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
Best of Show
To Know This Place
Michele Heather Pollock, Columbus, IN
Artists Books
First Place
Traumarbeit
Elsi Vassdal Ellis, Bellingham, WA
Second Place
Placomusophilia
Marcia Vogler, Charlotte, VT
Honorable Mentions
Ex Machina
Kristine Bouyoucos, Rochester, NY
California Poppies
Bettina Pauly, San Francisco, CA
Bring the Car, Darling
Rosemary Rae, El Cajon, CA
Released
Katherine Kenal, Salt Lake City, UT
Watery Venice
Carol Acquilano, Rochester, NY
Altered Books
First Place
232 Ripples: Still
Chris Perry, Ridgefield, CT
Second Place
Cabinet of Curiosities
John Ballou, Rochester, NY
Honorable Mentions
Migration
Carole Kunstadt, West Hurley, NY
Words Can Tear Us Apart
Dorsey Hogg, Burlington, VT
Paper Sculpture
First Place
Belly Dancers Kaleidoscope
Sally Chapman, Lowell, MA
Second Place
A Little Orange, No. 2
Bret Garwood, Rochester, NY
Honorable Mentions
Points of Interest
Dorsey Hogg, Burlington, VT
Waiting to be Heard
Rachel Smith, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Best Binding
Vessel Book #1
Rachel Stickney, Portage, MI
Best Use of Typography
Dream of the Golden Empress
Rachel Simmons, Orlando, FL
Best Use of Handmade Paper
Salterini Couch
Nancy Jo Gambacurta, Rochester, NY
Best Use of Unusual Materials
The Conversation
Jim Cokas, Newport Beach, CA
Most Unusual Case
Toaster
Heather Doyle-Maier, Denver, CO
Most Unique
Experimental Travel Books
Ben Rubin, Rochester, NY