If you’re like me and don’t have access to letterpress, it’s always a dilemma to figure out how to put text in my art books. In this class, we will explore many low-tech ways to get words on the page. We will work on our own and at hands-on stations with a variety of methods ranging from pencil to image transfer to printing. While the instructor has many techniques to teach, participants are invited to bring samples of their own methods to share with the class. By the end of the day, each person will have a set of 10 or more sample cards to use as reference for future projects. A few techniques of binding the cards will be demonstrated.
July 7: Mini-Workshop: Dragon Book Structure
Location: Becky Frehse Studio in Tacoma
Instructor: Debbi Commodore
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Registration for PSBA Members Opens May 31, 2022
Workshop Description: The dragon book structure, also known as the snake fold is a simplified version of the petal fold used in origami. The seeming simplicity of folded book structures easily lend to creating more complex structures. In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of folding, scoring and folding tools and explore the versatility of this structure.
Greetings and Happy May, PSBA Members!
Members’ Survey: The PSBA board would like to know what you, our members, want in terms of events and programs. We ask that you take 5-8 minutes (depending on how wordy you get in the comments sections) to fill out this survey.
Please complete the survey by Friday, May 13.
As an incentive to complete the survey, those who elect to do so will be entered into a drawing and three lucky winners will receive a packet of book arts supplies.
Take the survey by clicking here.
May 1: Registration opens for members who want to participate in the Annual Book Exchange. Register here.
2022 Members’ Exhibition, Updates
This year’s guest curator will be Dan Shafer. Dan D Shafer is a Seattle-based graphic designer, artist, and educator. He owns Dandy Co., a graphic design studio specializing in book design, environmental design, and event branding and promotion. Dan is also the Creative Director for Chin Music Press and teaches book arts and design classes at Cornish College of the Arts
SAVE THE DATE: We are planning for in-person events this year, beginning with the opening reception at Collins Library on June 11, 2-4pm.
Other events will include open case presentations by the artists, scheduled for:
Each open case presentation will be on Wednesday, beginning at 12:00
And as a grand finale, a screening and panel discussion on July 28th 5:30-7pm. Details on how to register and attend each of the above events will be posted on the PSBA calendar as they become available
· 53 Artists submitting work for this year's exhibition
· Total # of artists submitting one work: 32
· Total # of artists submitting two works: 12
· Total # of artists submitting three works: 9
· Total # of works submitted for this year's exhibition: 83
May 4: Notification of Acceptance
June 3: Delivery of Work to Collins Library
May 14: Mini-Workshop: Nested Accordion with Watercolor Printing. Register here. Location: Anne Storey's studio. In this workshop we will learn how to make abstract prints to decorate and embellish your artist's books using watercolor and plants.
May 1: Registration opens for members who wish to participate in the Annual Book Exchange.
May 31: Registration opens for Mini-Workshop: Dragon Book Structure. Location: Becky Frehse Studio. The dragon book structure, also known as the snake fold is a simplified version of the petal fold used in origami. The seeming simplicity of folded book structures easily lend to creating more complex structures. In this workshop you will learn the fundamentals of folding, scoring and folding tools and explore the versatility of this structure.
June 4: Workshop: Exploring Ways to Get Text on the Page. Registration opens April 30! Location: Dorothy McCuistion’s Tacoma studio. f you’re like me and don’t have access to letterpress, it’s always a dilemma to figure out how to put text in my art books. In this class, we will explore many low-tech ways to get words on the page. We will work on our own and at hands-on stations with a variety of methods ranging from pencil to image transfer to printing. While the instructor has many techniques to teach, participants are invited to bring samples of their own methods to share with the class. By the end of the day, each person will have a set of 10 or more sample cards to use as reference for future projects. A few techniques of binding the cards will be demonstrated.
And if you haven’t already done so, check out the PSBA’s YouTube channel. Recently added videos include "Annual Members’ Meeting with Amanda Clark and Timothy Eli" and "How to Have a Good Mail Day: Discover the Joys of Mail Art."
Greetings and Happy Spring, PSBA Members!
Covid Protocol: Many organizations are lifting restrictions that were put in place during the height of the Covid pandemic. In an abundance of caution, we are leaving mask requirements to the discretion of workshop hosts and facilitators, as well as to the individuals themselves. In addition, proof of vaccination will be at the discretion of a workshop host.
SAVE THE DATE! The 2022 PSBA Members' Exhibition Opening Reception will be Saturday June 11th, 2-4 pm. It’s that time of year and all members will be receiving a flurry of emails about our upcoming exhibition. It is so exciting to announce that we are planning an in person reception this year. We can’t wait to enjoy the camaraderie of gathering together to celebrate the Book Arts! Keep your eyes posted for details and we look forward to many submissions. Remember, the deadline for submissions is April 22nd! Be sure to visit the Exhibition Prospectus as well as the PSBA website calendar to keep up with events as they unfold.
