Origami Box
Sunday August 29th, 1-3pm
$5 materials fee
All ages: children to adult
Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, You will learn to create 2 models using 2sheets of special kind of paper. By the end of this workshop you'll have a multipurpose box waiting for a lovely photo and perfect to hold a treasure.
To register, please send an email to: store@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org
Sunday, August 22, 2010
4th Friday Reception August 27th, 6-9 pm
Join us for our last 4th Friday reception at PCB on South, August 27th, 6-9pm.
We will be celebrating "Work From the Workshops," an exhibit highlighting work created by participants, interns, and instructors from the workshops held at PCB on South.
Also on hand will be book artists demonstrating different book structur...es and techniques.
Come have fun on South Street!
We will be celebrating "Work From the Workshops," an exhibit highlighting work created by participants, interns, and instructors from the workshops held at PCB on South.
Also on hand will be book artists demonstrating different book structur...es and techniques.
Come have fun on South Street!
Poetry Reading August 26th, 6-8pm
Join us for an evening of poetry Thursday, August 26th, 6-8 pm, featuring the work of Scott Hammer, Leonar Gontarek, and Charles Carr.
Scott Hammer is most recently the author of Mock Draw. His poetry has appeared in magazines such as Poet Lore, Lungfull!, The Hamilton Stone Review, Inertia, Philadelphia Stories, and ...can we have our ball back. In 2003, he won first prize in the poetry award sponsored by the Academy of American Poets and The George Washington University.
He lives in Philadelphia and teaches English at Bodine High School for International Affairs. He is currently working on a novel and a collection of poems.
Leonard Gontarek is the author of St. Genevieve Watching Over Paris, Van Morrison Can't Find His Feet, Zen For Beginners, and Déjà Vu Diner. His poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Fence, Field, Pool, Poetry Northwest, Verse, Hanging Loose.
His work appears in the anthologies The Best American Poetry, Joyful Noise! American Spiritual Poetry, The Working Poet, Dwarf Stars Science Fiction Poetry Anthology.
He has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and twice received Poetry Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council On The Arts. He has been a cabdriver, movie- projectionist, teacher and bookseller.
Join us for an evening of poetry Thursday, August 26th, 6-8 pm, featuring the work of Scott Hammer, Leonar Gontarek, and Charles Carr.
Scott Hammer is most recently the author of Mock Draw. His poetry has appeared in magazines such as Poet Lore, Lungfull!, The Hamilton Stone Review, Inertia, Philadelphia Stories, and ...can we have our ball back. In 2003, he won first prize in the poetry award sponsored by the Academy of American Poets and The George Washington University.
He lives in Philadelphia and teaches English at Bodine High School for International Affairs. He is currently working on a novel and a collection of poems.
Leonard Gontarek is the author of St. Genevieve Watching Over Paris, Van Morrison Can't Find His Feet, Zen For Beginners, and Déjà Vu Diner. His poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Fence, Field, Pool, Poetry Northwest, Verse, Hanging Loose.
His work appears in the anthologies The Best American Poetry, Joyful Noise! American Spiritual Poetry, The Working Poet, Dwarf Stars Science Fiction Poetry Anthology.
He has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and twice received Poetry Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council On The Arts. He has been a cabdriver, movie- projectionist, teacher and bookseller.
Charles Carr is a native Philadelphian, born and raised in Southwest Germantown. Charles attended LaSalle College and Bryn Mawr College, and has a Master degree in American History.
For 35 years Charles has worked in social services, developing programs and advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children. Charles has also completed missions to Haiti and he is active in raising awareness and funds for Haiti. In 2009 Cradle Press of St. Louis published Charles's first book of poetry:paradise, pennsylvania.
Charles has been published in various local poetry reviews and is the 2008 First Prize Winner for the Mad Poets Review. Haitian Mud Pies, Charles's next collection of poems will be completed in December 2010. Charles is married and has one son. is a native Philadelphian, born and raised in Southwest Germantown. Charles attended LaSalle College and Bryn Mawr College, and has a Master degree in American History.
For 35 years Charles has worked in social services, developing programs and advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children. Charles has also completed missions to Haiti and he is active in raising awareness and funds for Haiti. In 2009 Cradle Press of St. Louis published Charles's first book of poetry:paradise, pennsylvania.
Charles has been published in various local poetry reviews and is the 2008 First Prize Winner for the Mad Poets Review. Haitian Mud Pies, Charles's next collection of poems will be completed in December 2010. Charles is married and has one son.
Scott Hammer is most recently the author of Mock Draw. His poetry has appeared in magazines such as Poet Lore, Lungfull!, The Hamilton Stone Review, Inertia, Philadelphia Stories, and ...can we have our ball back. In 2003, he won first prize in the poetry award sponsored by the Academy of American Poets and The George Washington University.
