Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
Festival of the Book events
San Diego Book Arts Second National Juried Show
Continues through October 31, 2008
UCSD, Geisel Library
Over 60 artist’s books from around the country have been selected by Erika Torri, Executive Director of the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library in La Jolla, the juror for the Second National San Diego Book Arts Juried Show. Eighteen of the 45 artists represented in the show are SDBA members. A full color catalog of the exhibition will be available for purchase.
In addition to introducing our Second National Juried Show to the public, the opening reception will also serve as an informal inauguration of the Festival of the Book, and promises to be a highlight of the year for San Diego Book Arts. And remember, parking is free and easy for this Saturday event.
A Festival of the Book event.
Catalog now available . . . We have just published a 65 page, 9 x 7 inch, full color catalog of our Juried Exhibition. Each artist’s book in the show is on it’s own page, with 2-3 images of the book. The price is $20 plus $4 for shipping.
To order your copy, send a check for $24 to San Diego Book Arts, P.O. Box 90562, San Diego, CA 92169. Or, click the "Buy Now" button below to pay with a major credit card using our PayPal shopping cart.
Please allow up to two weeks for delivery. If you plan to attend the opening reception on Saturday, September 20, from 3:30 to 5:00, you may pay $20 by check or cash and pick up your copy at that time.
Seeing the Forest for the Trees
San Diego premiere of a new film about Mary Ellen Long,
Screening and reception with a talk by the artist
Saturday, October 11, 2008, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
UCSD, Seuss Room, Geisel Library
This short film reveals the inner thoughts and outer workings of internationally recognized Durango artist and SDBA member Mary Ellen Long. Her site-specific environmental works, which subtly intervene in nature, are presented along with the installations, sculptures and book works she creates for collectors, museums, and gallery exhibitions. Often using the indigenous materials found in nature, Long is interested in invoking the spirit and investigating the history of the places in which she creates her temporal, outdoor works while collaborating with the changing seasonal processes that inform her pieces.
A Festival of the Book Event.
“Lost & Found”
October 11 through end of Fall Semester 2008
Reception/Interactive Event, Friday, October 17, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Library Addition Basement
San Diego State University Library and Information Access
Special Collections and University Archives is pleased to host a unique, interactive exhibit opening for “Lost and Found,” a display of work by fine art, graphic design, multi-media, and applied art students who have taken Michele Burgess’ Art of the Book I and II classes.
Compact Shelving, located in the Library Addition Basement, contains thousands of rarely-used books. Most of the books are bound in the same manner with very similar spine titling. Art faculty member and SDBA member Michele Burgess asked her students to go down and select one of these books to “rescue from obscurity” by designing and creating a new dust jacket or container. They also inserted something temporary into the book to give a clue about the identity of the artist and her/his relationship to the book.
Special Collections Librarian Anne Bahde collaborated on the project, attended the critiques and made sure that the cover/container and inserts were reversible and not harmful to the book in any way. The books were then re-shelved in their usual spots with the new covers, as a combination library archive and art installation.
At the reception, visitors will have the opportunity to browse the shelves, keeping an eye out for these remarkable creations and leafing through their pages to experience the transformation. Please join us to see political, literary, socially conscious, and many other thematic works of art in book form, including a book about Arctic exploration “encased” in ice, and a rhyming dictionary turned dialogue between rappers.
A Festival of the Book Event
Other Exhibitions
San Diego Book Arts Members’ Miniature Book Exhibition
Continues through October 24
University of San Diego, Copley Library
Click here for library hours
October 27 – November 28
San Diego Public Library, Kensington Branch
Click here for library hours
November 29 – January 10
International Printing Museum, Carson, CA
The museum is open every Saturday from 10:00-4:00
Artist’s books not more than three inches in size make up this special members’ exhibition. A color catalog will be available soon.
Performing the Book
Curated by Kitty Maryatt
August 30 to October 12, 2008
Reception September 13, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Williamson Gallery, Scripps College, Claremont, California
Frederic W. Goudy Lecture by Susan Share
September 13, 2008, 3:30-4:45 p.m.,
Humanities Auditorium, Scripps College
Performance by Susan Share
September 13, 2008, 6:15 p.m.,
Williamson Gallery
Frederic W. Goudy Workshop by Susan Share
Wearable Books & Movement
September 14. 2008, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Scripps College Press, $95
Contemporary artists’ books on exhibit at the Williamson Gallery invite the viewer to react and decipher visual and textual cues on display. There are slyly straightforward, verbally rich tomes, architectural and archaeological constructions, books with painterly calligraphic gestures, alphabetic type explosions, and colorful puppetry. They are made out of carved bone, gilt leather, aluminum and lead, tar paper. They hang, stand, twist and shout. This exhibit asks the viewer to participate in performing each book.
