Oct. 28, 2004

The Library of Michigan will bring the craft of book arts into the public eye during a November/December exhibit in the library's Martha W. Griffiths Michigan Rare Book Room.  Starting Nov. 1 and running through Dec. 31, 2004, the exhibit will showcase the work of several Michigan book artists and will include books that have been produced in unique ways using specialty papers, bindings, inks and other creative means.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the library's rare book room staff will host an exhibit open house at which visitors can talk to and learn from some of the exhibiting artists in attendance.  The exhibit will include the work of:

• Eric Alstrom                       
• Barbara Anderson                       
• Ruth Bardenstein                       
• Jean Buescher
• Samantha Cairo                       
• Tatiana Calixto                       
• Kerri Cushman                       
• Kevin Driedger
• Nedra Frodge                       
• Anne Percy Knott                       
• Leyla Lau-Iamb                       
• Len Muir
• Susan Porteous                       
• Christine Reising                       
• Robbyn Smith                       
• Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
• Basil Wiering                       
• Madeleine Wiering                       
• Vernon Wiering

Book artists use the physical form of the book as their medium.  Using a variety of materials and techniques, these artists' creations can range from traditional hand-bound volumes to designs that stretch the very definition of a book.

"The book arts cover a broad range of skills and techniques including papermaking, printing, binding, design and illustration," said Kevin Driedger, one of the displaying artists.  "With a little creativity and instruction, people of all ages can take part in this expressive and very accessible art form."

Along with the artists' books, the exhibit will include several items fro the Library of Michigan's collection published by Michigan printers such as Adagio Press, Cranbrook Press, the press of Paul Hayden Duensing, the Alternative Press and Gwen Frostic.

The Library of Michigan (702 W. Kalamazoo St., Lansing) is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.