Etiquette for Marketing Artist Books: A Conversation with Catherine Alice Michaelis is Wednesday, April 6th from 4-5pm via Zoom. The event is free but registration is required.
Botanizing Hope: An Altered Book Botanical Journal. There are still spaces available for this workshop Saturday, April 30th , 10am-4pm at Becky Frehse' Studio. Click here to find out more about the workshop and to register!
Around the “Sound”: Science Stories is now open at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. This beautiful setting, nestled in a wooded area, is a perfect venue to showcase this work. Wild/Life is on display at Collins Library and the Library is now open Sundays from 1:00 to 5:00 pm for the general public. Monday - Thursdays: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Bainbridge Museum has a major book arts show that is on view all spring. Many of our members will be attending CODEX Book Fair in California and we are excited to receive reports from the exhibition hall during their visits.
Cunning Curiosities, The Minature Book: For those who attended and for those who could not attend, but wish they had, Pat Chupa has created a pdf file of the works created during her February workshop, You may view the work by the artists who attended by clicking on this link.
Retreat: The PSBA Board is planning a retreat on May 23rd. If you have ideas or concerns you would like us to address, just let us know!
Membership: A gentle reminder to renew your membership to take advantage of all our programs and events and support the book arts!
Hi Everyone,
The Ides of March are almost upon us and it's time to take advantage of everything the PSBA has to offer! For all of these events, visit the PSBA Calendar to find out more or to register!
March 12: How to Have A Good Mail Day: Discover the Joys of Mail Art
We are pleased to welcome special guest Jennie Hinchcliff, co-author of the book Good Mail Day: A Primer for Eye Popping Post. Jennie will introduce us to the history of mail art and share her long involvement in this art form. For the price of a postage stamp, Mail Art is available to every artist at every level. This event is free but Registration is required.
March 15: SUBMISSIONS BEGIN FOR THE 2022 PSBA MEMBERS' EXHIBITION!
As a member of PSBA you are invited to participate in the 2022 PSBA Annual Exhibition. This year's suggested theme is Peaks and Valleys. Peaks and Valleys invoke many connotations. We encourage members to explore their own highs and lows, literal and metaphorical. Click Here to view the entire Prospectus online, including photography dates and other important information, or to obtain a printable pdf of the prospectus.
March 25: An Open Case Presentation by Vamp & Tramp Booksellers, 12:00-1:00 via Zoom.
Join us in viewing a selection of art books from our friends at Vamp and Tramp Booksellers. We remember the days when Vamp and Tramp made their annual west coast tour and stopped at Collins Memorial Library. We were so fortunate to be able to view and the handle books in person. For now, we’re experiencing the next best option via Zoom. Grab your lunch and settle in to savor the richness of creativity and ingenuity that comes each time we see how artists interpret topics or themes in brand-new ways. This event is free but Registration is required.
March 27: Photography Sessions open for those members needing to get their work photographed for the 2022 PSBA Members' Exhibition. Choose between two days in March and April, courtesy of Collins Library and Curatorial Team Member, Rachel Watson. These sessions are free, but Registration is required.
April 30: Botanizing Hope: An Altered Botanical Journal,
Botanizing Hope is a workshop in which an altered book can become a personal archive of life in a changing climate. In this workshop, participants will learn basic techniques for altering a book to use as a journal in which to record observations of the natural world. Join Puget Sound book artist, Lou Cabeen as she leads this intriguing workshop. Space is limited and Registration is required for this workshop.
February 21-April 21: Guild of Book Workers Triannual Exhibition: Wildllife
And last but not least, be sure to visit Collins Library, the University of Puget Sound, to see this remarkable exhibition featuring approximately 50 works by Guild members. For more information on the exhibition, visit the Collins Library website.
Enjoy!
Your PSBA Board.
Dear PSBA Members,
February brings renewed energy to our organization as we welcome PSBA members, Belinda Hill, Peter Newland, Julia Stringfellow, and Rachel Watson to the PSBA board!
With our 4 new members joining our Board and a new series of workshops and events planned for the spring, the PSBA board and it's members have been busy! Some of you are already participating in Pat Chupa's workshop, Cunning Curiosities: The Miniature Book. If you missed out on this workshop opportunity, we have many more presentations and workshops coming up. To find out more or to register for all or any of these exciting events, visit the Calendar on the PSBA website.
March 15, Submission for the 11th Annual Puget Sound Book Artists Members' Exhibition begins. The prospectus is currently being updated with more detailed information on a continuing bases, but you can visit the current prospectus here.
