Saturday, December 10, 2011

JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP OR RENEW TODAY!

It's that time of year again! As we look back on 2011, we're proud to have provided our members & friends with many opportunities in many forms - exhibitions/calls for entry, exposure to collections in local institutions, workshops, book fairs, and a sense of community in Philadelphia among book lovers. To see pictures from our year, and years past, in full click here, or hop over to our Facebook page to see selections.

As 2012 quickly approaches, we ask that you help keep our dynamic organization going by supporting us with your membership. Members receive discounts at our public programs and workshops, have access to special exhibition opportunities and calls for entry, and benefit from a network of book-related individuals and institutions.

We depend on contributions from individuals, foundations, and government grants to sustain our activities. Donations of any size are most welcome.

To support and join or renew today: click here.
For more information: click here.

Membership renewal is on an annual basis. Memberships renewed after October 1st will be valid through December 31st of the following year.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

MOBY-DICK IN PICTURES: ONE DRAWING FOR EVERY PAGE

The Rosenbach Museum & Library presents
a talk and book signing with illustrator Matt Kish, author of MOBY-DICK IN PICTURES: ONE DRAWING FOR EVERY PAGE

Wednesday, Nov 30th at 6 p.m.
2008-2010 Delancey Place

Free with museum admission: $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students. RSVP strongly recommended. Please call (215) 732-1600, ext. 123, email rsvp@rosenbach.org or visit www.rosenbach.org for additional information.

“In an age of soulless, cookie-cutter computer illustrations, Matt Kish's intense and obsessive drawings, paintings, and montages are a riotous delight. Kish's artwork renews our age-old love of expressive handmade imagery. He humanizes his material in a way that has all but disappeared from the design scene. It's great to see that passion again.” —Paula Scher

Inspired by one of the world’s greatest novels, Matt Kish set out on an epic journey of his own one day in August 2009. More than one hundred and fifty years following the original publication of Moby-Dick, Kish began illustrating Herman Melville’s classic, creating images based on the text selected from every page of the 552-page Signet Classics paperback edition.

The Rosenbach Museum & Library holds a number of Melville related objects in the museum’s collection and invites attendees to talk with Kish and explore his personal and artistic voyage through Moby-Dick.

Completely self-taught, Kish refused to set any boundaries for the artwork and employed a deliberately low-tech approach in response to the increasing popularity of born-digital art and literature. He used found pages torn from old, discarded books, as well as a variety of mediums, including ballpoint pen, marker, paint, crayon, ink, and watercolor. By layering images on top of existing words and images, Kish has crafted a visual masterpiece that echoes the layers of meaning in Melville’s narrative. In retrospect, Kish says he feels as foolhardy as Ishmael and as obsessed as Captain Ahab in his quest for the great white whale.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Call for Entries: American Impressions 2012 Juried Printmaking & Book Art Exhibition

The annual juried printmaking exhibition American Impressions will be held in the University Galleries at William Paterson University from January-March 2012. Below you will find information about the exhibition and submission guidelines. Please share this invitation with artists who might like to submit work.

Online prospectus: click here.

For questions contact:
Emily Johnsen, Program Assistant
University Galleries
William Paterson University
Wayne, NJ 07470
973-720-2654

CALL FOR ENTRIES

AMERICAN IMPRESSIONS 2012
JURIED PRINTMAKING & BOOK ART EXHIBITION

All Traditional and Digital Print Media

Exhibition Dates
January 30 ­ March 9, 2012

Submissions Deadline
Tuesday, December 6, 2011


Organized by the University Galleries at William Paterson University, American Impressions is an annual juried printmaking exhibition featuring traditional and digital print media and book art. Select works will receive Purchase Awards and become part of the University¹s permanent collection. One artist will be selected to have a solo exhibition at the University
Galleries.

ELIGIBILITY
The exhibition is open to all artists residing in the United States. Prints must have been completed within the past two years and may not exceed 60 inches. Work previously shown at the William Paterson University Galleries will not be accepted.

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS
All accepted work requires proper framing and should be ready to be hung (except for book art which will be displayed in vitrines on pedestals). The Juror reserves the right to reject any work found to be unacceptable upon arrival.

SALES & AWARDS
Sales are encouraged. A 20% commission will be taken by the University. Prints and books selected for Purchase Awards will become part of the University¹s Permanent Print & Book Collection.

LIABILITY
All work shown at the gallery will be insured for the duration of the exhibition. The gallery cannot insure works in transit.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
The cost of shipping works to and from the gallery is the responsibility of the artist. Please do not send artwork in packing peanuts.

SUBMISSIONS PROCESS

1. To submit your artwork, please visit:
http://www.wpugalleries.slideroom.com

2. Register an account with SlideRoom. Click on ³Start a New Submission.²

3. Fill out the Application Form.

4. Upload your Artist Bio/CV and Artist Statement in the Documents
section.

5. Upload up to 3 images (one image per artwork; 4 x 6 inches at 300 dpi). Be sure to list the Title, Date, Medium and Dimensions in the specified areas.

6. Pay the entry fee of $25 when prompted to receive submission confirmation.

(Entry fees go toward the purchase of artwork from the American Impressions exhibition for the William Paterson University permanent art collection.)

TIMELINE

Submissions Deadline
Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Notification
Thursday, December 22, 2011

Receipt of Work Deadline
Monday, January 16, 2012

Reception Date
Sunday, February 5, 3:00 ­ 5:00 p.m.


ABOUT THE JUROR

Elizabeth F. Spungen, Executive Director of The Print Center in
Philadelphia, PA.

Liz Spungen has been the Executive Director of The Print Center in
Philadelphia since 2006. She received both a BA and MA in the History of Art
from the University of Pennsylvania and has spent her entire career working
with the visual arts in Philadelphia.

During her tenure at The Print Center, her curatorial efforts have included
Black Pulse: Doug + Mike Starn (2007); Nakazora: space between sky and
earth: Masao Yamamoto (2008); and the upcoming Silver Mine, a retrospective
exhibition of the work of photographer Robert Asman.

Spungen has been on the curatorial staff at the Institute of Contemporary
Art, The Fabric Workshop and Museum and Bryn Mawr College, and was President
of the Chester Springs Studio and the Arcadia University Art Gallery. From
2002 ­ 2006 she headed Liz F. Spungen Fine Art, specializing in works on
paper from the greater Philadelphia region.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Since 2001, this national juried exhibition has celebrated the print and the
printmaker. Elizabeth F. Spungen, Executive Director of The Print Center
(Philadelphia, PA) is the juror for the 2012 printmaking competition. Past
jurors have included: Anne Coffin (Founder and Director, International Print
Center of New York); Willie Cole (Artist/Printmaker); Ofelia Garcia (former
Dean of the College of Arts and Communications, William Paterson
University); John W. Ittman (Curator of Prints, Philadelphia Museum); David
Kiehl (Curator of Prints, Whitney Museum of American Art); and Dr. Marilyn
S. Kushner (Curator of Prints and Drawings, Brooklyn Museum); among others.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Conservation Basics Workshop - Deadline This Friday!

