Art of the Book

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. Join us on November 18 at 5:00pm and judge Rachael Gootnick will discuss the books in the exhibit in detail. You’ll even have a chance to see some books out of the display cases.

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