He lives in Philadelphia and teaches English at Bodine High School for International Affairs. He is currently working on a novel and a collection of poems.
Leonard Gontarek is the author of St. Genevieve Watching Over Paris, Van Morrison Can't Find His Feet, Zen For Beginners, and Déjà Vu Diner. His poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Fence, Field, Pool, Poetry Northwest, Verse, Hanging Loose.
His work appears in the anthologies The Best American Poetry, Joyful Noise! American Spiritual Poetry, The Working Poet, Dwarf Stars Science Fiction Poetry Anthology.
He has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and twice received Poetry Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council On The Arts. He has been a cabdriver, movie- projectionist, teacher and bookseller.
Join us for an evening of poetry Thursday, August 26th, 6-8 pm, featuring the work of Scott Hammer, Leonar Gontarek, and Charles Carr.
Scott Hammer is most recently the author of Mock Draw. His poetry has appeared in magazines such as Poet Lore, Lungfull!, The Hamilton Stone Review, Inertia, Philadelphia Stories, and ...can we have our ball back. In 2003, he won first prize in the poetry award sponsored by the Academy of American Poets and The George Washington University.
He lives in Philadelphia and teaches English at Bodine High School for International Affairs. He is currently working on a novel and a collection of poems.
Leonard Gontarek is the author of St. Genevieve Watching Over Paris, Van Morrison Can't Find His Feet, Zen For Beginners, and Déjà Vu Diner. His poems have appeared in American Poetry Review, Fence, Field, Pool, Poetry Northwest, Verse, Hanging Loose.
His work appears in the anthologies The Best American Poetry, Joyful Noise! American Spiritual Poetry, The Working Poet, Dwarf Stars Science Fiction Poetry Anthology.
He has been nominated five times for the Pushcart Prize and twice received Poetry Fellowships from the Pennsylvania Council On The Arts. He has been a cabdriver, movie- projectionist, teacher and bookseller.
Charles Carr is a native Philadelphian, born and raised in Southwest Germantown. Charles attended LaSalle College and Bryn Mawr College, and has a Master degree in American History.
For 35 years Charles has worked in social services, developing programs and advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children. Charles has also completed missions to Haiti and he is active in raising awareness and funds for Haiti. In 2009 Cradle Press of St. Louis published Charles's first book of poetry:paradise, pennsylvania.
Charles has been published in various local poetry reviews and is the 2008 First Prize Winner for the Mad Poets Review. Haitian Mud Pies, Charles's next collection of poems will be completed in December 2010. Charles is married and has one son. is a native Philadelphian, born and raised in Southwest Germantown. Charles attended LaSalle College and Bryn Mawr College, and has a Master degree in American History.
For 35 years Charles has worked in social services, developing programs and advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children. Charles has also completed missions to Haiti and he is active in raising awareness and funds for Haiti. In 2009 Cradle Press of St. Louis published Charles's first book of poetry:paradise, pennsylvania.
Charles has been published in various local poetry reviews and is the 2008 First Prize Winner for the Mad Poets Review. Haitian Mud Pies, Charles's next collection of poems will be completed in December 2010. Charles is married and has one son.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Second session of "The Specimen Book" workshop added
Erin Sweeney will be teaching a second session of "The Specimen Book" on Sunday, August 22nd, 10-4pm. Space is limited, so register today!
The Specimen Book
Erin Sweeney
Section I - Saturday, August 21, 10-4 pm
Section II - Sunday, August 22, 10-4pm
$75 plus materials fee
Click here for a description of the workshop.
To register, please send an email to:
store@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org
The Specimen Book
Erin Sweeney
Section I - Saturday, August 21, 10-4 pm
Section II - Sunday, August 22, 10-4pm
$75 plus materials fee
Click here for a description of the workshop.
To register, please send an email to:
store@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Featured Store Artists at PCB on South
As part of our Arts on South participation, we have two wonderful interns from the Philadelphia Youth Network working with us. Briana, 15, and Tanisha, 20, each selected two artists selling work in our store to feature on our blog and interviewed the artists on their process and inspirations. All work featured in the cooresponding photographs (taken by Briana and Tanisha) are available for sale in our store. This week, the featured artists are Thomas Parker Williams and Sandra Davis.
Thomas Parker Williams interviewed by Briana Davis
1. What
process was used when making Ocean Walk?
For the images I used what is known as block printing. You draw an image on a rubber block or other soft material and cut out the areas where you do not want color to be. This block is then inked with a roller and the paper is pressed on to the block. In this case I used two blocks for each image and let the colors overprint to produce texture. The cover was cut out with a saw. The sound work CD was recorded at the Venice Beach, CA Ocean Walk; I added the percussion later in the studio.
2. What was your inspiration behind Ocean Walk?
My wife and I visited the west coast in 2005 and when I saw the swirling mix of crowds, noise, jugglers, and acrobats I had to record the sounds and do a very bright book as my impression of it all.