Saturday, December 10, 2011
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The National Archives at Philadelphia
Entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets
Instructor: Erin Paulson

Registration deadline: November 18, 2011
Click here for application form.

$75/Members, $95/Non-Members, $15 Materials fee
(Materials fee is paid to the Teaching Artist on the day of the workshop.)

This course will be an introduction to the vast world of book and paper conservation. Basic conservation tools and techniques will be covered, as well as archival materials and simple ways to protect items for the future. We will also address simple repairs for papers and books. Students are encouraged to bring in their own old or damaged books or paper items in need of protection and repair, for practice or for consultation. Your projects should be those on which you are willing to practice. All interested parties are welcome; no prior experience necessary!

Erin Paulson is a book artist and conservator living in Philadelphia. She received her BFA in photography from Columbia College Chicago in May 2007, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts.
Since 2007 Erin spent two years working at Loveleaf Press, a custom bookbindery in Chicago, doing bookbinding and letterpress. She has studied books and fiber arts at the American Academy of Bookbinding, the Penland School of Crafts, and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and book conservation under Barb Korbel at the Newberry Library and Christine Fabian at the Art Institute of Chicago's Ryerson and Burnham Library.

Book Paper Scissors This Saturday!

SATURDAY, November 19, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Free and open to the public!

This festive book fair features prints, artists' books, handmade paper, zines, origami, blank books, paper sculpture, and jewelry, all made by local artists. If it's paper-based art, it's here!

Free book-making workshops for all ages will also be offered at the Library the day of the fair. Space is limited - please email events@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org to reserve your spot for a workshop. Walk-ins are welcome for the Kids & Families Pop-ups workshop.

For Adults and Teens:
Hidden Books
11 am-Noon, Room 108
Within every sheet of paper is a hidden book lying in wait. We will discover how to make several of these single sheet structures. You'll leave with samples and the know-how to embed your own content into these functional, quick books!

For Kids and Families:
Pop-ups
2-3 pm, Room 108
Making pop-ups is easy - just cut, fold, and pop! We will explore paper engineering techniques to make cards that jump off the page! Students will learn the basics, including v-fold, layers, and simple tabs, to make your own personalized pop-up creations. Animate holiday cards, build abstract kinetic cards, and more. This workshop is for all ages and levels of experience.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Book Paper Scissors

SATURDAY, November 19, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Free and open to the public!

This festive book fair features prints, artists' books, handmade paper, zines, origami, blank books, paper sculpture, and jewelry, all made by local artists. If it's paper-based art, it's here!

Free book-making workshops for all ages will also be offered at the Library the day of the fair. Space is limited - please email events@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org to reserve your spot for a workshop.

For Adults and Teens:
Hidden Books
11 am-Noon, Room 108
Within every sheet of paper is a hidden book lying in wait. We will discover how to make several of these single sheet structures. You'll leave with samples and the know-how to embed your own content into these functional, quick books!

For Kids and Families:
Pop-ups
2-3 pm, Room 108
Making pop-ups is easy - just cut, fold, and pop! We will explore paper engineering techniques to make cards that jump off the page! Students will learn the basics, including v-fold, layers, and simple tabs, to make your own personalized pop-up creations. Animate holiday cards, build abstract kinetic cards, and more. This workshop is for all ages and levels of experience.

Conservation Basics Workshop - Registration Reminder

Saturday, December 10, 2011
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The National Archives at Philadelphia
Entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets
Instructor: Erin Paulson

Registration deadline: November 18, 2011
Click here for application form.

$75/Members, $95/Non-Members, $15 Materials fee
(Materials fee is paid to the Teaching Artist on the day of the workshop.)

This course will be an introduction to the vast world of book and paper conservation. Basic conservation tools and techniques will be covered, as well as archival materials and simple ways to protect items for the future. We will also address simple repairs for papers and books. Students are encouraged to bring in their own old or damaged books or paper items in need of protection and repair, for practice or for consultation. Your projects should be those on which you are willing to practice. All interested parties are welcome; no prior experience necessary!

Erin Paulson is a book artist and conservator living in Philadelphia. She received her BFA in photography from Columbia College Chicago in May 2007, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts.
Since 2007 Erin spent two years working at Loveleaf Press, a custom bookbindery in Chicago, doing bookbinding and letterpress. She has studied books and fiber arts at the American Academy of Bookbinding, the Penland School of Crafts, and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and book conservation under Barb Korbel at the Newberry Library and Christine Fabian at the Art Institute of Chicago's Ryerson and Burnham Library.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

17th Annual New Jersey Book Arts Symposium and Exhibition

Friday November 4th from 8:30 am to 5 pm

Paul Robeson Galleries
Robeson Campus Center
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
350 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Newark, NJ 07102-1801

Exhibition Opening Reception at 3:45 pm

Exhibition curated by Anonda Bell and Karen Guancione

Exhibiting Artists:
Siona Benjamin, Anne Dushanko Dobek, Eileen Foti, Asha Ganpat, Karen
Guancione, Barbara Madsen, Anna Pinto, Amanda Thackray, Chloe
Thompkins, Marcia Wilson

Robeson Galleries: (973) 353-1610

For more information: click here or write to mjoseph@rutgers.edu

National Museum of Women in the Arts: Library Fellows Program

Deadline: June 30, 2012 (POSTMARK)

Library Fellows Program
Library and Research Center
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, D.C.


Objective
The objective of the Library Fellows program is to encourage and promote the creation of artists’ books and to support NMWA’s Library and Research Center and book art programs.

Amount of Grant
The Library Fellows program provides up to $12,000 biennially for the production of an artist book in an edition of 125. An additional $1,000 is provided for the artist to create 500 copies of a promotional brochure for the book, as well as $1,000 for the artist to travel to the Library Fellows’ annual meeting to present her book upon completion.

Deadline
Proposals must be postmarked on or before June 30, biennially. No exceptions. The next deadline is June 30, 2012.

Eligibility
The artist who is responsible for the overall creation, design and realization of the book must be a woman. Technical assistance in developing the book edition by both women and men is acceptable. Collaborative projects between two or more women artists are allowed. Only new books will be considered. Previously published books or books that are versions of books previously published or planned for publication will not be considered.

Evaluation Criteria
1. The aesthetic and intellectual value of the project
2. Originality of the project
3. The artist’s previous achievements in the field of book arts
4. The quality, thoroughness, and clarity of the artist’s proposal
5. The potential market and audience for the book
6. Appropriateness of budget


Download Guidelines and Application: click here
Visit website: www.nmwa.org


Library Fellows Program
Library and Research Center
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Book Paper Scissors - One Week Left to Register!

SATURDAY, November 19, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Free and open to the public!

**REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**

Click here for application form.
Deadline to apply: October 16, 2011

Open Board Meeting This Wednesday

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
6:00 to 8:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Are you curious about what we do or how you can become involved? Join us to find out!

