A GATHERING OF BOOK MAKERS and BOOK LOVERS

A crowd of almost 80 gathered on Sunday afternoon, September 22, at Studio San Giuseppe, College of Mount St. Joseph (MSJ), to get a first look at the exhibition book/ARTS/book featuring 63 works by 33 CBAS members.

Visitors in hallway gallery

Everyone wandered through the installation to admire various interpretations of "the book" that included many non-traditional structures as well as easily recognizable forms.

Variety of book forms

An interactive book

At 2:30 the attendees moved to a classroom to hear Gabrielle Fox, a CBAS founder, share what she does as a fine binder and book artist. Next, Margaret Rhein shared her work as a paper artist, and Marianne Burke talked about her background in calligraphy.

SRO crowd for presentations

All three artists have work in the exhibition incorporating their specific talents in a variety of books. CBAS board member Kevin Grace introduced the panel and, following the presentations, moderated questions from the crowd that included thoughts about the future of the physical book in a world of rapid technological change.

Kennedy Heights Art Center group looks carefully

A group of novice book makers from the Kennedy Heights Art Center, who will soon be working with artist Jan Thomas on a collaborative book project, were a welcome addition to the afternoon and enthusiastic viewers of our work.

Diane Stemper shares her work with admirers Cran and Jack Campbell

Kudos for a beautiful installation and festive reception go to Velma Dailey, Gallery Director, to Jerry Bellas, Assistant to the Gallery Director and Art Department faculty member, and to MSJ student assistants. Thanks for making it possible for us to share our work at such a fine venue.

book/ARTS/book will be on view through October 25 and is well worth a visit...or two! For a MSJ press release about the exhibition, along with gallery hours and details, see http://www.msj.edu/about/facilities/studio-san-giuseppe-art-gallery/