Once more we have the pleasure of a Zoom presentation by Vamp & Tramp booksellers on March 25th. Join Vicky Stewart and Lindsey Ellinas in an open case presentation beginning at 12pm.
Registration opens on March 1st for the April 30th workshop, Botanizing Hope: An Altered Book Botanical Journal, with instructor Lou Cabeen
Join PSBA members Belinda Hill and Abbie Birmingham as they coordinate the 4th Annual Book Exchange, themed, Pathways. Registration to participate in this annual fun event opens June 1.
Remember to find out more or to register for each or all of these engaging events visit the Calendar on the PSBA website.
We are hopeful renewed energy of spring will lift some of the health restrictions and allow for more in person events. In the short term, remember Collins Library is hosting the Guild of Bookworkers Wild/Life exhibition and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 – 5:00 and from Sundays starting March 29 – April 17 1:00 – 5:00.
See you all soon,
The PSBA Board
Hi Everyone!
Welcome to the wonderful fall weather we've been having. We hope everyone is enjoying it, rain and all. Scroll down to see what is happening for the month of October and beyond.
PSBA 10TH/Redux Annual Members' Exhibition:
The Curitorial Team:
Sally Alger
Peter Newland
Pat Chupa
Rachel Watson
Science Stories: A Collaboration of Book Artists and Scientists is an exhibition running from October 14th 2021 to January 14th, 2022 at Collins Library on the University of Puget Sound Campus. The Library remains open to the public Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visit the website to learn more about the artists and scientists featured in this unique collaborative exhibition:
Introduction to Artist Book Structures: There are still seven spaces available for this two day, introductory workshop instructed by Bonnie Thompson Norman on Saturday and Sunday, November 6-7, 10am-5pm. Registration is required so click here for details and to register!
Tone Poems: An Exhibition of the Work of Becky Frehse at the Helen S. Smith Gallery at Green River College. The exhibition runs from Sept 20th to December 3rd. Click on this link for more info and a virtual tour of the exhibition!
Paper Lantern with a Twist: PSBA has a gift for all of its wonderful members. Gina Pisello will teach a FREE one hour Zoom workshop: Paper Lantern with a Twist on November 4, 2021, 4:00 PM on Zoom. You will learn to make a paper lantern with folds and twists that will light up the holiday season. Look for registration details plus tools and materials list later in October.
Community Connections: PSBA, along with Collins Library, continues to support our community with a free book arts workshop in support of Tacoma Public Library's Tacoma Reads Program. Check out this link and be quick to register as just a few seats remain. And don't forget to check out PSBA member Carletta Carrington WIlson's exhibition at the Moore branch of TPL, click on this link!
And last, but certainly not least,
Annual Member's Meeting: Given the current situation with variants and uncertainty about the future, we will most probably have an online members meeting. But we will fill it with fun and opportunities to interact and share, Stay tuned!
Thank you! A big thank you to Belinda Hill for organizing our book exchange and to all the artists that participated in the event. It was truly inspiring to see your creative work and many interpretations of LAYERS! If you are interested in working on the next exchange, it is never too early to start planning. Please email jcarlin@pugetsound.edu to share your thoughts. Also you can view the slide show of the 2003 Book Exchange here.
Exhibit Panel Discussion: Have you signed up for the Panel Discussion and Live Chat with artists from this year’s exhibition? Mark your calendar for September 23 from 6-8. This is a chance to listen first hand to a number of this year’s artists in a great panel moderated by PSBA member Peter Newland. This is also an opportunity to celebrate our great exhibition. Register here:
Leadership: Several members have expressed interest in assisting the organization, and the call is still open to connect with jcarlin@pugetsound.edu. Not only are we seeking a coordinator for the book exchange as mentioned above, but members for the 2022 exhibition ( Yes, we are already thinking of this!) as well as individuals that would like to offer or coordinate workshops or a zoom presentation.
One Last Thing: Along with all of the great resource materials, a new category has been added to the Artist Resources page on the Home tab: PSBA and Affiliated Book Arts Galleries:
We trust everyone had a pleasant Labor Day weekend and have returned from outings, and get togethers with friends and family. Scroll down to see what is happening this month in the PSBA!
Changes in Leadership: As we shared in the last member's update, we are moving forward with some transitions in leadership. We will be reaching out to members to help move the organization forward with planning and sustainability.
Members' Exhibition: Can it already be a month that the exhibit has been open? Seems like yesterday the doors were opened and members have been coming in on a regular basis to see this wonderful exhibition. It was well worth the wait! Artists: your work is outstanding the exhibition is a pleasure. Please be sure to sign up for the panel discussion coming up soon! Register here to take part in the discussion. Also, the entire 2021 Members' Exhibition can now be viewed online by clicking on this link.