R.S.V.P. to book@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org

Monday, October 3, 2011

Photos from LIBRO CURIO Opening Reception


Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book
September 2011 - April 2012
The National Archives at Philadelphia
on Chestnut Street between 9th & 10th Streets

Book Paper Scissors - Registration Deadline in Two Weeks!

Save the date for our annual Artists' Book Fair!
SATURDAY, November 19, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Free and open to the public!

**REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**

Click here for application form.
Deadline to apply: October 16, 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

NEW Conservation Basics Workshop - Registration Open!

Saturday, December 10, 2011
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The National Archives at Philadelphia
Entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets
Instructor: Erin Paulson

Registration deadline: November 18, 2011
Click here for application form.

$75/Members, $95/Non-Members, $15 Materials fee
(Materials fee is paid to the Teaching Artist on the day of the workshop.)

This course will be an introduction to the vast world of book and paper conservation. Basic conservation tools and techniques will be covered, as well as archival materials and simple ways to protect items for the future. We will also address simple repairs for papers and books. Students are encouraged to bring in their own old or damaged books or paper items in need of protection and repair, for practice or for consultation. Your projects should be those on which you are willing to practice. All interested parties are welcome; no prior experience necessary!

Erin Paulson is a book artist and conservator living in Philadelphia. She received her BFA in photography from Columbia College Chicago in May 2007, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from the University of the Arts.
Since 2007 Erin spent two years working at Loveleaf Press, a custom bookbindery in Chicago, doing bookbinding and letterpress. She has studied books and fiber arts at the American Academy of Bookbinding, the Penland School of Crafts, and the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and book conservation under Barb Korbel at the Newberry Library and Christine Fabian at the Art Institute of Chicago's Ryerson and Burnham Library.

LIBRO CURIO Opening Reception - REMINDER

LIBRO CURIO Opening Reception
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The National Archives at Philadelphia
Entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets

R.S.V.P. to 215-606-0112 or liveandlearnweekend@nara.gov

Philadelphia Center for the Book and the National Archives and Records Administration at Philadelphia (NARA) will be celebrating the exhibition Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book with an opening reception on this date. The exhibit features work of PCB members who were inspired by book debris, such as book spines and fragments, discovered during a demolition project at NARA.

We hope that the exhibit, among other things, will stimulate visitors to think about book and paper conservation, book construction techniques, the role of government in daily life, storytelling, and the uses of primary sources.

The exhibit will be on view until April 2012.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Charles Alexander Talk on "The Poem, The Page, The Book"

Temple University’s MFA Creative Writing Program
and New City Writing present: Charles Alexander

The Poem, The Page, The Book:
Saying & Showing

Tuesday, September 27th
2:00 PM
8th Floor Lounge, Anderson Hall
Temple University

He will also be reading his poetry at 6 PM at the Kelly Writers House on the Penn campus.

Poet, book artist, critic, and editor, Charles Alexander is the founder and director of Chax Press in Tucson, Arizona, where he lives with the visual artist Cynthia Miller. His books include Hopeful Buildings (Chax 1990), Arc of Light / Dark Matter (Segue 1992), Near or Random Acts (Singing Horse 2004), Certain Slants (Junction 2007), and nine chapbooks. Cuneiform Press has just published a complete edition of the long serial poem Pushing Water.

LIBRO CURIO Opening Reception

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
The National Archives at Philadelphia
Entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets

R.S.V.P. to 215-606-0112 or liveandlearnweekend@nara.gov

Philadelphia Center for the Book and the National Archives and Records Administration at Philadelphia (NARA) will be celebrating the exhibition Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book with an opening reception on this date. The exhibit features work of PCB members who were inspired by book debris, such as book spines and fragments, discovered during a demolition project at NARA.

We hope that the exhibit, among other things, will stimulate visitors to think about book and paper conservation, book construction techniques, the role of government in daily life, storytelling, and the uses of primary sources.

The exhibit will be on view until April 2012.

Book Paper Scissors Registration OPEN

Save the date for our annual Artists' Book Fair!
SATURDAY, November 19, 2011
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
at the Parkway Central Library
Free Library of Philadelphia
1901 Vine Street

Free and open to the public!

**REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**

Click here for application form.
Deadline to apply: October 16, 2011

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

To Scale at The Print Center

To Scale
September 8 – November 19, 2011
Thursday, September 8
Gallery Talk by the Artists: 5:30pm
Opening Reception: 5:30-7:30pm
at
The Print Center
1614 Latimer (between Spruce and Locust)

To Scale is a group exhibition of contemporary printed works created in a one-to-one ratio with reality. Not a traditional exhibition of neatly framed images, the galleries will be filled with works ranging from exuberant, large installations to very tiny works wheatpasted directly onto the walls.

Exhibiting Artists: Jenn Figg, Talia Greene, Kay Healy, Gary Kachadourian, Nichola Kinch, Joseph Lupo, Taylor McKimens, Roy McMakin, Caitlin Perkins and Shelley Spector

B.Y.O.T.Y. III Book Fair - Registration Open

Calling all zine makers,
the B.Y.O.T.Y Bookfair is almost here.
On October 15th from 12-6PM little berlin is holding their annual B.Y.O.T.Y. Bookfair. Registration is open for vendors at the bookfair, and there are still a few spots available. Anyone who makes books is welcome to participate. Registration for vendors is only $20, don't delay register online!

Bodies of Text III at Clark Park on Saturday!

Saturday, September 3, 2011 at 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Clark Park, West Philadelphia
(Corner of Woodland Ave & 43rd/45th Streets)

FREE!
No Tickets Needed
Don't forget to bring blankets and chairs for your viewing comfort.


The Bodies of Text series concludes with exciting outdoor performances that will be site-specific and take place during the Philly Fringe Festival.

Featuring collaborations between:
Melissa Diane & Bonnie Whitfield
Stone Depot Dance Lab & Anna Mavromatis

Stone Depot Dance Lab's new work is a collaboration with visual artist Nicole Donnelly, who will create large outdoor sculptures for the piece. Anna Mavromatis' provocative book, In the Wings, which utilizes a curved structure, pattern and multiplicity, provides the inspiration for Stone Depot choreographers Eleanor Goudie-Averill and Beau Hancock and Donnelly to create a unique outdoor performance environment. The piece also uses source material from early motion study photographs by Eadweard Muybridge.

Melissa Diane (Jacelyn Biondo and Kristen Shahverdian) is a site-inspired, movement-driven performance company. For Bodies of Text III, Melissa Diane presents City Calm Down, inspired by Bonnie Whitfield's heavily altered book, A Den Brooklyn Nights, in which Whitfield utilizes Thoreau's exploration of isolation in the wilderness in Walden to describe her personal isolation within her relationship as well as in her new city of Brooklyn. The work juxtaposes inside and outside worlds and explores how we act when we are alone and how we interact intimately when with another person. Often contradictory emotions explode in the work as Melissa Diane uses the backdrop of a West Philadelphia location, Whitfield's book, and their own character studies to explore subversive and aggressive behaviors, feminism, and what it does to our behavior when we are seen or hidden.

