Outreach and Collaborative Exhibitions
2024/2025
Nature and the Book: In 2024, PSBA members Lou Cabeen, Jane Carlin, Deborah Greenwood, and Lucia Harrison curated the inaugural Nature and the Book exhibition at the Elisabeth C. Miller Library, located at the Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle, Washington. This exhibition featured works by PSBA members that explored themes of nature and the environment.
Following the success of the 2024 show, the Miller Library invited PSBA to curate a second exhibition in 2025, which was also displayed at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island. Both exhibitions celebrated the work of artists whose creative practices are deeply rooted in the natural world. They highlighted the dynamic intersection between nature, art, and the printed page, engaging with topics such as sustainability, climate change, and the beauty inherent in the environment.
From detailed illustrations of plant life to contemplative pieces on ecological transformation, the artworks employed the book form as a powerful medium to express both the fragility and resilience of our planet. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest and beyond, artists brought attention to the intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and rich textures found in the surrounding flora and fauna.
These exhibitions addressed pressing contemporary issues, using nature as a lens through which to examine global concerns. Through printmaking, bookbinding, and mixed media, artists invited viewers to consider the role of books not only as artistic expressions but also as vital carriers of messages about the future of our planet. If you want further details of the artists in the exhibition and images, please email using the subject line Nature and the Book: info@pugetsoundbookartists.org
2021/2022
Science Stories: (October 15th 2021–January 2022) Science Stories is a unique project that brings together Pacific Northwest Scientists and book artists to create engaging and unique artists' books that offer new ways to interpret science and tell a story. The website includes videos about each scientists’ research as well as information, images, and videos about each artists’ book project.
2019
All Stitched Up: An international juried artist book exhibition (September 3rd–December 11th, 2019) All Stitched Up recognizes and celebrates the work of book artists’ where stitching has become an integral part of the visual design. The call for this exhibition encouraged artists to reflect upon the act of stitching. As stated in the call for this exhibition: To stitch is to join together, to mend, or fasten as with stitches—to sew. To stitch is to bring together fabric, paper, wounds of the body, or cultural divides. Stitching can be an act of healing, hope, practicality, creativity, and revolution. This exhibition was curated by Jane Carlin and Catherine Alice Michaelis. A catalog of the exhibition is available for purchase via Blurb.com.
Transforming Knowledge: Altered Encyclopedias: (February 1–May 20, 2019) This exhibit features altered encyclopedias made by local artists. PSBA artists transformed a single volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica into bespoke books and objects. We are grateful to the participating artists who have transformed the discarded volumes into new and vibrant works of art that reflect new ideas. The exhibit also features photographs from local photographer and PSBA member, Sharon Styer.
2015
Dirt? Scientists, Book Artists, and Writers Reflect on Soil and Our Environment: (Fall 2015) In honor of the United Nations International 2015 Year of Soils, The Collins Memorial Library on the campus of University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington agreed to host an interdisciplinary exhibition, Dirt? Scientists, Artists, and Poets Reflect on Soil and Our Environment. On display from August 6 through December 6, 2015, the exhibition featured natural history specimens, and artist books and poems selected from an international call for entries. We challenged the scientists, artists, and poets to make the soil visible. Their work deepens our understanding of how humans think about soil and what we need to do to pass along this precious resource to future generations.