BOOKS AS ART 4 in June 2025!
Northwoods Book Arts Guild members have been creating artist books and exhibiting together since 2011. The Guild’s first BOOKS AS ART exhibition took place in the Bear Gallery in 2014, followed by BOOKS AS ART 2 and BOOKS AS ART 3 in 2017 and 2021 respectively.
In June 2025, the Bear Gallery hosted BOOKS AS ART 4. Guild members demonstrated how a book can be reimagined, reinterpreted, and reinvented through artists’ eyes. Interested artists can review important guidelines and deadlines here.
BOOKS AS ART 4 featured the ongoing work of guild members as they work with structures and techniques familiar within the established history of bookmaking, and new work as they push the boundaries of their art in challenging and innovative directions.
View work featured in the BAA4 exhibit here.
Three recent collections of works created as collaborative projects were highlighted in the show:
The Hornbook Collection: Reimagining an Historical Structure – artist books that have the hallmarks of traditional hornbooks, but are distinctly not traditional! (curated by Ashley Thayer)
Contemporary Meets Vintage – artist books created in response to the automotive and fashion collections of the Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum (curated by Connie Stricks)
Abecedarians – artist books created especially for this show that explore innovative approaches to and expressions of the alphabet (curated by Ashley Thayer)
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Other dedicated areas of display within the show:
Letter Press – to include signage about Northwoods Press, Haiku book, Rebecca’s Chapbook?, possibly tools, etc. (curated by Bruce Campbell)
Art-o-Mat – to include signage about Rasmuson grant, examples of NBG entries with their boxes, a photo of Artie, invitation to visit Artie in the Gift Shop, etc. (curated by Oralee Nudson)
Book Repair – to include signage about service to LCA, examples of books in need of repair and repaired, process photos, etc. (curated by Mary Liston)
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NBG Programing/Events at the Gallery during June:
Donor Reception, Friday, June 6, 3:30-4:30pm – special preview and gift presentation for donors who give at least $100 in 2025 (hosted by the NBG Advisory Council)
Opening Reception, Friday, June 6, 5-7pm – public opening (hosted by the NBG Board and Advisory Council)
Program Meeting, Thursday, June 12, 6-8pm – NBG artist panel format TBD – open to the public
Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 2 – Gallery Tours led by NBG book artists in the show; tours for groups can be scheduled ahead of time
Gift Shop Sales – sales opportunity for members who are exhibiting in the show.