This performance is an opportunity for audience members to experience dance in an unusual setting, and reinvents the usual surroundings of the park for passersby. Site-specific works provide the audience with the agency to connect with the performance in their own way. So often dance performance is limited to proscenium stages, expensive concert halls, and obscure or inaccessible venues. In placing this performance in Clark Park and charging no admission creates a welcoming environment for all members of Philadelphia's diverse community to share in the artistic process of the Bodies of Text project. The audience is invited to bring chairs or blankets for their comfort.

The artist books will be on display at the event, and the dances will be followed by a discussion between choreographers and book artists.

Keep up to date with all things Bodies of Text by visiting the Bodies of Text blog: http://bodiesoftext.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Upcoming PCB Events

Summer Workshop Series:
Single Tray Box with Magnetic Closure
($20 Materials fee)
Instructor: Tara O’Brien
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Registration Deadline: August 22, 2011

10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The University of the Arts 333 South Broad Street (2nd Floor Bindery)

$75/Members, $95/Non-Members. Material fees are paid to the Teaching Artist on the day of the workshop.

Click here for more information and application form.

Bodies of Text III
unique collaboration between Philadelphia’s Dance and Book Arts Communities
Featuring Collaborations between:
Stone Depot Dance Lab & Anna Mavromatis
Melissa Diane & Bonnie Whitfield

September 3, 2011 at 4:00 & 7:00 pm
Clark Park, West Philadelphia
Corner of Woodland Ave and 43rd/45th Streets in West Philadelphia

FREE!
Click here to reserve your place today at the Festival Website.

The Bodies of Text series concludes with exciting outdoor performances that will be site-specific and take place during the Philly Fringe Festival.

Stone Depot Dance Lab’s new work is a collaboration with visual artist Nicole Donnelly, who will create large outdoor sculptures for the piece. Anna Mavromatis’ provocative book, In the Wings, which utilizes a curved structure, pattern and multiplicity, provides the inspiration for Stone Depot choreographers Eleanor Goudie-Averill and Beau Hancock and Donnelly to create a unique outdoor performance environment. The piece also uses source material from early motion study photographs by Eadweard Muybridge.


Melissa Diane (Jacelyn Biondo and Kristen Shahverdian) is a site-inspired, movement-driven performance company. For Bodies of Text III, Melissa Diane presents City Calm Down, inspired by Bonnie Whitfield’s heavily altered book, A Den Brooklyn Nights, in which Whitfield utilizes Thoreau's exploration of isolation in the wilderness in Walden to describe her personal isolation within her relationship as well as in her new city of Brooklyn. The work juxtaposes inside and outside worlds and explores how we act when we are alone and how we interact intimately when with another person. Often contradictory emotions explode in the work as Melissa Diane uses the backdrop of a West Philadelphia location, Whitfield’s book and their own character studies to explore subversive and aggressive behaviors, feminism and what it does to our behavior when we are seen or hidden.

This performance is an opportunity for audience members to experience dance in an unusual setting, and reinvents the usual surroundings of the park for passersby. Site-specific works provide the audience with the agency to connect with the performance in their own way. So often dance performance is limited to proscenium stages, expensive concert halls, and obscure or inaccessible venues. In placing this performance in Clark Park and charging no admission creates a welcoming environment for all members of Philadelphia’s diverse community to share in the artistic process of the Bodies of Text project. The audience is invited to bring chairs or blankets for their comfort.

The artist books will be on display at the event, and the dances will be followed by a discussion between choreographers and book artists.

For more information: click here.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Call for Entries: The Decorated Book

The Decorated Book: Continuing a Tradition


The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is a library and museum founded in 1814. Its
legacy collections, surviving from the 19th and early 20th centuries, include rich holdings in designed bindings. The Decorated Book invites artists, through the medium of the book, to explore and respond to book covers from the legacy collections of the Athenaeum. Selected items from the designed binding collections, including work by Margaret Armstrong, Olive Grover and the studio artists of Decorative Designers, are emphasized in this call. See the scans or visit the Athenaeum from 9 to 5 Monday through Friday, at 219 South 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA. The proposed books may be editioned or one-of-a-kind, artist books, book objects, altered books or zines but must in some way respond to the specified items from the designed binding collection posted on the Athenaeum website and on view at the museum.

For additional information: click here.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

PCB Members & Friends Meeting

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

The Rosenbach Museum & Library
2008 Delancey Place

Join us and be inspired by a selection of rare and fascinating books from the Rosenbach's collection, presented by Librarian, Elizabeth Fuller.

Quarterly Members & Friends meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about Philadelphia Center for the Book.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

NEW Summer Book Arts Workshop Series

PCB is pleased to present our Summer Book Arts Workshop Series from book artists Erin Sweeney, Donna Globus and Tara O'Brien. Take just one class or become a master with all three! Each workshop will create a standard sized book form that will culminate in a final enclosure structure and will teach skills that build with every additional class.

July 23 to August 27, 2011
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Individual Class Fee: $75 for members and $95 for non-members, plus materials fee. (Material fees are paid to the Teaching Artist on the day of the workshop.)

Special discount: Register for all three workshops at $195 for members or $255 for non-members.

The University of the Arts (Second Floor Bindery)
333 South Broad Street
Philadelphia PA 19107

Chinese Sewing Box Book
($15 Materials fee)
Instructor: Erin Sweeney
Saturday, July 23, 2011
A book made entirely of folded boxes and enclosures based on paper wallets used to store sewing supplies-an origami lovers' dream! Many things can be housed in this finished structure: surprises, stories, drawings, prints. Students will leave with two finished books.
Sewn on Tapes: A Simple Non-Adhesive Book
($12 Materials fee)
Instructor: Donna Globus
Saturday, August 6, 2011
We will make a multi-section supported spine blank book with an integral soft cover. The lovely sewn stitching can be either visible or hidden in the completed book. Text block and cover paper will be provided; students may bring colorful papers for end sheets.

Single Tray Box with Magnetic Closure
($20 Materials fee)
Instructor: Tara O'Brien
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Easier than a traditional clamshell box, but just as elegant, this box consists of a single tray and a hard case which wraps all the way around the tray and closes using rare earth magnets and a sheet of tin.

Click here for more information and application form.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Call for Entries Opportunities

IN AND OUT OF THE BOX
Hera Gallery

Application Deadline: 6/27/2011
On Exhibit: 7/9/2011 – 8/13/2011

In And Out Of The Box is a national juried exhibit focusing on concepts associated with shipping, mailing, and transient art work.

For more information: click here

HAND LETTERED
abecedarian gallery
Application Deadline: 8/8/2011
On Exhibit: 11/4/2011 - 12/17/2011

Hand Lettered is an invitational exhibition to include artists from throughout the United States whose book works include handlettered elements as either primary content or concept.

For more information: click here

UNCOMMON THREADS: The Handicrafts in Book Arts
23 Sandy Gallery

Application Deadline: 8/13/2011
On Exhibit: 9/23/2011 - 10/29/2011

Uncommon Threads seeks artist books and other forms of book and paper art that utilize handicraft techniques, materials or subjects as a way to round out, illustrate or compliment a central concept.