3. How did you begin the project Ocean Wave? Were you inspired by the ocean directly?
Ocean Wave is based on earlier work but was inspired by the ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and extreme weather. My wife Mary Agnes and I stayed several times at an inn on Smith Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. To reach it you have to take a small ferry that is really a converted fishing boat for a twelve mile ride through some, at times, rough water. I started thinking about how to represent natural forces in paintings. I came up with a working method that uses computer aided design software to establish true perspective. The paintings are then done from memory. The series is called the “Constructed Elements” and can be seen at my website www.thomasparkerwilliams.com. In doing the research for this series I came across a book about the real structure of ocean waves and how to forecast them. The book “Ocean Wave” uses these techniques to actually construct a real scale model of a wave created by a 50 knot wind. Using the same method that I used in the “Constructed Elements” paintings series I created the Ocean Wave print as a visual repersentation of the paper model.
4. Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes – My mother was an amateur artist and taught me the basics when I was very young. The main thing that got me started, though, was visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with my parents and seeing a Thomas Eakins retrospective when I was about 13 years old. After that, I made art on and off; however since the mid-1980's, making art has been my primary focus.
5. Does your wor
k ever cause you to travel? If so, where have you traveled to?
My wife and I enjoy traveling, and we are returning to Venice, Italy this coming spring. I do not travel especially to make art; however, several works have been inspired by our travels.
6. Have you done any collaboration with other artists? If so, who? What was the project?
Yes – I currently work with three other people. First, my wife, who is a pinhole photographer, and I collaborated on an artist book called “Forest” and are now planning other books together. I have also worked on several visual and music projects with Toe-Knee, a musician, magician and visual artist, including producing a funk album together (see www.definity.us). Third, Allan J. Moore is a writer that I collaborate with on a music website www.vinylhistory.com.
7. Do you fin
d inspiration in things you see or ideas that just come to you?
Both actually. Some ideas come from my wife's photography, some come from reading, and some just happen when I'm riding on the train.
Sandra Davis interviewed by Tanisha Washington
Thomas Parker Williams interviewed by Briana Davis
1. What
process was used when making Ocean Walk?For the images I used what is known as block printing. You draw an image on a rubber block or other soft material and cut out the areas where you do not want color to be. This block is then inked with a roller and the paper is pressed on to the block. In this case I used two blocks for each image and let the colors overprint to produce texture. The cover was cut out with a saw. The sound work CD was recorded at the Venice Beach, CA Ocean Walk; I added the percussion later in the studio.
2. What was your inspiration behind Ocean Walk?
My wife and I visited the west coast in 2005 and when I saw the swirling mix of crowds, noise, jugglers, and acrobats I had to record the sounds and do a very bright book as my impression of it all.
3. How did you begin the project Ocean Wave? Were you inspired by the ocean directly?
Ocean Wave is based on earlier work but was inspired by the ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, and extreme weather. My wife Mary Agnes and I stayed several times at an inn on Smith Island in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay. To reach it you have to take a small ferry that is really a converted fishing boat for a twelve mile ride through some, at times, rough water. I started thinking about how to represent natural forces in paintings. I came up with a working method that uses computer aided design software to establish true perspective. The paintings are then done from memory. The series is called the “Constructed Elements” and can be seen at my website www.thomasparkerwilliams.com. In doing the research for this series I came across a book about the real structure of ocean waves and how to forecast them. The book “Ocean Wave” uses these techniques to actually construct a real scale model of a wave created by a 50 knot wind. Using the same method that I used in the “Constructed Elements” paintings series I created the Ocean Wave print as a visual repersentation of the paper model.
4. Did you always want to be an artist?
Yes – My mother was an amateur artist and taught me the basics when I was very young. The main thing that got me started, though, was visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art with my parents and seeing a Thomas Eakins retrospective when I was about 13 years old. After that, I made art on and off; however since the mid-1980's, making art has been my primary focus.
5. Does your wor
k ever cause you to travel? If so, where have you traveled to?My wife and I enjoy traveling, and we are returning to Venice, Italy this coming spring. I do not travel especially to make art; however, several works have been inspired by our travels.
6. Have you done any collaboration with other artists? If so, who? What was the project?
Yes – I currently work with three other people. First, my wife, who is a pinhole photographer, and I collaborated on an artist book called “Forest” and are now planning other books together. I have also worked on several visual and music projects with Toe-Knee, a musician, magician and visual artist, including producing a funk album together (see www.definity.us). Third, Allan J. Moore is a writer that I collaborate with on a music website www.vinylhistory.com.
7. Do you fin
d inspiration in things you see or ideas that just come to you?Both actually. Some ideas come from my wife's photography, some come from reading, and some just happen when I'm riding on the train.
