Exhibition Guided Tour – “Pen to Press: Experimentation and Innovation in the Age of Print”
Thursday, January 15, 6:30 pm
Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201
We’re pleased to announce our first event for 2015: An after-hours guided tour of the Pen to Press exhibition at the Walters Art Museum.
Please rsvp to GBWPotomacChapter@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Also, if you are driving from the DC area and are willing to give another Potomac Chapter member a ride, please mention that in your response. Or if you would like to attend and need a ride, let us know. With a little coordination we should be able to get everyone who wants to attend to the event.
For more about the exhibition, see the description below provided by the Walters Art Museum.
Pen to Press: Experimentation and Innovation in the Age of Print
This exhibition explores that moment of tension, beginning with the publication of Gutenberg’s Bible in 1455, when printing was a new, experimental medium. The result was a fascinating interplay of formats that led to hybrid works, failed experiments, and entirely new forms of books. This story is especially pertinent now, as we are experiencing our own technological revolution, moving from printed book to digital publishing.
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Gothic Book Furniture Workshop, with Erin Hammeke
Saturday, March 28, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday, March 29, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, 8230 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD
The Potomac Chapter is excited to announce a Gothic Book Furniture Workshop, led by Erin Hammeke. In this 1.5 day workshop, students will learn about metal book furniture manufacture during the Gothic period, including center- and corner-pieces, bosses, edge guards, and fastenings. Results from a survey of furniture on incunabula will be shared along with many visual examples of Gothic book furniture. Students will learn how to fabricate and attach a set of brass clasps typical of the Gothic period and will learn various metalworking techniques such as cutting, forging, filing, engraving, drilling, punching and riveting. Supplies will be provided to produce two clasps, with the option to make additional furniture. Students are highly encouraged to bring a Gothic quarter or full leather/tawed skin binding model with wooden boards on which to attach their clasps and furniture. A mockup wooden boards binding can be substituted if you are unable to bring a Gothic model. Instructions for making the mockup will be provided prior to class. Please feel free to contact the instructor if you have any questions.
Cost: $150 for members, $175 for non-members. There will be a materials fee paid directly to the instructor.
For more information, or to reserve a spot in the class, please rsvp to GBWPotomacChapter@gmail.com.
About the Instructor: Erin Hammeke is a Senior Conservator for Special Collections at Duke University Libraries. She has an MLIS and CAS in Conservation from the Kilgarlin Center at UT Austin, as well as a B.A. in Art History and Studio Art with an emphasis on Metalworking from UW Madison. She has held internships at the Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard University and at the Pinos y Serriera Archives, Vilassar de Dalt, Spain. She has a special interest in metal attachments to bookbindings, and recently co-instructed a PBI course on American Anabaptist bindings.
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Presentation by Dan Essig, Book Artist
Thursday, April 23, 3:00 pm
Rosenwald Room, L J 205, Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
Come join us to hear Dan give a presentation on his amazing wood-covered artist books and book-based sculptures. Co-hosted by the Library of Congress Rare Book and Special Collections Division.
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Special Tour of “In the Library: The Robert L. Feller and Ruth M. Johnston Feller Collection”
Friday, May 22, Noon
National Gallery of Art
Highlights of this exhibition include Feller’s notebook on samples taken in Florence where he worked with conservators responding to the flood of 1966, several examples of hand painted color samples, and a series of several editions of important artist manuals and instruction books. Meet outside the Study Center on the ground floor of the NGA East Building, just past the large staircase. To facilitate access to this area of the museum please RSVP to GBWPotomacChapter@gmail.com so we can provide a list of attendees in advance of the event.
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Presentation by Vicky and Bill Stewart, Booksellers
Tuesday, June 2, Wine and cheese at 6:00 pm; presentation at 6:30 pm
Pyramid Atlantic, Silver Spring, MD
Vicky and Bill Stewart of Vamp and Tramp Booksellers present, “Artist Books: When the Goblet Becomes the Wine.” Hear Vicky and Bill talk about the business of selling contemporary fine press and artist’s books and have a rare opportunity to look closely at and handle a selection of the books they offer. They say they sell the books they love-the ones that haunt and comfort them. Come to see and peruse some of those inspirational titles, imprints, and bindings.
Please rsvp to GBWPotomacChapter@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
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Guild of Book Workers Potomac Chapter Exhibition
The Potomac Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers invites its members to participate in an exhibition scheduled to open at the end of 2015. The theme of the exhibition is Life Along the Potomac. Members are encouraged to interpret this theme broadly to encompass such things as the history of the region, local geography, and contemporary Washington.
ENTRY GUIDELINES
Eligibility: All entrants must be members in good standing of the Potomac Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers at the time of submission and carry a current membership throughout the duration of the exhibition. Entrants may submit one work, which must have been created since 2013.
Fees, Shipping, and Insurance: There is a $35 entry fee. All submissions must be sent in protective enclosures. The submissions will be returned to the owners at no additional cost, including insurance up to $500. The Potomac Chapter will not provide any other insurance coverage beyond what may already exist at the exhibiting venues.
Size and Space Limitations: Books may not be larger than 14 inches high x 10 inches wide when closed. Should we receive more submissions than can be accommodated by the participating venues, the Board of the Potomac Chapter reserves the right to select those considered most in keeping with the theme of the exhibit.
Exhibition Duration: The show will open in December of 2015 at the Bethesda Library, Bethesda, MD and travel to at least one additional location in early 2016. Once a work is selected it must remain in the show for the full duration.
Catalog: The Potomac Chapter plans to produce an online catalog with photographs and descriptions of each work, as well as biographies of the artists.