For more information: click here

Friday, May 20, 2011

Member Announcements: Summer Printmaking & Book Arts Courses

Instant Artist's Books
at Cooper Union

May 31 to June 28, 2011
Tuesday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm; 5 sessions
Instructor: Esther Smith

Tuition: $200
For more details: click here.


Letterpress Printmaking
at The University of the Arts

June 6 to August 15, 2011
Monday 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Instructor: Donna Globus

Tuition: $375 + fees
Tuition (credit): $525 + fees

For more details: click here.

Relief Printmaking and Book Arts
at Peters Valley Craft Center

August 26-30, 2011
Instructor: Caroline Garcia Ziegler

Tuition: $480 + fees

For more details: click here.

Member Announcement: Maria G. Pisano's Call to Artists

From PCB Member Maria G. Pisano:

Call to Artists: I am doing research for an upcoming exhibit (deadline Dec 2011) that I will be curating. I am looking for artist's books that deal with natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, volcanic eruption and accidental disasters such as oil spills and nuclear accidents that have resulted in loss of lives.

I am looking for books that tell a story, are thoroughly researched and reflect and respond to the theme through the design not only of the text and images, but also in the concept of structure. All the elements within the work should have a voice, directly informing the viewer of its meaning and giving the book multiple readings. The artist point of view is important, giving their vision a physical reality and challenging the viewer to its multiple dimensions.

Please respond to mgpstudio@aol.com with a description and one jpg image of the work.

Bodies of Text - Part Two!

May 27, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Avenue
$15 ($12 for Dance Pass holders and $10 for students)

Tickets available in advance through Brown Paper Tickets, or at the door.

Three pairings between local book artists and choreographers explore the unique challenge of how a book can become a dance.

Philadelphia dance companies interpret handcrafted and unique books, selected from many submissions by Philadelphia Center for the Book members.

Featuring collaborations between:
Here[begin] Dance & Ananda Conolly
Movement Brigade & Rebecca Kelly
Stone Depot Dance Lab & Jude Robison

The choreographic creations will be followed by a discussion with the Choreographers and Book Artists, moderated by Philadelphia Center for the Book’s Curator, Mary Tasillo.

The performances will continue throughout the weekend at the historic Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 North American Street in Old City on Saturday May 28th at 7 & 9 pm and Sunday, May 29th at 7 pm. These performances are co-presented by Philadelphia Dance Projects and made possible by a grant from New Stages for Dance, a program of Dance USA/Philadelphia.

All three works are world premieres and explore different aspects of the natural and the organic world.

For more information: click here.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Exhibition Opening: To-day is Another Day, Make Art

This Saturday is the opening of To-day is Another Day, Make Art (Art in the Great Recession), curated by Steven Earl Weber at pterodactyl:


This show addresses several aspects of what it means to be a working artist during this economically difficult time that has come to be referred to as " The Great Recession." The curator and artists have taken a broad approach to the phrase, "Art in The Great Recession," references and interpretations of the theme range from elements and causes of our country's current recession, to the methods and materials artists end up using in response to their economic situation. The works included in this exhibit are all from artists living and working in the Philadelphia area and include a broad range of materials and disciplines.

Participating Artists:
Leroy Johnson
Doug Herren
Abbey Gates
Daniel Petraitis
Steven Earl Weber
Roger Petersen
Jerry Kaba
Stephen Kent
Ira Upin

Opening Reception: Saturday May 14th 8pm-12am
Closing Reception: Saturday June 25th 8pm-12am

Opening night DJ sets by Pace and Mang + EBG III

pterodactyl
3237 Amber St. Fl 5 N. Philadelphia
215.501.7158
www.pterodactylphiladelphia.org

Friday, May 6, 2011

Reminder: Marbling Workshop with Val Wells

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: SUN May 8

May 14, 2011, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
$75 for members and $95 for non-members, plus $15 materials fee
The University of the Arts Papermaking Studio
333 South Broad Street
Philadelphia PA 19107

Reserve your spot today by emailing events@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org


Marbling is a process of dropping paint on a fluid carageenan surface, drawing with stylus, rake, and comb, then laying down a treated paper to transfer the design. We will review traditional patterns and invent new ones to fully explore the opportunities of the floating paint. We will work in acrylic to open up the possibility of marbling over paste or painted paper. Marbling is visually interesting at every step, providing a unique artmaking experience.


Val Wells has exhibited albums and journals which feature her original marbled papers at craft fairs throughout the Northeast. She has studied bookbinding and marbling since 1985, completing a BA in book arts. She is currently studying occupational therapy in a graduate program.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Call for Entries: 1000 Artists' Books

Peter and Donna Thomas want to let you know about an upcoming commercially
published book that will feature Artists' Books.

The publisher of their book, "More Making Books by Hand" (Rockport
Publishers/Quarry Books, an international publisher of high-quality
visual and idea books for design professionals and creative
enthusiasts. www.quarrybooks.com) is planning to publish a gallery-
style book to be titled "1000 Artists’ Books" (publication date June
2012), which will present 1000 images of artists' books.

The call for entries can be found on the following web site:
http://1000artistsbooks.com

They invite you all to look at the "Call For Entry" and to submit your
work for consideration.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

CALL FOR ENTRY: Bibliophoria II

Bibliophoria II
Art of the Book - National Juried Exhibition
June 16 - July 23, 2011

Sebastopol Center for the Arts
6780 Depot Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.sebarts.org

SCA is looking for artwork created in the form of handmade artist’s books—using traditional bookmaking methods, or contemporary, unconventional structures, or made by altering existing books. Open to any method, in any media, on any subject. Gallery visitors will be permitted to handle the books with care.

Deadline: May 31, 2011
For more information: click here.

First Annual Edible Book Fest Recap

by Mandy Dunn Sampson
[image credits: Mandy Dunn Sampson]

It has been almost a month since our First Annual Edible Book Fest and we are overdue for a recap!


We had seven edible book entries and many delicious non-book items to enjoy while our members described and demonstrated their delectable, wordy experiments. Donna Globus won first prize for her working Jacobs Ladder: BOOKS TO EAT, which was as tasty as it was functional. Jessica Hoffman took second for Isildur's Bane, the One (donut) Ring with elvish script on a mound of delicious chocolate fondant as dark as Mordor itself. Scott Ziegler's well-engineered Manuscript Volumes with Hummos Ink Wells won third place. Other exemplary edible books were Caroline Ziegler's Edible Book Accordion and Karen Lightner's Alphabet Soup. Lots of fun and incongruous bites were had by all!

Our members' very adventurous first attempts led to many flops and abandoned dishes. Next year maybe we'll display the practice pieces on an Experiment Table.