Just around the corner: Science Stories: Science Stories will be installed in mid October and there are a number of virtual programs planned. PSBA has supported this exhibition curated by Lucia Harrison, Jane Carlin and Peter Wimberger. Visit the web site to learn more about the artists and scientists featured in this unique collaborative exhibition: https://blogs.pugetsound.edu/sciencestories/
PSBA Virtual Book Exchange: Are you as excited as we are to see how members have interpreted the theme of this year's book exchange. While we might not be able to meet in person, it will be a fascinating program. Click here to register.
Community Connections: Did you know PSBA is partnering with Tacoma Reads to support this years reading selection of Caste? PSBA member Carletta Carrington Wilson will have a display of her work at a TOL Library and Gabby Cooksey and Taylor Cox will offer a free workshop on basic book arts! Details here: https://www.tacomalibrary.org/tacomareads/
Wish You Were Here: The collaborative book and postcard project in which PSBA members collaborated with the San Diego Book Arts is now online thanks to the dedicated work by Cristina Hajosy from the New England Book Arts with support from Lorraine Crowder from the Bay Area Book Artists! Click here to visit the exhibition!
New Feature on the PSBA Website: We are now posting our monthly updates as blog posts on the website. Go to the Home tab, on your menu bar and look for the Monthly Updates tab. Now you no longer have to worry about losing that monthly PSBA update email!
PSBA Update for late July/August
Dear Members,
Exhibit: Can you believe it is almost August? It is exciting to think many of you will be dropping off your books next week for our annual exhibition at Collins Library. The curatorial team is working hard to put together virtual programs. Since the University of Puget Sound will not be open to the public for the fall semester, we will have the opportunity to "book a visit" to the Library to see the exhibition. Details will soon be shared, but any visitors to the Library will need to adhere to protocol established by the university.
DELIVERY Delivery of work will take place at the Collins Library, 1500 North Warner, unit 1021, on Friday, August 6,2021 between the hours of 10am and 12 noon. Due to covid restrictions on the campus please bring your pieces to the loading dock on the East side of the Collins library. We will meet you there to receive your work. The loading dock access is around on the righthand side as you face the main entrance to the Library. If you care to use it there is also a visitors’ parking lot (#5) at 18th and Warner streets that is very near the loading dock.
MANDATORY INSURANCE FORMS!
The Collins Memorial Library requires that you complete and submit the online Loan Display Agreement by the date of dropoff. It can be accessed and completed at https://www2.pugetsound.edu/academics/academic-resources/collins-memorial-library/loan-display-agreement-form/
Finally…
We received a number of replies to our request about a chance to speak at the August 20th Zoom event. We are interested in knowing if anyone else would like an opportunity to speak briefly on the inspiration behind your creation. Please respond yes or no by return email no later than August 1.
The number of positive responses will guide the format of our celebration.
Leadership: Changes are on the Horizon: Did you ever stop to think that many of our Board members have been leading the organization for over eleven years? It is time to think about some transitions and we ask you to think about stepping up to take on a leadership role for our organization. The benefits are so many - from lasting & permanent friendships, to connecting with artists locally and nationally, and being part of a team! The Board meets once a month and we want to transition to a new President, Vice President, Program Manager and Treasurer within the next year. We will mentor you in these roles and work with you to ensure you are comfortable and ready to move our organization forward for ten more years! Contact dmgreenwood@harbornet.com or jcarlin@pugetsound.edu to learn more about opportunities.
Write253: If you didn't have a chance to join the presentation, be sure to check out the web site and be on the lookout for the recording when it is available. Executive Director Michael Haeflinger is doing AMAZING work for our community and there is so much potential for collaboration! https://www.write253.com/
Shereen LaPlantz - New digital collection: The Collins Library is pleased to launch a new digital collection: Shereen LaPlantz Book Structures Photographs collection.
https://library.artstor.org/#/collection/100197567. This collection was developed by librarian Hilary Robbeloth and provides images to all the books in the Collins archives. In addition, Shereen's husband David, has recently gifted several boxes of personal papers and manuscripts to the Library. Exciting to have this important resource in our local community.
Open House at Bonnie Thompson Norman's Studio, August 28, 2021. Bonnie has generously opened her home and studio to us for our first in-person event. Beginning on August 1st, registration will be open to members and their guests. If you have registered and would like to bring a guest, you may add a guest to your registration. To read all the particulars and to register, click here.
PSBA Third Annual Book Exchange
There is still time to be part of PSBA's Third Annual Book Exchange. Images of your book must be sent to Belinda Hill by August 28, and the Zoom exchange event will be on September 11. Read the details and register here.
Please contact us at psbanews@gmail.com to learn more about the Puget Sound Book Artists or if you have a question about our organization!