Importance Notice
We are currently negotiating a tentative timetable for our website redesign process to commence. There is a strong possibility that our PSBA website will be unavailable between April 7-28. We URGE you to go ahead and register for April and May events prior to April 7. Additional emails on this schedule will be forthcoming.
Greetings from the PSBA President!
Dear Friends,
I joined PSBA because there was a workshop that I really wanted to take. I also thought that it would be fun to challenge myself to enter a book into the Members’ Exhibition. Since then, I have continued to benefit from both the opportunities and challenges that are offered to members. Among the opportunities are working with other members of the organization. I learned so much and gained new friends from working on the exhibition committee for two years. Now as president I get to benefit further from getting to know and work with many of you.
Challenge yourself and consider joining one of our committees or taking on a small task like becoming a Zoom host and see how much you'll gain.
Happy Spring,
Belinda Hill
Call for Book Artists to Feature in PSBA Members’ Spotlight
PSBA is beginning a new series of spotlight interviews featuring its members. If you have someone in mind, contact Jane Carlin (carlinjane@gmail.com), chair of the Communications Committee.
Upcoming Events
On Display Now-April 27: Nature and the Book Exhibit at Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island. This exhibition, previously displayed at the Miller Library of the University of Washington, is now on display in the beautiful Residence on the Bloedel Reserve. Please note that tickets are required to visit the Reserve and may be purchased online. For those of you that are not members, you may want to take advantage of the Welcome Wednesday option. On the first Wednesday of the month visit the Bloedel for a pay-what-you-wish community day at Bloedel. You still need to book a ticket but will pay what you want. Read more about the exhibit here: https://bloedelreserve.org/nature-book-exhibition/.
April 10: Lunchtime ZOOM Conversation with Heidi Gustafson. Noon–1 PM, Zoom.
We are delighted to welcome Pacific Northwest artist, author and ochre specialist, Heidi Gustafson, to join us to discuss the process and relationship between two versions of her spellbinding field guide, Book of Earth. The original Book of Earth, is an oracular artists' book made of bioregional pigments and soils, intended to let the land/rocks speak for themselves. The commercial version, Book of Earth: A Guide to Ochre, Pigment, and Raw Color (Abrams, 2023) repeats the intention, but with more experiential guidance and land stories for the reader to further engage place, and working with pigment-bearing minerals through embodied, artistic practice. Learn more about Heidi on her website, earlyfutures.com or on instagram @heidilynnheidilynn.
April 26: Mini-Workshop Collage Book with Accordion/Tunnel Surprise. Zoom, 9AM-Noon.
Using random ephemera, images and scrap paper we will build an unique structure that houses a folded accordion which when fully opened, reveals a dimensional tunnel attached to the inside back cover. We will collage and paint the covers, the accordion and tunnel. Create a story that carries the viewer from the front cover to the inside panels and then to the dimensional collage in the back. Work can be based on a theme or a random exploration. Experience making books and working with collage is helpful, but not necessary. All skill levels are welcome.
Workshop Fee: $25.
Additional information and registration available at https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/event-6059716.
April 30: How to Pack Your Work Information Session. Zoom, Noon-1pm.
PSBA is thrilled to offer artists in our Annual Members’ Exhibition the opportunity to have work travel to multiple venues. As your artwork will be on the move, it’s essential to pack it properly to ensure it arrives safely at each site.
You do not need to have work in the Annual Exhibition to attend.
The Zoom event will be recorded and available on the PSBA website afterward.
For more information about the exhibition, please contact psba.exhibition@pugetsoundbookartists.org.
Registration is forthcoming and will be on the Events page at https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/events.
May 15: Lunchtime Conversation with Suzanne Moore. Zoom, Noon-1pm.
Additiona information coming soon on the Events page at https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/events/
May 17: Mini-Workshop Expand the Accordion Fold Structure. Becky Frehse Studio in Tacoma, 1pm-4pm.
The accordion structure has endless possibilities! In this workshop participants will learn variations of the structure including the pocket accordion, the flag book, and how to multiply the accordion structure when combining it with a sewn in signature. We will also look at sewing needles, thread, sewing templates, simple sewing techniques, and make 3-5 accordion structures.
Workshop Fee: $55.
Additional information and registration available at https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/event-6071425.
May 31: Mini-Workshop One Sheet Wonder--Explore the Maze Book Structure. Becky Frehse Studio in Tacoma, 1pm-4pm.
With a single sheet, a series of folds, and strategic cuts a beautiful book is created that has unusual formations, twists, and turns. Shereen LaPlantz describes maze books as spaces for stories within stories. Participants will learn multiple patterns for maze books and create books on both mock-up paper and fine art paper.
Workshop Fee: $45.
Additional information and registration available at https://pugetsoundbookartists.wildapricot.org/event-6071333.
2025 Annual Members Exhibition Update!
We’re entering into the season of the Annual Members’ Exhibition. The 2025 theme, Field Work, has been met with a lot of enthusiasm by the members putting the final touches on their books. Can’t wait until June when we get to see the unveiling? The exhibition committee is ready to announce the exhibition related events —mark your calendar.
Final Preparation:
• 04/01 midnight is deadline for the formstack submission.
• 04/30 a zoom tutorial on "How to Pack Your Work.” The lead presenter will be Suzanne Moore. Registration is required for the Zoom session; a recording of the session will also be available. See events calendar for more information.