More photos of the event can be seen here.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

PCB Members & Friends Meeting

Thursday, May 5, 2011
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

American Philosophical Society
104 South Fifth Street

Join us as we take a tour of the conservation lab of APS and explore the new exhibition Of Elephants and Roses: Encounters with French Natural History, 1790-1830 with Assistant Curator of Museum Education, Jenni Drozdek, Ph.D.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

"Libro Curio" Salon this Wednesday!

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book

Philadelphia Center for the Book and the National Archives and Records Administration at Philadelphia (NARA) are seeking PCB member artists to participate in an exhibition entitled Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book incorporating book debris (mostly book spines and fragments) found when renovating a stack area. Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book will open on September 27, 2011. The PCB Exhibitions Committee in concert with NARA archivists will make selections based on project proposals. Participants must be PCB members, but membership is open to all. There is no entry fee.

PCB members are invited to attend a Salon at NARA at 900 Market Street (entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets) on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. At the Salon, members will view and learn about the book spine pieces, see the exhibition space, and be advised of research opportunities. There will be a lottery system for participants to choose a book spine or fragment, which is to be incorporated into an artist’s book. Depending on the number of participants, it is possible that artists will be able to choose multiple artifacts. Please note that the Salon is mandatory. If you cannot attend, you must send someone to represent you and make your selection(s).

Artists must submit a project proposal by May 18, 2011. Artifacts that will not be used shall be returned to NARA at that time. Artifacts incorporated into the artist’s book (as well as the book itself) will belong to the artist. NARA may decide to purchase a “staff favorite” piece for their collection. The exhibition may travel to other NARA Regional Centers, following a four to six month exhibition at the Philadelphia location.

Click here for application forms.

IMPORTANT DATES
Mandatory Salon: April 27, 2011, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Proposals Due: May 18, 2011
Selection notification via email: May 29, 2011
Projects Due: September 9, 2011
Opening reception: September 27, 2011

Questions:
exhibitions@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org

Friday, April 22, 2011

Marbling Workshop with Val Wells

May 14, 2011, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
$75 for members and $95 for non-members, plus $15 materials fee
The University of the Arts Papermaking Studio
333 South Broad Street
Philadelphia PA 19107

Reserve your spot today by emailing events@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org


Marbling is a process of dropping paint on a fluid carageenan surface, drawing with stylus, rake, and comb, then laying down a treated paper to transfer the design. We will review traditional patterns and invent new ones to fully explore the opportunities of the floating paint. We will work in acrylic to open up the possibility of marbling over paste or painted paper. Marbling is visually interesting at every step, providing a unique artmaking experience.


Val Wells has exhibited albums and journals which feature her original marbled papers at craft fairs throughout the Northeast. She has studied bookbinding and marbling since 1985, completing a BA in book arts. She is currently studying occupational therapy in a graduate program.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

UArts MFA Book Arts/Printmaking Thesis Exhibitions



MFA Book Arts/Printmaking Thesis Exhibitions
The University of the Arts
Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery
Anderson Hall
333 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Gallery Hours: Monday - Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday noon-4pm

Chapter One
April 21-30, 2011
Reception: Friday, April 22, 5:30-8:00pm

Chapter Two
May 5-14, 2011
Reception: Friday, May 6, 5:30-8:00pm

The University of the Arts is pleased to announce the 2011 MFA Book Arts/Printmaking Thesis Exhibitions in the Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery. From traditional to innovative concepts and book structures, the exhibitions are the culmination of the artists’ work in the two-year MFA program.

Exhibiting artists in Chapter One, on view April 21-30, are Jody Arthur, Laura Beyer, Becky Davies, and Sean Dyroff. Through installation, paper sculpture, and the book, Jody Arthur uses the language of maps to explore how identity is shaped by location. Laura Beyer is exhibiting cast and drawn objects reflecting on construction of space and the concept of home. Becky Davies and Sean Dyroff present a collaborative installation of sculptural images varying in form and processes that leave evidence of time.

Exhibiting artists in Chapter Two, May 5-14, are Dan Corrigan, Turner Hilliker, Jamie Lynn Schilling, and Yuka Petz. Dan Corrigan’s new body of work questions the changing condition of the book in our culture through altered books and eroded text. Turner Hilliker presents zines and installations that converge his habits and vernacular into both individual and universal pieces. Yuka Petz exhibits sculptural works on handmade paper that investigate elements of written language. Jamie Lynn Schilling has created a city block made up of tiny hand embroidered books, as well as letterpress-printed broadsides and paper-cuts that celebrate ordinary moments.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Bodies of Text: Part 1 - This Saturday (4/16)!

Performance and exhibition series featuring
Eleanor Goudie-Averill and Beau Hancock
of Stone Depot Dance Lab,
Rain Ross Dance Company, ReAct Dance
Jumatatu Poe and Shannon Murphy
of idiosynCrazy Productions,
Alie Vidich, Heather Cole & Erin Shanti Desmond
of Movement Brigade,
& Zornitsa Stoyanova of Here[begin] Dance Co.
And Artists of the Philadelphia Center for the Book


April 16, 2011 at the Community Education Center
May 27, 2011 at Studio 34
September 3, 2012 as a part of Philly Fringe Festival

Bodies of Text is a series of collaborative dance performances and art exhibitions tied to the book and its interdisciplinary interpretations. Premiering as a part of 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 and brings Art to the Street in Philadelphia's Rive Gauche, West Philadelphia.


Philadelphia dance companies interpret seven unique books, selected from many submissions by PCB members. The first installment of these choreographic creations, all world premieres, will be performed on April 16th at the Community Education Center (3500 Lancaster) at 8 pm and will feature works by Idiosyncrazy Productions and Rain Ross Dance. Tickets are available through the CEC (Box Office: 215-387-1911) and through PIFA at http://pifa.org/events/980193157.


Idiosyncrazy director Jumatatu Poe's new piece, A Big Enough Grief, is inspired by Lesley Mitchell's abstraction of AstorPiazzolla's song, Balada para un Loco, in her book of the same title. Mitchell's book has caused Jumatatu to reflect on his experiences with grief and the situations that create it. Composer Piazzolla's lyrics illustrate a man's obsessive love for a woman who is out of his reach. A Big Enough Grief examines the longing for those that are no longer within our reach.


Shannon Murphy, also of Idiosyncrazy Productions, has created Blast Vs Blaze, an investigation of an argument that can never be won or lost. Inspired by Monica Kane's book Strike, and with sound and video work by Steve Surgalski, this dance theater duet explores the definitions that keep us separated, keep us fighting, and that keep us from communication. In the duet, Murphy and Jumatatu Poe combat in unlikely ways. Their movement, often explosive and aggressive forever flues their battle without ever coming to resolution. Blast Vs Blaze is not a comment on who is right or wrong or good or bad. It is more a question of how we fight for ourselves and who we fight against.


Rain Ross Dance, in collaboration with book artist Mimi Shapiro, will premiere another duet, The Flight To Varennes. This choreographic work explores an unforeseen fantasy that could never be a reality, asking the question: does love fall into categories? Ross and dancer Lauren Kelly will perform this exciting and sensuous duet, with an original composition by Dan Roeder.


