TACOMA, Wash. – University of Puget Sound is hosting the national traveling exhibition Horizon, a high-caliber selection of book arts, organized and juried by the New York-based Guild of Book Workers. Collins Memorial Library on campus, which is showing the book art until Sunday, March 30, is one of only six national venues, and the only one in the Pacific Northwest, to host the exhibition.
The 52 works of contemporary book arts and fine binding feature some of the finest book artists and binders in the country. Three Northwest artists have work in the show: Susan Collard, an architect and book artist living in Portland, Ore.; Monica Holtclaw; and Suzanne Moore. Moore lives on Vashon Island and is a world-renowned calligrapher and illuminator, known internationally for her work on The Saint John’s Bible.
“This show is inspiring—from the beautiful, hand-bound books to the intricately made books, it takes my breath away,” said Jane Carlin, director of Collins Memorial Library and a member of the Puget Sound Book Artists group. “Unpacking the exhibit crates was like opening an endless box of presents. Each book is unique and represents the highest standards in creative expression. We are very lucky to have the opportunity to showcase these remarkable publications.”
The Guild of Book Workers’ 2012-14 exhibition asked entrants to consider “the horizon,” and to interpret this theme. Out of 124 submitted entries, 52 works were selected. The guild described the resulting exhibition as:
“For many, the horizon is a source of contemplation. For some, thinking about the horizon triggers images of the vast open landscape of the desert. For others, it is the silhouette of a mountain at dawn, a single ship out at sea, or the trajectory of a life. Establishing a relationship between the viewer and that which is beyond, the horizon serves as a threshold, waiting to be crossed.”
Visitors to Horizon will find that they can learn much more about the artists than at some traditional art exhibits. Each work will include a Quick Reference (QR) code that is readable by smart phones, giving the viewer access to the artist’s website.
A special event will be held on Saturday, March 15: a one-day symposiumon the art of the book. However, registration for the event filled within two days, and attendance is now closed. Over 70 attendees will hear presentations by the above three artists, as well as by local artists Jessica Spring and Chandler O’Leary. The event will be held on the campuses of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University.
The Horizon show is co-sponsored by Collins Memorial Library and the Guild of Book Workers. Founded in 1906, the Guild of Book Workers has more than 900 members. It is the only national organization dedicated to all of the book arts, including bookbinding, conservation, printing, papermaking, calligraphy, marbling, and artists’ books.
For directions and a map of the University of Puget Sound campus:pugetsound.edu/directions
For accessibility information please contact accessibility or 253.879.3236
Press photos of book art in the exhibit are available upon request. Photo on page: Work by Heather Bain.
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