Artists include Harriet Bart, Robert Bringhurst, Johanna Drucker, Leslie Enders Lee, Don Glaister, Ron King, Shanna Leino, Suzanne Moore, Werner Pfeiffer, Susan Share, Genie Shenk, and Sam Winston.
For further information, contact Kitty Maryatt at
kmaryatt@scrippscollege.edu
www.scrippscollege.edu/campus/press.
Past Exhibitions
cARTalog Tour
A Creative Rebirth of Retired Card Catalogs
A Show by the SDBA San Diego Book Arts Members
UCSD Geisel Library, Special Collections: Continues through May 4
Long before search engines crawled the internet and the world was wired, the curious stood in front of the card catalog to begin their search for entertainment and information. They flipped through the cards, oftentimes discovering authors, titles, and subjects unknown to them before. Millions of those 3x5" index cards faced extinction when libraries retired its card catalogs, but several hundred of them have been saved—transformed into art by the cARTalog project, a creative rebirth expressed around the nation.
A full color 8" x 6" catalog of the works in the cARTalog Exhibition is now available. To purchase a copy postpaid, send your check for $20 made payable to San Diego Book Arts to SDBA, P.O. Box 90562, San Diego, CA 92169. Include your name and address for shipping.
Previous venues:
Carlsbad Library: Aug 9 - Sept 24
Serra Mesa Library: Sept 26 - Oct 22
Central (Downtown) Library: Nov 6 - Nov 30
San Diego State University, Love Library and Information Access, Special Collections: April 7 - May 9
Kathy Miller: Theme and Variations
February 1 – 29, 2008
Reception for the artist: Friday, February 1, 5:30 - 8:30 pm
Bay Park Press, 4138 Napier Street, San Diego
Object based sculptures, books and collages by San Diego artist and SDBA member Kathy Miller are featured in this solo show. Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. and by appointment, 619.275.0696.
Maura Harvey: Retablo Exhibit
Continues through January 4. 2008
Dove Library, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad
Maura Harvey’s retablos are a collaboration between many hands and many hearts. She incorporates orphan jewelry, often donated by friends, found objects, or a piece of broken craft because someone had loved that little object once and given it life. The energy in that object is reborn and valued once again. Retablos were originally used as portable altars by medieval travelers and were carried by soldiers into battle. Each of the retablos evokes a specific person, culture, or emotion, and, as portable art, transports the viewer to its small cosmos. Library hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday, 1:00-5:00 pm. 760-602-2038.
“Re-Covery: 26 Books/26 Artists”
Continues through January 12, 2008
Art Around Books Gallery, 5433-A Linda Vista Road
Art Around Books Gallery presents "Re-Covery: 26 Books/26 Artists," a book show in the traditional sense, with one major difference: 26 visual artists were asked to select and transform a trade book that held some special meaning for each of them. The old covers of the book were removed, altered, reconstructed, deconstructed, or in some way rebound with a new cover or enclosure of the atist's making. The artists in the show were chosen by exhibition curator Bill Kelly, Co-director of Brighton Press. They were asked to respond in any medium they wished: sculpture, prints, paintings, drawings. No other restrictions were given beyond the basic premise. The results are remarkably varied, inventive, and unpredictable.
The following artists have re-covered their books for this exhibition: Jinane Abbadi, Dave Adey, Tor Archer, David Avalos, Michele Burgess, J.L. Cooling, Cameron Davis, Jess Dominguez, Mary Lynn Dominguez, Jeanne Dunn, Ke Francis, Linda Geary, Steve Gibson, John Halaka, Bill Kelly, Jacque Lynn, Nelle Martin, Kathi McCord, Duncan McCosker, Susan Merritt, Christine Oatman, Jim Renner, Ernest Silva, Jim Skalman, Julia Talcott, and Ian Tyson.
Gallery Hours: Thurs - Sat., Noon to 5 pm and by appointment, (619) 542-1179.