Performances will be followed by a discussion between choreographers and book artists, examining the transformation from printed page to stage, and accompanied by storefront exhibits of artist books and related material. Featured books will also be on view alongside each performance. Book artists chosen for the May and September installments are: Ananda Connolly, Rebecca Kelly, Anna Mavromatis, Jude Robison, and Bonnie Whitfield.


DONATE TODAY to support Bodies of Text by visiting our Crowdrise site: http://www.crowdrise.com/bodiesoftext


Keep up to date with all things Bodies of Text by visiting the Bodies of Text blog: http://bodiesoftext.blogspot.com/

Sunday, April 10, 2011

An Introduction to Wire-Edge and Gutter-Wire Bindings with Graham Watson

April 16-17, 2011 9:30 am-5 pm
$200 members $250 non-members
(and a small materials fee yet to be determined)
The Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

This workshop will demonstrate the fundamental methods and materials for two related binding structures: the wire-edge binding and gutter-wire binding, and show a variety of examples based upon these techniques. The wire-edge structure is a versatile approach to binding single sheets or boards in a codex form which opens freely and lies flat while open. The gutter-wire structure offers similar advantages with more traditional folded signatures. The two basic methods can also be combined, offering creative possibilities for working with a mixture of signatures and single sheets, attaching unconventional cover materials, or integrating dissimilar materials in one structure. Workshop participants will complete a model which incorporates both the wire-edge and gutter-wire methods in one piece, providing practice with the essentials of each, and a glimpse of the possibilities of using both methods in tandem. Tools and materials particular to these structures will be discussed, as well as the fabrication of jigs and other aids which would be helpful when considering an edition utilizing these methods.

Graham Watson is a book artist who translates experiences within nature to a reflective contemplation of humanity?s interactions with our environment, and the perception of place defined within a greater natural order. His work is informed by interests in the natural sciences, and a background which includes music, graphic design, photography, and writing. Graham holds an MFA in book arts and printmaking from the University of the Arts, and a BA in graphic design from American University.

If you would like to hold a spot, please send a check made out to:
The Guild of Book Workers
Mail the check along with your contact information to:
Alice Austin
The Library Company of Philadelphia
1314 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

CALL FOR ENTRIES - Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book

CALL FOR ENTRIES
Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book

Philadelphia Center for the Book and the National Archives and Records Administration at Philadelphia (NARA) are seeking PCB member artists to participate in an exhibition entitled Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book incorporating book debris (mostly book spines and fragments) found when renovating a stack area. Libro Curio: Reconstructing the Book will open on September 27, 2011. The PCB Exhibitions Committee in concert with NARA archivists will make selections based on project proposals. Participants must be PCB members, but membership is open to all. There is no entry fee.

PCB members are invited to attend a Salon at NARA at 900 Market Street (entrance on Chestnut Street between 9th and 10th Streets) on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. At the Salon, members will view and learn about the book spine pieces, see the exhibition space, and be advised of research opportunities. There will be a lottery system for participants to choose a book spine or fragment, which is to be incorporated into an artist’s book. Depending on the number of participants, it is possible that artists will be able to choose multiple artifacts. Please note that the Salon is mandatory. If you cannot attend, you must send someone to represent you and make your selection(s).

Artists must submit a project proposal by May 18, 2011. Artifacts that will not be used shall be returned to NARA at that time. Artifacts incorporated into the artist’s book (as well as the book itself) will belong to the artist. NARA may decide to purchase a “staff favorite” piece for their collection. The exhibition may travel to other NARA Regional Centers, following a four to six month exhibition at the Philadelphia location.

Click here for application forms.

IMPORTANT DATES
Mandatory Salon: April 27, 2011, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Proposals Due: May 18, 2011
Selection notification via email: May 29, 2011
Projects Due: September 9, 2011
Opening reception: September 27, 2011

Questions:
exhibitions@philadelphiacenterforthebook.org

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Opportunities: Calls for Entry

Fine & Dirty: Contemporary Letterpress Art
Deadline:
April 22, 2011

Minnesota Center for Book Arts seeks work to be included in an artist
book exhibition titled “Fine & Dirty: Contemporary Letterpress Art.”
The exhibition will show at MCBA from July 8 to October 16, 2011, and
will then tour nationally. The selected works may continue traditions
in literary and typographical primacy, or they may challenge ideas
about craft or explore interests in content, materials and structure.

All formats are welcome within the expansive understanding of “book”
today, as long as the letterpress medium has been used. There is no
entry or participation fee. Selected artists will be responsible for
shipping and insurance costs to and from MCBA. While on view, all work
will be fully insured and presented in secure cases (unless other
installation instructions are specified). During the tour, host sites
will pay for shipping as well as insurance both in transit and on
site.

To be considered, email the following to Jeff Rathermel, MCBA’s
Executive Director (jrathermel@mnbookarts.org):

1. A one-page Word or PDF document containing name of artist(s),
mailing address, email address, telephone number, title of work,
materials used, measurements of the work, any special installation
instructions and any other descriptive information you feel necessary
to fully appreciate the work.

2. Up to three digital images (72 dpi) per work. Multiple entries are
allowed but should be sent as separate emails.

Place “LETTERPRESS” in the subject line of your email.

Email entries must be received by April 22, 2011.

Selected artists will be notified no later than May 13, 2011. Work
must arrive no later than June 3, 2011 and will be returned no later
September 27, 2013.

***

The Artistic Rebuttal Book Project
Deadline:
May 15, 2011

Amy Scheidegger, a local artist, turns a frustrating conversation she overheard on the subway into an art project.

The press release is as follows:

The other day, I was horribly disturbed by a conversation between eight TOTALLY smart and better-than-everyone-undergraduates, which I overheard in the Philadelphia subway on the way to the theater in which I work as a prop painter. The conversation....what I heard before I exited the subway car so my head wouldn’t explode….went a little like this:
"Art is, like, the most worthless degree anyone can get. Like, haha, they have a degree in making shit with popsicle sticks and string."

Now I'm not naïve, I realize that this really is what some people think about art who don't live artistic lives, but people this young? I thought the youth of this country were more appreciative of art as a lifestyle and a valid career choice. Their sentiments enraged me, and what I have realized about myself is that it usually takes a bout of anger to get me moving. So, in artistic fashion, I want to make a book full of rebuttals to the "art is worthless" debate. That is to say, a book full of "Oh yeah! Art is worthless? Take this!" But with a bit more research and validity, of course.

With this idea, I sent out a mass email/facebook event to somewhere around 600 people to see how many artists (of the visual, performing, musical and written word persuasion), arts administrators and arts appreciators would want to contribute their own rebuttal, and it snowballed from their. As of now, about 1,300 artists have been contacted and 50 confirmed in coming together to make their own statements about the importance of art, where art is hiding that the normal non-artist doesn't see and/or statistics about how much money is spent in any art-related field on any local/state/national level.

