Attention all PSBA members!
Two new features of the 2026 Annual Members' Exhibition are the 2026 Exhibition logo, designed by PSBA member and exhibition graphic designer Rebecca Chamlee, and the Intent to Submit registration.
This is not mandatory, but by registering your intent to submit to the 2026 Annual Members' Exhibition it provides the Committee with an indication of the number of participants and helps with exhibition layout and design elements.
The deadline to register your Intent to Submit is December 15, 2025.
The process is simple, just reply to psba.exhibition@pugetsoundbookartists.org. You do not have to provide any additional information. And if you change your mind and do not submit, don't worry!
Sincerely,
2026 Exhibition Committee
Jane Carlin
Deborah Greenwood
Lucia Harrison
Mark Hoppmann
Gina Pisello
PSBA Community Project to Celebrate 15 Years
A Celebration of Art, Food, and Creativity!
PSBA invite you to contribute to a new community project — the PSBA Community Cookbook! This playful and imaginative publication will bring together our members’ favorite recipes — both for the kitchen and for the studio. Think of it as a collection of creative “recipes” that nourish both body and spirit. For example, contributions might include a favorite recipe shared at a PSBA event or a "recipe" for making paper, ink, or a book structure.
We are just at the planning stage and are forming a team to work together during the next year to help develop this one-of-a-kind project. If you would like to join in the fun, please contact Jane Carlin: carlinjane@gmail.com by November 1.
PSBA Seventh Annual Book Exchange Recap
The Book Exchange was great fun! Held on Sunday, October 5 at this year’s new location in Ingram Hall at Pacific Lutheran University, 23 book artists submitted superb examples of their skill and interpretation of 2025’s theme, “Bridges.” Everyone enjoyed viewing the imaginative books on display. Each attending participant came forward to describe their book, sharing insights into their creative approach. Nine participants were unable to attend; their artist’s statements were read aloud while their books were presented.
Drawing the name of another artist’s book is always exciting and participants happily went home with a new treasure. The event slideshow will be available in early November on the PSBA website. Many thanks to Pacific Lutheran University and Taylor Cox for hosting this event!
2025 7th Annual Book Exchange Committee
Denise Stephenson
Janet Reynolds
Deborah Poe
LeeAnne Campos
Olympia Meetup
The Olympia Meetup is scheduled for Friday, November 14 at 1:30pm in the Olympia Public Library meeting room. Please join us and bring some art or writing to share. Contact Ann Storey aelizabeth.storey@gmail.com if you have questions.
Pierce County Meetup
The Pierce County Meet Up will be November 12 at the University Place Public Library from 6pm to 8pm. Questions? Email Lucia Harrison at luciaharrison49@gmail.com.
Member News
MalPina Chan: Her new book Unfinished Conversations is featured in the exhibition “UNFINISHED BUSINESS” at the Auburn Postmark Gallery at Center for the Arts. The circles in the book represent conversation bubbles. Visit the gallery’s website to learn more about the exhibit here.
Rebecca Chamlee: Her artist’s book, Listen, received the first place award by the panel of jurors for the “The Book As Art, v.13: Mixed Messages” exhibition in Decatur, GA.
"The Book As Art v.13: Mixed Messages" is the thirteenth edition of an art show celebrating books: objects that, in an increasingly digital world, stubbornly survive.
“Mixed Messages” draws on the layered complexities of language, saying one thing but meaning another. In a world inundated with myriad ways to communicate and connect, messages are muddled, signals crossed, meanings distorted. Ambiguity is the native tongue of nuance. The book, as both object and idea, holds space for these contradictions.
Listen is currently on display in the PSBA annual exhibition at Daniel J. Evans Library at The Evergreen State College through December 12.
Mare Blocker: “Storytime with Mare: Artists’ Books from the Odditorium.” Sherry Grover Gallery, September 29-February 15.
Seattle native Mare Blocker shares 50 years of making artists’ books. Blocker proves that paper and ink are all you need to bring a world to life. Her retrospective focuses on four themes of her life: Fun & Games, Science & Nature, Myths & Legends, and Waterlife. Blocker’s, whimsy, honesty, and daring will entrance you from cover to cover.
Addition information is here.
Other Book Arts Events
Focus on Book Arts: This group provides a free monthly newsletter on the 2026 conference and classes, events and other activities. Sign up at https://focusonbookarts.org/.
Eleventh Annual Washington State Zine Contest is Open:
Submission Guidelines and additional information available here. Entries must be dropped off or postmarked by March 27, 2026. Email sara.pete@sos.wa.gov with questions.
Fall Book Fair November 9
Location: Finnriver Farm & Cidery, 124 Center Road, Chimacum, WA.
When: Sunday, November 9, Noon-5pm.
Additional information is forthcoming and will be here.
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 Wednesday, November 26. Subject line should read: PSBA Member News. The December newsletter will be sent out to the membership early that month.
Sincerely,
Your PSBA Board