E-mail: brightonpr@ebrightonarts.com
Black/White [and Read]
Organized by Gloria Helfgott, Artist and Independent Curator
October 28, 2007–January 13, 2008
Reception, November 4, 2:00–4:00 pm
Cerritos Library, 18025 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, California
Gloria Helfgott’s family will be in attendance at the reception, and her books from the library’s special collection will be on display as well. Black/White [and Read] seeks to advance an artistic challenge-to deliver a powerful graphic statement, eschewing color, and utilizing solely black and white imagery. Through these book objects, the public reads works of art without being seduced by color or even text.
Works by 15 book artists will be featured including Maria Barbosa, Geri Boggs, Inge Bruggemann, Doug Beube, Beatrice Coron, Pamela Drix, Bill Hendricks, Charles Hobson, Kumi Korf, Mary Ellen Long, Barbara Lazerus Metz, Werner Pfieffer, Pia Pizzo, Lise Poirier, Stephen Sidelinger, Robbin Ami Silverberg, Alice Simpson, Beth Thielen, Mary Ting, Nik Tongas, Susann Wilber, Ana Wolf, Arne Wolf, Crista Wolf.
Selections from the Athenaeum’s
Artists’ Books Collection: Hans-Peter Feldmann
November 10-December 30, 2007
Reception, November 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla
A conceptual artist who lives and works in Düsseldorf, Feldmann combines photographs and found materials to witty effect in his books.
OMA Regional 5
Oceanside Museum of Art
Continues through November 11, 2007
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside
SDBA member Doria Goocher’s art quilt “Blowing in the Wind,” and member Irene Abraham’s drawing “traveling through,” have been juried into the Oceanside Museum of Art Regional 5. This is an exhibition of regional artists. Thirty-three entries were accepted from 443 slides by 122 artists. This fine arts exhibition will include drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, prints, sculpture and fiber art. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Sunday, 1:00-4:00 pm.
BOOM TIME
Continues through November 1, 2007
Kruglak Gallery, Miracosta College
One Barnard Drive, Student Center lower level, Oceanside
This show features Ledge artists Irene Abraham, Moya Devine, Cheryl Griffiths, Kathy Miller and Judith Parenio. (Irene and Kathy are also members of SDBA.) The show consists of images exploring the experience of facing the complexities and contradictions of today’s world from the perspective of five boomer generation artists. Hours, Monday-Thursday, 10:00 am-3 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday evenings 6:00-7:30 pm. Free. Gallery director: Diane Adams, 760-795-6657.
Cutting Edge Books Juried Exhibition
by Artist Members of Pacific Center for the Book Arts (PCBA)
University Art Gallery Cal State East Bay
28500 Carlos Bee Blvd 1233 Art & Education Building Hayward, CA 94542
Continues through November 29, 2007
Website: http://class.csueastbay.edu/artgallery/
The University Art Gallery at Cal State East Bay (CSUEB) features 31 artists, including San Diego Book Arts Member Jim Machacek, in Cutting Edge Books, a provocative show that pushes the conventional notion of the “book” to the limit. Tearing down the notion that books are meant only to be read, artists have freed pages from their bindings so they soar and float, combined untraditional material with text, reassembled books into sculptural objects or transformed them into interactive media that forces engagement with the viewer. Juried and curated by Michael Henninger, Professor in the CSUEB Department of Art, and Tanya Wilkinson and Priscilla Otani of PCBA, Cutting Edge includes works by established book artists as well as emerging artists from Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Australia.
Brand 36: Works on Paper - Secrets & Confessions
Continues through November 16, 2007
Brand Library Art Galleries
1601 Mountain Street, Glendale
SDBA Member Sara Rosenbluth has a drawing in this upcoming show. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, be sure to stop in to see the show.
Selections from the Athenaeum’s
Artists’ Books Collection: John Baldessari
Continues through November 3, 2007
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall Street, La Jolla
Famed modern painter John Baldessari began creating artist’s books as a more accessible art form, saying, “Art seems pure for a moment and disconnected from money. And since a lot of people can own the book, nobody owns it.” A San Diego native, based for most of his career in Los Angeles, Baldessari has created about a dozen books since the early 1970s. The Athenaeum will exhibit copies of eleven of them.