Now, a book like this, which is directed towards people who aren't art-centric, won't achieve its ultimate goal of convincing non-art appreciators that art is essential to life, if it's only passed back and forth between artists, so a marketing plan to get it in front of people outside of our "bubble" is in the works. Anyone with any advice on how to do so or has leads would be greatly appreciated.

Art is too important to let conversations like this one be ignored. I don't want the people running this country when I'm old and can’t lift my hand to paint any more to not appreciate what I dedicated my entire life to. I would feel like I hadn't accomplished anything.

Entries can be of any medium, sized 9" x 7". They can be emailed, at atleast 300dpi, to amyscheidegger@gmail.com. They are due on May 15th and the book will be self published shortly thereafter.

Anyone who is interested in contributing to the book, knows of a place where this book can find a home, or has any questions, can contact me at amyscheidegger@gmail.com.

Current submissions can also be viewed at http://artisticrebuttal.tumblr.com

***
Bibliophoria II
Deadline:
May 31, 2011

Sebastopol (CA) Center for the Arts is sponsoring a national juried artist book/book arts exhibition from June 16 to July 23, 2011. Juror will be Sas Colby. Deadline to submit up to 3 entries is May 31. Prospectus may be downloaded at: sebarts.org (click on "call for entry," and then "Bibliophoria II").

Friday, March 25, 2011

One Week Left to Sign Up for Edible Book Fest!

Edible Book Festival
April 1, 2011
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
49th & Florence Street

As you may know, The International Edible Book Festival is held annually on April 1st, partially to celebrate the birthday of French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826), and partially to celebrate the fun of eating your own words. You can read more about edible books at the official website, www.books2eat.com.

We are very excited to start participating in this Festival and urge you to make an edible book! At the event we will eat non-book snacks and potluck items, photograph and enjoy the books, vote for our favorites, then eat them! As an incentive to participate, the favorite books as voted on by the attendees will receive prizes.

For more information or if you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to Mandy Dunn Sampson at mandydunnsampson@gmail.com. Indicate whether you are bringing an edible book or a potluck item, empty-handed attendees will be charged $10.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Call for Artists & Crafters: InLiquid's Art for the Cash Poor 12 - Deadline Approaching

Registration is now open for Art for the Cash Poor 12

Saturday, June, 11 and Sunday, June 12, noon to 6 pm
Rain or Shine at the Crane Arts Building
1400 N. American Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

DEADLINE: APRIL 4, 2011

Participation Details:
Open to all artists who design and produce their own work. All items for sale must be priced at $199 or below. Participants may sign-up for either one or two days. Participants are required to submit 3-4 digital sample images of the work they intend to sell. Please refer to the participation form below for full details and fees. All participants will be screened for participation.

Display Space:
There are both indoor and outdoor spaces available. No more than two artists may share a table.

The space provided for each artist in the indoor Icebox Project Space is 7’ deep by 7’ wide. The space provided for each artist in the outdoor Green Area is 10’ deep by 10’ wide.

Artists choosing to participate in the outside area are responsible for providing their own coverage. The Green Area is concrete, so tents must be stand alone, weighted.

Forms:
To participate as an individual artist click here.

To participate as a non profit art organization click here.

To participate as a art/design related business click here.
Please contact Sara (saraz@inliquid.org) with questions.

Other Stories: MFA I Printmaking/Book Arts Works In Progress Show

March 23 - April 6, 2011


THE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS / ANDERSON HALL / GALLERY 224
333 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA

OPENING RECEPTION: March 25/5:30-8PM


Artists include:
Sarah Bourne
Gregory Tuomi
Victoria Burge
Danny James Resch
Ángela Sánchez de Vera
Brian Patrick
Anna Boyer
Frances Osugi

Soapbox Zine Library Opening

Saturday, March 26 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm

The Soapbox: Philadelphia's Independent Publishing Center
741 S. 51st St.
Philadelphia, PA


Join The Soapbox: Philadelphia's Independent Publishing Center for their inaugural event - a zine library open house and a stellar line-up of readings from zines & artist books, including works in the collection. The reading starts at 8 PM, and features:

* Anni Altshuler & Leah Mackin, of Holly Holly Hobby Hobby zine
* Theresa Antoff, writer and book artist
* Laura Beyer, book artist
* Bonnie MacAllister, creator of/contributor to numerous zines and curator of the Certain Circuits publication
* Johanna Marshall, author of the 90s zine Mary is Reckless
* Caroline Garcia Ziegler, book artist and writer of nonsense

Refreshments will be available, and zines will be out for your perusal! Take some time to browse the collection, introduce yourself, and learn about the project while you are here.

They are also seeking donations of folding chairs for your comfort, and welcome any donations to the library collection as well.

Accessible by the 34 trolley and the 64 bus. Contact for questions: phillysoapbox@gmail.com

Friday, March 18, 2011

Member Announcement: Mary Agnes Williams

Soft Illusions Fire Art Gallery is very please to present
Mary Agnes Williams
Pinhole Photographs


Opening Reception:
Friday, April 1, 2011
6:00 to 9:00 pm

Exhibition:
April 1-30, 2011
Wednesday-Saturday (12:00 to 6:00 pm)
Sunday (12:00 to 4:00 pm, and by appointment)

Soft Illusions Fine Art Gallery
4203 Main St.
Manayunk, Phila., PA 19127
www.softillusions.net
215.840.0832

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Upcoming PCB Events!

Edible Book Festival
April 1, 2011
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
49th & Florence Street

As you may know, The International Edible Book Festival is held annually on April 1st, partially to celebrate the birthday of French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755 - 1826), and partially to celebrate the fun of eating your own words. You can read more about edible books at the official website, www.books2eat.com.

We are very excited to start participating in this Festival and urge you to make an edible book! At the event we will eat non-book snacks and potluck items, photograph and enjoy the books, vote for our favorites, then eat them! As an incentive to participate, the favorite books as voted on by the attendees will receive prizes.

For more information or if you would like to attend this event, please RSVP to Mandy Dunn Sampson at mandydunnsampson@gmail.com. Indicate whether you are bringing an edible book or a potluck item, empty-handed attendees will be charged $10.

***

Bodies of Text: A PCB and Dance Company Collaboration
April 16, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Community Education Center
3500 Lancaster Avenue

A series of collaborative dance performances and art exhibitions tied to the book and its interdisciplinary interpretations. Premiering as a part of the 2011 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and its theme of Paris 1911.

Tickets are available through the CEC (Box Office: 215-387-1911) and through PIFA at www.Pifa.org.

Performances will be followed by a discussion between choreographers and book artists, examining the transformation from printed page to stage, and accompanied by storefront exhibits of artist books and related material. Featured books will also be on view alongside each performance.

***

Members & Friends Meeting
at the American Philosophical Society

May 5, 2011
6:00 to 8:00 pm
104 South 5th Street

Join us as we take a tour of the conservation lab of APS and explore the new exhibition Of Elephants and Roses: Encounters with French Natural History, 1790-1830 with Assistant Curator of Museum Education, Jenni Drozdek, Ph.D.

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For up to date information and details about programs please visit us at philadelphiacenterforthebook.org