Intent to Enter: Please indicate your intent to enter in an email to: GBWPotomacchapter@gmail.com Include your name, address, email address, and phone number. All Intents to Enter must be received by June 15, 2015.
Submission Date: All entries must be received by November 2, 2015.
Questions: Please contact the Potomac Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers at: GBWPotomacchapter@gmail.com
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Tunnel Book Workshop, with Alice Austen
Saturday, June 13, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Folger Shakespeare Library, Werner Gundersheimer Conservation Laboratory
The Potomac Chapter is excited to announce our next workshop, The Tunnel Book, taught by Alice Austen. The tunnel book sets a stage by enticing the viewer to look through expanding layers or scenes. In this one day class students will make two models to explore and understand the physical expansion of the concertina side panels. We will also construct a cover to attach to one of our books. Materials will be provided for the books but students should bring postcards, drawings, prints, photographs or other collage material that they would like to cut up and incorporate in their books. We will make our own rubber stamp from an eraser but bring a few of your favorite art supplies to personalize your books.
Cost: $100 for members, $125 for non-members, plus a materials fee paid directly to the instructor.
For more information, or to reserve a spot in the class, please rsvp to GBWPotomacChapter@gmail.com.
About the Instructor: Alice Austin is a Philadelphia printmaker and book artist. She has worked as a book conservator since 1999 at the Library Company of Philadelphia, a rare book library founded in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin. She is a lecturer at the University of the Arts, teaching book structures, and also teaches workshops at the Center for Book Arts, NYC, Cullowhee Mountain Arts, in Western North Carolina, and other locations. She earned a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art and has been an active member, heading many local committees, of the Guild of Book Workers since 1998.
She has been awarded many artist residencies in Europe, some of which involve teaching and exhibiting. Her work is widely held in private, public and special collections worldwide and you can listen to a podcast about her work from the University of Alabama. Her art work is also featured in “500 Handmade Books,” “Magic Books and Paper Toys,” “1000 Artists’ Books” and “Making Handmade Books.” Her artist books have been reviewed in Fine Books magazine and on-line in the New Yorker book bench blog.
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Presentation by Alice Austin
Thursday, June 11, 3:00 pm
Rosenwald Room, L J 205, Jefferson Building, Library of Congress
Alice Austin will present, “Structural Books: Book Structures from the Medieval to the Modern.” Alice will discuss her exploration of different book structures, both historic and modern. Her unique books satisfy a curiosity of book binding history, while her editions celebrate pattern and color.
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Summer Party
Saturday, August 29, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
8911 Alton Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Chill out and reconnect with old friends. Drinks provided; bring a dish to share. We’re a 15-minute walk from the Silver Spring red line. If you drive, watch for “No Parking” signs close to the house.
Please rsvp directly to Linda by email at capella8911@yahoo.com, or by phone at 301-585-0758.
We hope to see you there!
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Special Tour of Betty and Edgar Sweren Home and Artist Book Collection
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
77 Seminary Farm Road, Timonium, MD 21093
Back by popular demand is a special tour of Betty and Edgar Sweren’s home and collection of artist books. This tour was a highlight of events connected with GBW Standards when it was held in Washington, DC in 2013. Members who missed it have repeatedly requested that we schedule another opportunity to see this impressive collection and hear from Betty and Edgar about it. The Swerens have graciously agreed to host us again and to show us the many fabulous artist books and other pieces of art, which they have acquired. This is a unique chance to see an amazing selection of outstanding artist books in the beautiful setting of the Sweren’s home.
Because space is limited, please RSVP to GBWPotomacchapter@gmail.com.
If you are driving and can take a passenger or if you are in need of a ride, please let us know and we will try to help coordinate transportation.
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Exhibit Announcement
Thursday, December 3, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, opening reception at Bethesda Library, Bethesda, MD. On view through December.
Monday, January 4, exhibit goes on view at Maryland State Archives, Annapolis, MD
Life Along the Potomac, an exhibit of artist books and design bindings by members of the Potomac Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers, will open in December at the Bethesda Library, Bethesda, Maryland. An opening reception will be held on December 3rd from 6:00pm-8:00pm. The exhibit features a wide variety of binding styles and highlights different artistic interpretations of the Potomac theme. The exhibit will be on display at the Bethesda Library through December, when it will travel to the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis, Maryland and go on view there on January 4th, 2016.
If you would like to attend the opening, please RSVP to GBWPotomacchapter@gmail.com.
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Inks, Drinks, and Merriment
The Potomac Chapter invites you to our annual holiday party, Thursday Dec 10th. This year we will be celebrating with food, drinks, and letterpress printing! We have reserved the studio space at Pyramid Atlantic and will be set up so that party goers can take a turn at printing their own holiday cards. Pyramid member and printer James Quigley will be on hand to assist, offer pointers, and generally supervise our inky endeavor. You, the party guest, will have the chance to meet with friends, enjoy some light refreshments, and take home some handmade holiday cards. Send them to friends and family to spread holiday cheer and for instant artistic credibility!
What: Holiday Party and Card Making (and extremely brief annual meeting)
When: Thursday, December 10th, 6:00 pm -8:00 pm
Where: Pyramid Atlantic, 8230 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring. There is parking available out front and on the side streets. Pyramid is also less than a 5 minute walk from the metro if you follow the path next to the bus hub, walking up hill.
What you need to do: Just RSVP to GBWPotomacchapter@gmail.com, and show up on the 10th ready to print. Feel free to bring a guest, just let us know if you plan to do so. There will be a basket for donations (a few bucks per person should cover it) to help defray the cost of the cards, ink, and James’ expertise.
Hope to see you there!
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Potomac Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers 