Virginia Arts of The Book » Uncategorized

VABC Member Jesse Wells Show at New Dominion Bookshop May 4th-May 28

Garrett Queen — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:24:43 +0000

Reckonings: A show by VABC Member Jesse Wells, May 4th-May 28 the New Dominion Bookshop
Opening Reception: Friday, May 4, 2012, 5:30-7:30pm

New Dominion Bookshop (on the Historic Downtown Mall)
404 East Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
Gallery Hours during Bookshop hours.
www.newdominionbookshop.com

Jesse Wells’ most recent series is an assemblage of tokens pointing to peripheral moments and the significance we attribute to incidental human actions over time. In applying a frontier mentality to everyday life, viewing the explored as unexplored, it appears that what hovers in the distance can either be a danger or a discovery. Maybe it is both.
This work includes letterpress, drawings, crochet and thread on canvas.

Contact Information:
jesskawells@gmail.com

Hydraulic Press Demo

Garrett Queen — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:24:17 +0000

Paul's homemade press. He will demonstrate this press at the VABC on Saturday afternoon, April 21.

At the VABC on Sat, April 21, 1pm – 2pm.

Demonstration of a Hydraulic Printing Press that you can build at home by Paul Loukides. This one hour demonstration starts at 1:00 pm followed by Q&A.
Two years ago, Paul built a hydraulic printing press for the printmaking class at PVCC. The press worked so well he built another for his home studio. What most interested Paul was that the press introduced the element of time into the printing process. Working with damp paper, the press allowed for both variable time and pressure. Variable time meant that printing an inked but dry plate could produce a strong printing because the dampness of the paper had time time to rehydrate the plate so that the ink could transfer. Variable pressure meant that the degree of embossing could be varied for any individual run of the plate. While most of his printing is done on damp paper, he has recently been using the press to print on fabric using silk screen inks (while still moist). In damp paper printing, he has found that extended time in press allows for printing a dry plate that has had multiple watercolors or washable markers applied to different portions of the plate allowing multiple color prints in a single pass with a single plate. Perhaps best of all, having a versatile press (which cost under $100 for materials), allows for explorations in his own studio space.
See Newsletter Article by Josef Berry

Making Pictures Inspired by Texts: Different Texts = Different Strategies

Garrett Queen — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:31:41 +0000

A presentation by Jeff Pike, Tuesday February 21st at 6:30 at the VABC

Illustrated with examples from recent work, Pike will discuss various methods used in making pictures inspired by texts. The texts will include a piece of short story fiction, a script for a play, and different types of poetry. The goal is not to provide recipes for success, rather to encourage more thoughtful engagement with source materials.

Jeff Pike joined the faculty of the School of Art at Washington University in St. Louis in 1983. Pike was the Dean of the School of Art from 1999 – 2008.
Pike’s professional work has been recognized in Print, Art Direction, Creativity, and Adweek magazines. He has also won Addy’s and Flair awards. In 2010, Pike published a boxed, letterpress book of illustrations and works of fiction based upon the letters of Heloise and Abelard titled, From Letters to Fictions: Heloise & Abelard. Most recently, Pike’s work from After Love, published by the Virginia Arts of the Book Center was accepted into the 53^rd Annual New York Society of Illustrators exhibition.

Winter and Spring 2012 Classes at VABC

Kevin McFadden — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:07:57 +0000

Look at the great classes coming this winter and spring. “Design with Type,” eligible for the UVa Education benefit. If you have been UVa faculty or staff for more than one year and you receive the benefit, you could take this class at no cost. To read more or see application, click here.

More classes on the way! Maybe you want to bookmark our full class schedule page for reference.

Bookmakers corner drop in classes are taking shape too.

Sat, Apr 28 and May 5

Japanese Wood Block Class
Instructor: Lana Lambert
Fee: $150 members, $175 non-members
Materials:
Materials provided, including tools.

We had a great time with the Japanese wood block printing class last summer…and we know there’s even more interest for more out there. Lana Lambert is willing to instruct another set of sessions.