Sandra Davis interviewed by Tanisha Washington
1. What was the first book you created? 
Funny that you ask the question in that way. My first book is called “My First Amusement Park.”
2. From your personal experience what is the first thing you should do when making a book?
Have a good story to tell. A book is more successful when the story is compelling. Also the concept is stronger when the binding and structure relate to the subject.
3. Are there any types of companies or organizations you work with?
I teach at several universities and colleges. I am currently working with another photographer and book artist on an artist book for the photographer. I also enjoy the many non-profit organizations here in Philadelphia such as the Print Center, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, inLiquid, Philadelphia Center for the Book and The Photo Review. I support of them because I enjoy being part of the Phildelphia artist community.
4. What is the next piece of art work/book that you’re working on?
I have been photographing still lifes of my unusual collection and experimenting with printing and collage in gum bichromate.
5.Who or What inspired you to do art?
When I was growing up, my mother always encouraged me to be creative. She was a ceramicist.
6.Did you grow up in Willow Grove or any othe
r part of Pennsylvania?
Yes, I grew up in Willow Grove and continued to live there while I was in college.
7. What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
It’s hard to choose just one memory. My family vacationed in Avalon, NJ for two weeks every summer. I really enjoyed going on the amusement rides in Wildwood with my brothers.
Funny that you ask the question in that way. My first book is called “My First Amusement Park.”
2. From your personal experience what is the first thing you should do when making a book?
Have a good story to tell. A book is more successful when the story is compelling. Also the concept is stronger when the binding and structure relate to the subject.
3. Are there any types of companies or organizations you work with?
I teach at several universities and colleges. I am currently working with another photographer and book artist on an artist book for the photographer. I also enjoy the many non-profit organizations here in Philadelphia such as the Print Center, The Center for Emerging Visual Artists, inLiquid, Philadelphia Center for the Book and The Photo Review. I support of them because I enjoy being part of the Phildelphia artist community.
4. What is the next piece of art work/book that you’re working on?
I have been photographing still lifes of my unusual collection and experimenting with printing and collage in gum bichromate.
5.Who or What inspired you to do art?
When I was growing up, my mother always encouraged me to be creative. She was a ceramicist.
6.Did you grow up in Willow Grove or any othe
r part of Pennsylvania?Yes, I grew up in Willow Grove and continued to live there while I was in college.
7. What is your favorite memory from your childhood?
It’s hard to choose just one memory. My family vacationed in Avalon, NJ for two weeks every summer. I really enjoyed going on the amusement rides in Wildwood with my brothers.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Banned Books Week Grants
Through its Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund, the Freedom to Read Foundation will provide two grants — one for $2,500 and one for $1,000 — to two organizations to support "Read-Outs" celebrating Banned Books Week 2010 (September 25 to October 2). A Banned Books Week Read-Out is an event during which people celebrate the freedom to read by gathering to read from books that have been banned or challenged over the years.
The grant program is the first announced project for the Judith Krug Memorial Fund, established after Krug's death in April 2009. Krug was the founding executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, which was established in 1969 as a First Amendment legal defense organization affiliated with the American Library Association.
To apply for a grant, organizations are required to submit an event description, timeline, and budget with their application, as well as agree to provide a written report and video to FTRF following Banned Books Week.
Deadline: August 27
For more information: click here.
The grant program is the first announced project for the Judith Krug Memorial Fund, established after Krug's death in April 2009. Krug was the founding executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, which was established in 1969 as a First Amendment legal defense organization affiliated with the American Library Association.
To apply for a grant, organizations are required to submit an event description, timeline, and budget with their application, as well as agree to provide a written report and video to FTRF following Banned Books Week.
Deadline: August 27
For more information: click here.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Artist Talk - Thursday, August 12th
Join us for an artist talk with PCB members Susan Viguers and Caroline Garcia Ziegler. Each artist will be speaking on the theme of "nonsense."
Thursday, August 12th, 6-8pm.
626 South Street.
Thursday, August 12th, 6-8pm.
626 South Street.
Friday, August 6, 2010
CALL FOR ENTRIES: BODIES OF TEXT
Philadelphia Center for the Book invites entries of artist's books for Bodies of Text, a series of performances and exhibitions tied to the book and its interdisciplinary interpretations. Running in conjunction with the 2011 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and its theme of Paris 1911, Bodies of Text is rooted in the idea of Art à la Rue, bringing Art to the Street in Philadelphia's Rive Gauche, West Philadelphia. Selected books will be interpreted by Philadelphia choreographers, culminating in a series of performances running from April to September 2011. Performances will be complemented by display of selected books. Submission of one to two artist's books, zines, altered books, one-of-a-kind or editioned, to be interpreted into dance performances, are due August 31. For details, download the complete call for entries, with Membership form: click here.
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