In 2011, we held the first Art of the Book exhibit in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library. At the time, we wanted to celebrate what has been at the core of libraries for centuries–the book. We marveled over the intricate interpretations of this humble format, and we were thrilled with the response to the exhibit from the community.

In subsequent years, the exhibit has grown to include entries from all over the world, featuring well-known artists for their exquisite work. We have built a reputation worldwide among book artists, and we are so pleased to see that reputation upheld. In 2021 we added a category of Paper Sculpture.

Books continue to ensnare the imagination, both for their form and content. Artists manipulate those two components to create breathtaking, mind-bending works of art that tease and cajole people to consider the intricacies of paper, ink, words, and meaning. Every year the range of work never ceases to amaze us.

This year we added an auxiliary exhibit adjacent in the Arts Division– The Works of the Judges of the Art of the Book & Paper. See the beautiful artists books and collages by Diane Bond, Rachael Gootnick, Gerald Mead, and Susan Tkach.

We hope you enjoy the 13th Annual Juried International Art of the Book & Paper exhibit this year from August 20-November 30, 2024. The reception is Wednesday, September 18 at 5:30pm. Come early and try some activities we have planned for the Fringe Festival.


ART OF THE BOOK PROGRAM
Exhibit of the judges’ work & program by Rachael Gootnick

2024 Winners

Best of Show

Image

Best of Show

To Know This Place

Michele Heather Pollock, Columbus, IN

Artists Books

Image

First Place

Traumarbeit

Elsi Vassdal Ellis, Bellingham, WA

Image

Second Place

Placomusophilia

Marcia Vogler, Charlotte, VT

Honorable Mentions

Image

Ex Machina

Kristine Bouyoucos, Rochester, NY

Image

California Poppies

Bettina Pauly, San Francisco, CA

Image

Bring the Car, Darling

Rosemary Rae, El Cajon, CA

Image

Released

Katherine Kenal, Salt Lake City, UT

Image

Watery Venice

Carol Acquilano, Rochester, NY

Altered Books

Image

First Place

232 Ripples: Still

Chris Perry, Ridgefield, CT

Image

Second Place

Cabinet of Curiosities

John Ballou, Rochester, NY

Honorable Mentions

Image

Migration

Carole Kunstadt, West Hurley, NY

Image

Words Can Tear Us Apart

Dorsey Hogg, Burlington, VT

Paper Sculpture

Image

First Place

Belly Dancers Kaleidoscope

Sally Chapman, Lowell, MA

Image

Second Place

A Little Orange, No. 2

Bret Garwood, Rochester, NY

Honorable Mentions

Image

Points of Interest

Dorsey Hogg, Burlington, VT

Image

Waiting to be Heard

Rachel Smith, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Best Binding

Image

Vessel Book #1

Rachel Stickney, Portage, MI

Best Use of Typography

Image

Dream of the Golden Empress

Rachel Simmons, Orlando, FL

Best Use of Handmade Paper

Image

Salterini Couch

Nancy Jo Gambacurta, Rochester, NY

Best Use of Unusual Materials

Image

The Conversation

Jim Cokas, Newport Beach, CA

Most Unusual Case

Image

Toaster

Heather Doyle-Maier, Denver, CO

Most Unique

Image

Experimental Travel Books

Ben Rubin, Rochester, NY