Cutting Edge Books Juried Exhibition
by Artist Members of Pacific Center for the Book Arts (PCBA)
Continues through November 29, 2007
University Art Gallery Cal State East Bay
28500 Carlos Bee Blvd 1233 Art & Education Building Hayward, CA 94542
The University Art Gallery at Cal State East Bay (CSUEB) features 31 artists, including San Diego Book Arts Member Jim Machacek, in Cutting Edge Books, a provocative show that pushes the conventional notion of the “book” to the limit. Tearing down the notion that books are meant only to be read, artists have freed pages from their bindings so they soar and float, combined untraditional material with text, reassembled books into sculptural objects or transformed them into interactive media that forces engagement with the viewer. Juried and curated by Michael Henninger, Professor in the CSUEB Department of Art, and Tanya Wilkinson and Priscilla Otani of PCBA, Cutting Edge includes works by established book artists as well as emerging artists from Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Australia. Website: http://class.csueastbay.edu/artgallery
Desire Path: A Multimedia Exhibition by Michele Burgess
November 3–December 1, 2007.
Reception, Saturday, November 3, 2007, 5:00–8:00 pm
Art Around Books Gallery, 5433-A Linda Vista Road, San Diego
Special Books/Special Collections
San Diego Book Arts Members Exhibit
September 12 – November 15, 2007 (EXTENDED)
San Diego State University, Love Library
Artist Walkthrough
Monday, October 29, 1:00-3:00 pm
The artists will discuss their work. Books may be removed from the cases for better viewing and handling. Artists' books from the the library's Special Collections will also be on display, and the 19th century Pearl letterpress will be in operation.
Don't miss this chance to talk with the artists and get an up-close and personal look at the fine selection of artists' books now on display.
A variety of handmade books showcase the variety of talents of San Diego Book Arts members.
The easiest way to get to San Diego State, for the Artist Walkthrough and to visit the show, is to take the trolley. Pick a station on the Green Line that’s convenient, park your car, buy a ticket from the machine on the platform (they take credit cards), and leave the driving to the MTS. When you get off at SDSU, be sure to look up at the wire sculptures by Anne Mudge.
For a San Diego State map, visit http://infodome.sdsu.edu/about/directions.shtml For a trolley map and more information, visit www.sdcommute.com/Rider_Information/trolley/trolleymap.asp.
Sculpture, prints, paintings, artist's books are on exhibit.
Gallery hours: Thursday-Saturday, 12:00–5 pm and by appointment. (Closed November 22 and 23, 2007.) (619) 542-1179
Book Arts: Exploring the Diverse Spectrum of the Artist’s Book.
August 25 – September 29, 2007
Reception, Saturday, August 25, 5:00 – 8:00 pm
The Next Door Gallery
2963 Beach Street, San Diego
Since 1999, Studio Maureen and The Next Door Gallery have annually presented “Exploring the Diverse Spectrum of the Artist’s Book.” This year’s show includes work by San Diego Book Arts members Gail Bamber, Britta Brice, Mary Lynn Dominguez, Evelyn LaRosa, Jim Machacek, Yvonne Perez-Collins, Renee Richetts, Josie Rodriguez, Sara Rosenbluth, Sibyl Rubottom, Helen Shafer Garcia, Genie Shenk and Stephen Sloan. For more information, contact Maureen Ceccarelli, gallery owner, at 619-233-6679, or email studiomaureen@yahoo.com, by June 30, 2007.
Wood Cuts of Kirsten Francis and Claudio Orso Giacone
September 14th to October 19th, 2007
Reception, Friday, September 14 from 5:30-8:30 pm
Bay Park Press
4138 Napier Street, San Diego
Two accomplished artists, two different approaches to making wood cuts, the oldest form of printmaking. Francis creates intricately detailed and colorful narrative works using the color reductive process, combining mythological and literary images with events from her everyday life. Orso Giacone uses the stark black and white contrast of traditional wood cuts to tell a tale through metaphor and action. His characters emerge from the darkness; they are good and evil, oppressed and violent, hopeful and undesirable. Both artists use the graphic power of the wood cut to its full advantage and both have important things to tell us.
Call Jim Machacek or Sibyl Rubottom for more information, 619-275-0696.
6th Biennial Artists’ Book Juried Exhibition
May 12 – June 16, 2007
Reception Friday, May 11, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Main Gallery
100 Wall Street, La Jolla, California
The 2007 exhibition of artists’ books at the Athenaeum was selected by juror Victoria Steele, Ph.D., Head, Special Collections, UCLA. The work of 38 artists is represented, including 22 SDBA members (see the Accolades for their names). The Athenaeum’s Biennial Artists’ Book Juried Exhibition has come to be one of the premier book arts shows in southern California, and takes place in the newly expanded Main gallery. You won’t want to miss this one. The Athenaeum is open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Fran Watson: Linocut Books
CJ Kuhl Gallery
2400 Kettner Boulevard, Studio 208, San Diego, California.
April 20 to May 26. Opening April 20, 6:00-9:00 pm.
