Greetings,
I was thinking this morning about why I spend so much time with PSBA related tasks. I joined PSBA because I wanted to take a workshop with Colette Fu. I slowly became involved with PSBA because I liked being with creative people. Being creative is so important to my life and PSBA activities and people give me joy.
We know that you have choices for spending your time, so thanks for reading the newsletter.
Belinda Hill, President
PSBA Members’ Spotlight
The May Spotlight shines on Jan Ward.
On that first perfect spring day in early April, I visited Jan’s studios—Crow’s Nest and Raven’s Lodge. Her little bit of paradise sits on five acres holding an original 1900 cabin, a dilapidated barn, and a garden where one version of her legacy story grows.
Jan and Chuck have lived here for 50 years before Edgewood even became a town. The ghosts of sheep, cows, goats and a horse can still be felt. Jan built her studios to carry on her lifelong passion for making art.
—Diane Miller
You'll find her Spotlight interview here.
Previous spotlight profiles are here.
If you have a suggestion for a PSBA spotlight, contact Jane Carlin (carlinjane@gmail.com) or Diane Miller (dianemiller1914@gmail.com).
Upcoming Workshop
May 17: Book Wraps and Belly Bands Mini-Workshop: 10am-1pm. Studio of Becky Frehse, Tacoma.
There are some places left for this delightful workshop!
Now that your artist book is completed, what are some ways to protect it while storing or transporting it?
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to create beautiful and functional book wraps and belly bands designed specifically to protect and personalize their artist books. We’ll explore four different book wrap styles, ranging from simple folded designs to more structured, durable constructions. You’ll also learn how to make two unique belly bands that securely hold your books closed while adding a tailored, finished touch.
Join us to learn practical techniques to help preserve your work while elevating its presentation. Debbie Commodore is an experienced and innovative teacher whose work can be seen on her website and in many collections. You can learn more and register for this class here.
Tool list will be provided in advance. Materials will be provided. This workshop is suitable for all skill levels.
Mini-workshop fee: $50. Register here.
2026 Annual Members’ Exhibition: Celebrating 15 Years of Creativity and Community!
Countdown to the Annual Members' Exhibition!
Our exhibition opening is just around the corner. A few updates for you:
If you would like to order a copy of the PSBA 2026 Members' Exhibition Catalog, please contact Lucia Harrison, luciaharrison49@gmail.com, as soon as possible. This year's catalog is designed by Rebecca Chamlee.
The reception schedule is below. Please plan accordingly - we want everyone to have time to browse and bid on Silent Auction items, as well as to spend time in the Exhibition space and gather for our celebratory remarks!
The 15th Annual Members’ Exhibition, Reception and Silent Auction - Collins Library 4:00 – 6:30 PM
We are delighted to welcome you to an evening of books, community, and celebration. Our sincere thanks to our hosts at the Collins Memorial Library for their generous support.
Enjoy the Silent Auction, refreshments, and time with the exhibition—and be sure to join us for remarks in the Front Reading Room at 5:45 PM.
Evening Schedule:
Please note: the exhibition will be open and accessible throughout the entire evening.
Silent Auction 4pm-5pm
- Arrive early to browse and bid on thoughtfully curated items presented by our auction team, Rachel Watson and Judy Cook.
- Proceeds from the auction directly support PSBA educational programs.
- Payment: Auction items may be purchased between 5pm-5:30pm or at the conclusion of the evening as you depart.
- Auction payment stations will be located near the front entrance.
Meet, Greet & Share 5pm-5:45pm
- Connect with fellow members in the exhibition space or enjoy refreshments in the Pacific Northwest Room.
- Look for artists wearing “Ask Me About My Book” nametags and take a moment to learn more about their work. We encourage you to introduce yourself to someone new and share your connection to PSBA.
Recognition Remarks and Special Presentation 5:45pm–6:15pm
- Please gather in the Front Reading Room for brief remarks from the curatorial team, a preview of the 2027 exhibition, and the unveiling of a special keepsake designed by Jessica Spring.
Following the presentation, you are welcome to continue browsing the exhibition, enjoying refreshments, and connecting with fellow guests as the evening winds down.
Enjoy the evening—and thank you for being part of our community!
Note: Registration for the two Open Case Events is available on the PSBA calendar. We encourage you to contact Jane Carlin, carlinjane@gmail.com if you would like to present your book at either the In-Person event (July 16) or Zoom Event (July 11). Please be sure to register to attend the In-Person Event or the ZOOM Event even if you are not presenting as seating space is limited for the in-person event.
2026 Annual Members’ Exhibition Silent Auction Update
We have received some awesome donations for our upcoming Silent Auctions. The online silent auction will be presented in late May, followed by the in-person silent auction at the Annual Members’ Exhibition opening reception June 4.
Volunteers Needed for June 4 Member’s Exhibition
Opening Reception!!