You will need to bring xerox copy of an image that is no larger than 5″x7″. We will be using a traditional japanese printing sumi so it is helpful if you begin with a image that is black and white. You can choose a photograph or drawing but make sure it is an image that you are comfortable marking on as we will be using carbon paper to trace it to our block. Bring your zen and your curiosity and that’s pretty much it!
Contact kmcfadden@virginia.edu for inquiries and registration.

Sat, Apr 28 through Sat, Jun 2
6 Saturdays, 10 a.m. – Noon
Design with Type Certification Course*
Instructor: Josef Beery
Fee: $500 (Member and Nonmember price, *UVa Education Benefit Eligible)
VABC Members not using Education Benefit receive $50 discount ($450)
In this Design Certification Course students will receive a strong introduction to typography and design for print. The course will be held in the Virginia Arts of the Book Center, home to a letterpress printing laboratory with hundreds of cases of wood and metal type. The course will outline the history of printing, type design, and book production. Students will learn the basics of design for the printed page through hands on work. Students will use conventional page layout software on their own desktop computers to complete assignments in the design of posters, brochures, magazine articles, and books. At the completion of the course students will receive a certificate of mastery in “Design with Type.”
Contact kmcfadden@virginia.edu for inquiries and registration.

Bookmakers Group: Double Spine/Dual Binding

Garrett Queen — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:31:36 +0000

On Saturday, Jan 14, 12:00-4:00pm, at the VABC we will (1) make a double spine/dual binding book with a soft cover and (2) discuss plans for 2012 classes.
The cost is $15 for members, $20 for non-members.

You will need to bring:

8½x11” paper for your text blocks/signatures: at least 20 sheets, preferably 35-40; may be anything from photocopy paper to 100% rag paper; thin Asian papers are not suitable; any color you want.
Heavy paper for the wrapper/cover: one large (19×25” or larger) sheet of Canson Mi-Teintes or similar paper (Art Box has some colors; Studio Art has more; share box has only a few).
Ordinary bookmaking tools (the VABC shop has all the ordinary tools if you don’t have them). Please bring cutting mats if you have them.
A wide choice of waxed thread will be available for sewing (different colors and ply).

Please let me know if you plan to attend – hope to see you on Saturday—

Contact Addeane Caelleigh at asc8f@virginia.edu.

Relief Printmaking Workshop: Alphabeasties

Garrett Queen — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:53:45 +0000

Photo by: Ashley Twigg

Saturday, November 5 & 12, 10 AM to 2PM each day.
Instructor: Josef Berry
Cost: Members $150, Non-members $175.(includes supplies)
Class limited to 12. Minimum 5.

We’re trying it again! This two day workshop will introduce students to the joyful practice of linoleum cut printmaking!
We will each design “alphabeasties” for a handful of letters of the alphabet. Then we will compose an alphabet poster from our creations and print an edition!
Each participant will leave with posters to share.
This class is appropriate for all ages and no artistic background is necessary.

(One to two scholarships available. Write 200 words on how this class would help you spread the love of printmaking and submit to VABC Scholarship Committee.)

Contact kmcfadden@virginia.edu to enroll.

Folded Fore-edge Books

Garrett Queen — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 20:14:06 +0000

Folded Fore-edge Books

Workshop August 13, 2011

Books with folded fore-edges usually emphasize images rather than text. Accordion books fit this category but the most common example is the album.

Making a book with folded fore-edges limits the types of bindings that can be used. For example, the pages cannot be put into signatures and sewn. The most common bindings are stab binding and post/clasp binding, with soft or hard covers or wrappers.

These instructions are for making an album-style book with folded fore-edges, approximate size 5-1/2”h x 4-1/4” w. Making the pages is very simple—the decisions about what to do with the pages and how to bind them require several decisions that will determine the final structure of the book.

An album is used to display images, so planning an album begins with deciding on the images and then designing the book around them.

MAKING ALBUM PAGES

Cut sheets of 8-1/2”x11” card stock in half to create two pieces, each 5-1/2” h x 8-1/2” w. Each piece becomes a page.

Fold each piece in half to create a folded page that is 5-1/2”h x 4-1/4”

Stack the pages with fold to the right (open side to the left). Mark on each page the area to be cut out (the “window” that will frame the image). In deciding where to place the cutouts, be sure to allow for the binding edge on the left (the open side). Cut out the cut-out.