The CJ Kuhl Web site (http://www.cjkuhl.com) has this to say about SDBA member Fran Watson: “Frances has long been interested in printmaking and artists books. Her interest in folk art and storytelling, fed by extensive travels in Mexico, China, and elsewhere, give her a rich source of subject matter, which she combines with an ability to render her subjects with direct visual intensity. She is also an accomplished poet. Now back in California, she divides her time between painting, printmaking, and artists books. She is a founder member of San Diego Book Arts, and her work is in collections across the country. Recent titles include “How We Lost the Mermaid’s Song” and “Adventures of the Origami Bird”.
The gallery will be open during Art Walk, Fri and Sat 11:00 am – 5:00 pm and by appointment. 619-696 7230.
Paper Dreams
Continues through June 2, 2007
Palos Verdes Art Center
5504 West Crestridge Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
According to the exhibition brochure, this show features “the work of five contemporary artists who explore the unique physical, lyrical and imaginative capabilities of paper.” In addition to SDBA member Genie Shenk, the artists are Marjorie Alexander, Rie Hachiyanagi, Yoshio Ikezaki and Tanja Rector. For more on this show, see the review in this issue. The gallery is open daily from 1:00-4:00 pm.
Jim Machacek, CODES, Prints, Collage and Artist’s Books
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, Main Gallery
100 Wall Street, La Jolla, California
March 31–May 5, 2007
Opening reception: Friday, March 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Artist Walkthrough, Saturday, April 14, 11:00 a.m.
San Diego-based artist Jim Machacek will present, in the Athenaeum’s Main Gallery, an exhibition of new work entitled CODES. The works will include etchings, collages and artist’s books that tell their own stories—reflecting his recurring interest in symbols, secrets and codes, and exploring how they intersect our lives.
In this new series, Machacek combines text and letterform with imagery, inventing new, personal language and imbuing found ephemera with personal myth and iconography. With a deep-rooted interest in history, archeology and maps, Machacek weaves the biographical with images of pure fantasy. He invites the viewer to decipher these “codes” and find the artist’s story, or perhaps tell their own.
Machacek has been creating prints, artists’ books, drawing and mixed media for more than three decades. He has exhibited his work in museums and galleries nationwide and in international exhibitions in Japan, Hungary, Canada and Mexico. He has been printmaking professor in the Mesa College art department since 1984 and is co-founder and master printer at Bay Park Press, a San Diego print and letterpress studio. He is a member of the Los Angeles Printmaking Society, Center for Book Arts New York and San Diego Book Arts. The Athenaeum is open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Selections from the Athenaeum Artists’ Books Collection: Bay Park Press
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, North Reading Room
100 Wall Street, La Jolla, California
Through May 5
Bay Park Press was founded in 2000 by San Diego artists Sibyl Rubottom and Jim Machacek, to foster the production of fine art prints and artists’ books. Their False Bay Editions collaborations of artists’ books are printed at Bay Park Press, utilizing Vandercook Universal I and Kelsey letter presses, a Charles Brand etching press, and a growing selection of metal type. This exhibition will feature Jim’s and Sibyl’s most recent collaboration, O is for Opera (2006), and a number of other artists’ books printed at Bay Park Press.
Word Play
The Etcetera Gallery at Brandon Gallery
105 N. Main, Fallbrook, California
April 1-April 29, 2007
Artists Reception, April 7, 3:00-6:00 pm
Demos, Saturday, April 28, Noon-2:00 pm
Word Play presents works that fuse images and words in celebration of national Poetry Month and Fallbrook’s Community Read. It includes works by SDBA member Viviana Lombrozo, along with Risa Gettler, Kathleen Morgan, Carrie Repking and Susan Richardson.
Women of Letters
William Andrews Clark Memorial Library, Los Angeles
Extended through the end of April 2007
This wonderful show of artists’ books by the dozen “Women of Letters” has been extended at the request of the library. In our review in the March End Papers, we failed to include Kitty Maryatt among the San Diego Book Arts members participating in the show. Kitty Maryatt is a founding member of the Women of Letters, and longtime member of SDBA, as well as the guiding light and inspiration for the many students she has mentored at Scripps College.
