Greetings,
The first week in June is going to be a busy time for many PSBA members. Our exhibition team will be collecting your books and setting up the exhibition. The team working on the auctions will be busy getting everything ready for those attending the reception to admire and bid on. Other volunteers will be preparing for the reception and I hope that many of you will be coming. Thank you all! Whether you will be working at the reception, attending the reception, coming to the reception or sharing links to the online auction or the beautiful pieces in social media, we appreciate your involvement.
Belinda Hill, President
Included in this Newsletter:
- PSBA Members' Spotlight
- Upcoming Events
- 2026 Annual Members’ Exhibition and Silent Auction Update
- 2026 8th Annual Book Exchange
- Remembering Selene Fisher
- Volunteer Opportunity – Join the PSBA Communications Committee!
- Seattle Art Book Fair Recap
- Meetups
- Member News
- Other Book Arts Events
- Call for Member News and Upcoming Events
PSBA Members’ Spotlight
The June Members’ spotlight is Lucia Harrison.
Lucia and I spent a Saturday afternoon drinking herbal tea and talking about her path as an artist—starting as a little kid growing up on Olympia’s Cooper Point to her present day life in Tacoma. We sat on the patio adjacent to her native plant garden. Many of you know Lucia, so you can imagine her garden: one that generously offers both nourishment and beauty. It’s a pastoral dream in an urban setting. A story within a story, the garden still inspires her, and remains a work in progress just like her art. I wonder how many members of PSBA started as seedlings in Lucia’s garden.
—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 Events
June 11: Lunchtime Conversation with Rachel Church: Blue Books: Cyanotype Across a Practice. Noon-1pm. Zoom.
Research, material history, and intentionality of color and medium choice are integral to Church’s artwork. This presentation will follow the use of cyanotype in her work, exploring how its history, process, and color enhance and inform the artwork’s message. In the process, we’ll also discover the qualities that make cyanotype particularly well suited for integration into artist’s books and beyond.
Register here.
August 29: Annual Picnic at Wapato Park in Tacoma. Details to come.
2026 Annual Members’ Exhibition Updates: 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
The Silent Auction is live! Click here to view and bid on items. To bid, follow the easy step-by-step instructions to register and place your bids.
Auction closes June 1 at midnight.
2026 8th Annual Book Exchange
The PSBA 2026 8th Annual Book Exchange is an opportunity to exchange your artist book with another artist. This year’s theme is “Wabi-sabi.” Definitions of the term vary, but Wikipedia describes it as a Japanese aesthetic that centers on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. In the arts, it often emphasizes natural materials, simplicity, and a sense of authenticity and imperfection. For our Book Exchange, there are many possibilities with the theme, such as exploring concepts around the natural cycle of growth and decay; using materials that celebrate beautiful, rustic, or incomplete objects; or a piece that’s not only about impermanence but also uses materials that are themselves transitory. We encourage everyone to look up the different facets of Wabi-sabi online and see where the "rabbit hole" of research takes your design.
For those who are new to the Book Exchange, the rules are simple. Create a book using the theme as a guide and join us for the Exchange at the in-person event on October 4th, 2026 (2–4 PM) at Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), Ingram Hall, 12149 8th Avenue Ct S, Parkland, WA 98444. Your name/book will be randomly paired with another participating artist, and in exchange you’ll receive a book from a randomly selected participating artist.
If you cannot be physically present at the Exchange but would like to participate, you are welcome to do so. Please note that if you are mailing your books, your books must arrive by October 1 and include a $10 check made payable to PSBA to offset the shipping costs of the book that will be mailed to you after the Exchange.
Send your book and check to:
LeeAnne Campos
4001 S Pine St
Unit 111163
Tacoma WA 98411
Complete the online registration form by September 20.
For inspiration, visit the PSBA website to view images of the books from the past few years.
Questions? Contact LeeAnneCampos@icloud.com.
PSBA 2026 8th Annual Book Exchange Committee
LeeAnne Campos
Deborah Poe
Janet Reynolds
Denise Stephenson
Remembering Selene Fisher
It is with sadness that we share the sudden passing of Selene Fisher, President of the Book Arts Guild, teacher, artist, organizer, and longtime champion of the book arts community.
Selene was a dedicated supporter of FOBA for many years, contributing countless hours as an organizer, instructor, mentor, and advocate for the field. Most recently, she played an important role in the development of the collaborative “3 Way” organization project bringing together the Book Arts Guild, the Guild of Book Workers, and the Puget Sound Book Artists to support professional development opportunities within the book arts community.
At the recent Seattle Book Fair, she enthusiastically assisted with volunteer coordination and community outreach, continuing her longstanding commitment to fostering connection and support among artists and makers. She had also been scheduled to teach several classes at FOBA this summer, and her absence will be deeply felt by students, colleagues, and friends alike.
PSBA extends heartfelt condolences to Selene’s family, her colleagues on the Book Arts Guild Board, and the many artists, students, and friends whose lives she touched through her creativity, kindness, and dedication.
At this time, we do not have additional information regarding memorial arrangements, but we will share updates with the community as they become available.
Volunteer Opportunity –
Join the PSBA Communications Committee!
We are seeking at least two members who would like to help share the work of our organization with the wider community. Opportunities include:
• Assisting with the production of the monthly PSBA newsletter
• Writing and distributing press releases to local media outlets
• Helping update website content
• Promoting PSBA events, exhibitions, and members through social media
If you love writing, photography, and social media, this is a wonderful way to meet fellow members, learn more about PSBA activities, and play an important role in supporting the book arts in our region.
No single volunteer needs to do everything — we welcome a range of skills, interests, and levels of experience!
If you are interested in joining the Communications Committee or would like to learn more, please contact Jane: carlinjane@gmail.com.
Seattle Art Book Fair Recap
Wow! It is hard to describe the energy, "vibe" and vast array of books, graphic novels, posters, cards and displays at the Seattle Art Book Fair. It was an inspiring and fun event and joy to share a table with our friends from the Book Arts Guild. Our table was right next to the BIMA Book Arts, Partners in Print and also had the chance to connect with other community tables including the Seattle Public Library, Books for Prisoners and Olympia Community Print. The only thing we needed was a bigger table! (smile). Thanks to all the volunteers: Abbie Birmingham, Jane Carlin, Jan Dove, Esther Ervin, Sorrel Fields, Selene Fisher, Chuck FItzgerald, Kate Leonard, Lynn McClain, Julie Tanaka, Suze Wolfe, and Jean Wyatt.
Olympia MeetUp
No Olympia meetup in June.
Pierce County MeetUp
The next PSBA Pierce County Meetup will be on Wednesday, June 10, 6pm-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.
Member News
Marilyn Stablein, book artist and publisher of artist books under the imprint Book Arts Editions, will have a booth at a Portland, Oregon weekend bookfair. The Portland Indie Book & Art Fair hosted by Buckman Publishing, will occur Saturday June 27 from 11am- 6pm at the Honey Latte Building, 1033 SE Main St., Portland 97214. Free admission and ADA accessible. Drop by and say hello if you're in town. Visit Marilyn’s website here.
Other Book Arts Events
New Exhibit at Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art will host the retrospective exhibit Object Lessons from July 3 to September 20. This exhibition will include artists' books, installations, assemblage and collage works. An artist talk and reception will take place on August 1. On September 13, the film debut of Migration of a Seebound Heart will be held. Additional information is at https://www.biartmuseum.org/exhibitions/carletta-carrington-wilson-retrospective/.
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 Friday, June 26. Subject line should read: PSBA Member News. The July 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.