We are seeking volunteers to greet attendees at the front door of Colins Library at our upcoming Annual Exhibition. The volunteer shift will be 30 minutes at the door between 4:30 and 5:30pm, Thursday, June 4. It will be a nice welcome to our members and the greater community that will attend. This year, along with name tags, we will offer a flyer including a schedule of the evening and information about the Silent Auction.
Do you love to take photos? We seek a member who will take candid shots of the Exhibition Opening. We want to document the evening and would like to count on a volunteer contributing to our photo “archive.”
Please contact Lynn @ mcclaingrp@gmail.com by May 25 if these opportunities work for you.
Thank you - and we look forward to seeing you on June 4!
Memorial Service for MalPina Chan
The family is planning a memorial service in Tacoma the weekend of July 18. As soon as we know more details, we will share.
PSBA Members Receive Nominations
Congratulations to Suze Woolf, Mare Blocker and Carletta Carrington Wilson who are nominated as women book artists to watch in 2027 by the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Administrative Support Professional
As our organization has expanded programs and services, we are seeking an Administrative Support professional.
We seek a reliable and detail-oriented Administrative Support professional to provide essential operational assistance to the organization. This is a remote, work-from-home contract position with occasional meetings in the Olympia/Tacoma area, averaging approximately 25 hours a month for an initial six-month term, with the possibility of renewal. This position reports to the Board Chair and Executive Committee.
Preference will be given to PSBA members and it is important that the candidate is available to assist with projects in both Olympia and Tacoma.
A full listing of job responsibilities along with application information is available here.
Olympia Meetup
We'll meet at the Olympia Public Library's meeting room on Friday, May 29, starting at 1pm. Bring artwork or creative writing to share.
Belinda will be delivering books to the members' exhibition on June 1 and will be happy to take others’ books as well.
Pierce County Meetup
The Pierce County Meetup will be May 13 from 6-8pm at United Church in University Place (3912 Grandview Drive W, University Place, WA). All are welcome. Questions? Email Lucia Harrison at luciaharrison49@gmail.com.
New Exhibition in Olympia Curated by Kristin Tollefson
The exhibition Book/Mark: Selected Works from Puget Sound Book Artists and Friends is currently on view in the Temple of Justice on the Capitol campus in Olympia. The show includes artists' books made and collected by members of the Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) and is slated to run through May 15, 2026.
The long-range goal of this nascent exhibition program is to create an atmosphere of representation and inclusion through the work of artists from or significantly connected to Washington state in the Temple of Justice. The Temple of Justice was the first building constructed on the Washington State Capitol Campus. This marble building constructed in the neoclassical style houses the state’s Supreme Court, the offices of the Justices, their staff, a library, deliberation chambers and other spaces that support the judicial branch of Washington state.
Book/Mark is on display in the glass cases located in the foyer of the public entrance lobby and in the glass-front bookcases in the Chief’s Reception Room, both situated on the main level of the Temple of Justice. The space is open to the public during business hours, 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday.
PSBA member Jan Ward has created this short YouTube video which provides a visual of the exhibition: https://youtu.be/FNKPJ5Le7zA.
Artists represented included (in no particular order): Ann Spiers, Jenny Craig, Debbi Commodore, Mare Blocker, Anna Moore, Kitty Koppelman, Yoshi Nakagawa, Jessica Spring, Belinda Hill, Elsi Vasdal Ellis, Lisa Hasegawa, Jennifer Kennard, Kim newall, Bonnie Thompson Normam, LeeAnne Campos, Peter Newland, Mita Mahato, Dorothy McCuistion, Jan Ward, Catherine Alice Michaelis, Ann Bingham, Karen Kuncy, Mark Hoppmann, Kim Izenman, Fred Hagastrom, and Gabby Cooksey.
For more information, please contact Kristin L. Tollefson: www.kltollefson.com.
ATC (Artist Trading Cards)
Several PSBA members like to make and trade ATC. If you'd like to trade with other PSBA members, get in touch with Belinda benjisnewadventure@gmail.com and we'll work out a plan.
Member News
Marilyn Stablein: Marilyn's recent artist book Undercover: Briefs & Drawers will be featured at the Red Fox Booth at the International Printed Matter's Los Angeles Artist Book Art Fair, at the Art Center, College of Design, in Pasadena, California which runs from May 7-10. The book will be available at the Red Fox Booth F15.
The book, published by Red Fox Press, Ireland, features 40 original collages and is a visual exploration of 19th and early 20th century cultural and visual customs. The hardcover book is a limited edition of 150 numbered copies.
Peter Newland: Peter will be at the Wayzgoose swap meet at Tacoma Main Library on Saturday, May 2, having a closeout sale that includes lots of sheets of Arches, Fabriano, and other “brands” of papers.
There will also be book cloth, binders board, decorative papers, and other printing and book related items.
Everything at bargain prices as we pare down our flat files.
Other Book Arts Resources
The Book & Paper Arts Calendar and Newsletteris another great resource for book arts new and events. Sign up and receive their free monthly newsletter.
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 Tuesday, May 26. Subject line should read: PSBA Member News. The June 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.