Note: It is useful to use scrap paper to decide on the size and placement of the cut-out/window. Once you have created a final paper model, it can be used as a template for marking the cut-outs on each page.

Decide whether you will insert your images before binding or after.

If before, insert image into each page and seal, preferably by gluing the pieces to the pages; then glue each folded page together and dry under weights.

If after, glue each folded page together and dry under weights.

Stack the pages together, with cut-outs facing up, the folds on the right (and open ends on the left). Align by the folded edge; trim the open ends if necessary.

COVER AND BINDING

Cut cover paper as needed for the bound cover or wrapper.

If making hard covers for stab binding, cut cover board approximately 1/8”inch larger on all sides except the spine edge. Cut cover paper 1” wider than board on all sides. Glue paper to boards, mitering corners. Cut and glue end papers to inside of covers.

If using soft, paper covers, decide whether to include flaps. Cut covers 1/16-1/8” larger on all sides, plus flaps, if used.

See notes below about types of covers and wrappers.

Punch holes as needed for the type of cover. Create a jig to mark the holes, if the pattern of holes is complex (for stab binding, for example).

See notes below about binding (sewing or fasteners).

Assemble the finished book. If images are added as the final step, add them to the book.

IDEAS FOR COVERS, HOLES, AND FASTENERS

covers or wrappers

Spine exposed: stab binding with hard or soft covers

board covers with exposed fasteners (screw posts)

Spine covered: paper cover with flaps

paper cover with concealed fasteners (sewing; brads; screw posts)

holes

punched with awl – for sewing with binder’s thread or other thin fiber

punched with screw punch – different sizes of holes are possible; used for sewing,

fasteners, or screw posts

punched with office hole punch – used for fastening with brads or sewing with large cord

fasteners

thread or other fibers

cord or ribbons (various widths)

brads

2-hole office fasteners

screw posts

Handout prepared by Addeane Caelleigh (asc8f@virginia.edu) for the Bookmaking Group at the Virginia Arts of the Book Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, August 2011.

Making Paste Paper

Garrett Queen — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:33:26 +0000

Making Paste Paper:
A Demonstration by Josef Beery (graphic artist, printer, bookmaker)
Saturday, April 9, 2011 – 10:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m.

During the session Josef Beery will:
Discuss paste paper’s use historically and show samples.
Show how he uses paste paper for his projects
Discuss the process for making paste paper
Make sheets of paste paper

Fees: VABC members, no fee / Non-members, $20
To register or for further information, contact Addeane Caelleigh (asc8f@virginia.edu).

Photo by: Josef Berry

Indulgences Release Event! This Sunday, March 20

Kristin Adolfson — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:38:39 +0000

Indulgences at the Virginia Arts of the Book Center
Sun. March 20th, 2011 – 12:00-3:00 PM
Join the book artists of the VABC to view their gallery show: a collaborative, hand-printed and hand-bound book project on the theme of contemporary “indulgences.” Copies of this limited-edition creation will be available for sale. Show and open house at our Ivy Square location (under the Art Box).

VABC Sixth Annual “Raucous Auction”!

Garrett Queen — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:21:13 +0000

November 12, 2010 5:30-8PM VABC Raucous Auction Admission free, $10 suggested donation or purchase

THIS IS AN OLD ARCHIVED AUCTION PAGE. For the latest at the VABC, go to VirginiaBookArts.org
Looking for a singular gift for yourself or a friend this holiday season? Perhaps a handmade book, print, etching, or other piece of art made by local printers? Look no further! The Virginia Arts of the Book Center, a program of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, holds its annual Raucous Auction on Friday, November 12th from 5:30-8pm in our new space under the ArtBox!

Come bid on both silent auction items and raucous auction items throughout the evening while enjoying food and drink and friends. We’ll also be unveiling the Reverse Auction project “YOUR WORDS HERE”: We’ll help you print TEN posters with your words, phrase, quote, ad, or otherwise unpublicized notion that the world is missing right now. The Auction will be held at our new home ”beneath the Art Box” in Ivy Square, 2125 Ivy Road, Suite 5. Come one, come all, and get RAUCOUS!