Book Delivery—see prospectus (or tutorial) for packing instructions:
• 05/29 deadline for the mailed work to arrive at the Collins Library.
• 06/03 in person book drop off at Collins from 1-3pm.
Exhibit Events—more information will be posted to the PSBA Events Calendar in April:
• 06/05 The 2025 Annual Exhibition Opening Reception from 4:30-6:30—registration is not required.
• 06/21 Open Case in-person event from 2-4 pm—registration required.
• 07/08 Virtual Open Case from 12-1 pm—registration required.
Questions? Send your inquiries to psba.exhibition@pugetsoundbookartists.org
Shereen LaPlantz Salon Recap
Despite torrential rains on Sunday, March 23, members of PSBA gathered at Collins Library (University of Puget Sound) to view portions of the Shereen LaPlantz collections. One of PSBA's founding members, Rochelle Monner, donated this extensive collection created by Shereen to the Library. Showcasing a myriad of book structures, from innovative modifications of classic bindings to her own creations, this collection contains many book structures shown as examples depicted in LaPlantz's instructive books about book arts, including The Art & Craft of Handmade Books, Cover to Cover: Creative Techniques for Making Beautiful Books, Journals, and Albums, and Innovative Bookbinding: Secret Compartments & Hidden Messages.
Shout out to PSBA members Gabby Cooksey and Taylor Cox for their work on describing and documenting the collection.
Volunteers Needed for Tacoma Wayzgoose and Seattle Art Book Fair
PSBA is excited to be part of these two signature events and to showcase the events, programs, and artists of our organization. Please consider a volunteer shift at either one of these great events:
Tacoma Wayzgoose
This annual event will take place on Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3. This year, all events will take place inside the newly remodeled Tacoma Public Library located at 1102 Tacoma Avenue S.The website for it is connected to the Write 253 website: www.write253.com. Click on Tacoma Wayzgoose for more info.New this year: On Friday evening, Write253 will be hosting an artists reception! After we shut down the event for the day, all the vendors and artists will be invited to attend for refreshments and an artist talk given by Tacoma printmaker (and 2025 poster designer) Liz Morrow! It’s a chance for you to visit with each other and chill a bit before the second day gets underway.Our PSBA table will involve talking to people about book arts, handing out brochures and materials for a small “take and make” that kids and adults can do on the spot, selling decorative papers, book making books, book leather, etc. and a raffle basket. It really is a lot of fun!Below is the schedule. If you are available to volunteer, please contact Becky Frehse at bfrehsestudio@gmail.com or text her at 253-380-1293 with your preferred day and time. Becky will contact you to confirm.
PSBA Wayzgoose Schedule 2025Thursday, May 15pm: Load and set-up with Becky and Lucia. Nee additional volunteer.Friday, May 210am-Noon: Volunteers needed.Noon-2pm: LeeAnne Campos,2pm-5pm: Carli Shultz,Saturday, May 310am-Noon: Belinda Hill,Noon-2pm: Volunteers needed.2pm-4pm: Sally Alger,4pm-6pm (includes clean-up hour): LeeAnne, Debbi G.,
Seattle Art Book Fair
This event is held on May 10-11 at Washington Hall in Seattle's Central District and will have over 80 exhibitors featuring art publishers, book designers and artists' books. The event will run from 10 am to 5 pm. If you are interested in a volunteer shift please contact Jane Carlin: carlinjane@gmail.com.
Olympia-area PSBA Meetings
The next two Olympia PSBA monthly meetups will be on Monday, April 7 and Monday, May 12 starting at 1 pm in the Olympia Public Library meeting room. Everyone is welcome! Please bring some book arts or creative writing to share. For more information contact Ann Storey aelizabeth.storey@gmail.com.
Pierce County PSBA Meet-ups
University Place Public Library -Large Meeting Room.
Wednesday April 9, 6pm-8:00pm.
Contact Lucia Harrison (luciaharrison49@gmail.com) with questions.
PSBA Seventh Annual Book Exchange - Bridges
The rules for the book exchange are simple. Create a book using the theme as a guide and join us for the Exchange at the in-person event. Drawing one name for each book will result in random exchanges.
If you cannot be physically present at the Exchange but would like to participate, you are very welcome to do so. Books being mailed need to arrive a week before the Exchange There will be a charge for mailing the book.
Send your book and check to:
LeeAnne Campos
4001 S Pine St
Unit 111163
Questions? Email LeeAnneCampos@icloud.com.
PSBA thanks Vamp & Tramp!
Vamp & Tramp Booksellers will be closing June 30 after 30 years in business.
The store will continue to take orders through May 31 and make sure they are fulfilled even if it means delivery after June 30.
Vamp and Tramp will soon begin reaching out to artists to return any inventory we have in our Birmingham office.
For further information, visit their website at http://www.vampandtramp.com/html/home.html.
Call for Member News
Are you planning a special event or workshop? Have you recently presented your work at a Conference or event? Is your work included in an exhibition?
If you would like to share information, please send your submission to Julia.stringfellow@cwu.edu by Saturday, April 26. Subject line should read: PSBA Member News. The May newsletter will be sent out to the membership early that month.
Call to Share Upcoming Events
Do you have an upcoming event that you are holding or participating in? Let us know! Email psba.public.relations@pugetsoundbookartists.org to add it to the calendar.
Sincerely,
Your PSBA Board
Meet the Board members on the Contact Us webpage.