Among her pieces in this show is a stunning example of an Ethiopian-style book with double boards of papyrus. If you haven’t yet visited the Clark to see this show, you have some extra time to do so. It’s well worth the trip.
The library is currently closed to the general public due to renovations, but tours of the exhibition are available Monday through Friday. Call a few days in advance of your visit to make an appointment. The Clark Library is easy to reach, located just off the 10 freeway. For more information, visit their site at http://www.humnet.ucla.edu/humnet/clarklib/default.htm and click on Exhibitions.
Book/Art: Celebrating Books of Bay Park Press:
Selected Works of Sibyl Rubottom and Jim Machacek.
San Diego Center for Jewish Culture,
The Gotthelf Art Gallery, Lawrence Family Jewish
Community Center, Jacobs Family Campus, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA
December 13, 2006 to February 22, 2007.
Opening Night Reception, December 13, 2006, at 7:30 PM. RSVP 858.362.1154.
Presenting a selection of limited edition books created by artists and SDBA members Sibyl Rubottom and Jim Machacek. Since founding Bay Park Press in 2000, they have collaborated on fine and intricate letterpress books covering a variety of subject matter. This show will debut their latest limited edition, "The ABC of Yiddish."
Weekday hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sundays: 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Artwork available for purchase.
Proceeds benefit the Gotthelf Art Gallery.
William D Cannon Gallery’s Juried Biennial 2007: SDBA Member Judith Christensen’s artist book, Vessels of Remembrance is the sole artist book included in this exhibition.
Through March 4, 2007.
William D. Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad Library Complex, 1775 Dove Lane off El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA
Tuesday – Saturday: 11 - 5 / Sunday: 1 – 5 / Closed Mondays
Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad: Photographs by SDBA Members Gary Miller and Al Rodriguez are included in this juried exhibition.
Through March 11, 2007.
2903 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA
SDBA 2006 Members Fall Show
San Diego Book Arts Members Annual Exhibition at the Mission
Valley Library, October 1-30. Opening reception Sunday, October 8 at 3 PM.
Cannon Gallery is presenting Picking Up the Pieces: Contemporary Collage and Construction, through October 8th. The work of SDBA member Genie Shenk appears alongside that of contemporary collage artists Tony Berlant, Doris Bittar, J.J. L’Heureux, Michael Madzo, Kim MacConnel, Roxene Rockwell and Maritta Tapanainen. The juxtaposition of traditional collage elements such as paper, text, and photos with non-traditional media in this exhibit represents a significant extension of the rich history of collage in Southern California.
William D. Cannon Art Gallery, Carlsbad City Library complex, 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011, Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-5 PM, Sunday 1 to 5 PM.
Towers and SPAM, new work by SDBA member Renee Richetts. On view from September 23 – October 28. Opening reception September 23rd, 6 to 8 PM, Joan Irving Studios, 451 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido, CA 92025, 760.519.4930.
SDBA 2006 First National Juried Exhibition
In this first San Diego Book Arts sponsored National Juried Exhibition, fifty-eight artists’ books, selected from more than 200 entries were on display at the Mandeville Special Collections Library at UC San Diego’s Geisel Library from August 11 – September 8. Lynda Corey Claassen – director and chief curator of UCSD’s Mandeville Special Collections Library and an authority on artists’ books, rare books and manuscripts, and collection development – juried the show, which includes work from artists across the country.
"This exhibition is splendid evidence of the wealth of creative artists working with the book as their medium. We’re pleased to extend our collaboration with San Diego Book Arts, a community organization whose mission of outreach and exhibition about the book arts matches ours." – Lynda Claassen
The works on display range from humorous spoofs of popular culture to aesthetically driven, sensual works rooted in history. On the whimsical side, the exhibition includes a wedding planning "book" composed of a series of pink-hued Monopoly themed game boards, complete with Chance or Community Chest type cards such as: "Oops, you’re pregnant. Go back three spaces." In a more meditative vein, an accordion style book in lush red is steeped in secret codes, depicting many examples from the large collection of Noh masks owned by the Tokugawa clan, Japan’s ruling family of the Edo period (1607 – 1871). Other works of note include an assemblage of "book stones," books shaped and sanded to look like rocks collected on the seashore.