The March CBAC meeting featured Laura Candler leading a demonstration of the Secret Belgian Binding.
This was a new book form for most of the group, and the creations were varied and interesting...
In mid-April, nationally-known book artists Peter and Donna Thomas visited Chattanooga for an afternoon workshop and an evening lecture about the book arts. These events were publicized in advance in an article in the Chattanooga Times Free Press. The CoLab conference room and the Create Here meeting room were the perfect venues for these events. Eleven people attended the workshop and made nested accordion pop up books...
Peter and Donna also showed their own handmade miniature books...
and Peter treated the group to
the performance of several songs on his truly unique ukulele book...
At the April CBAC meeting, Ellen Simak taught the group how to make the Jacob's Ladder form. Based on a classic toy, this hinged book enables the artist to tell a story by having separate cards filled with images or words that travel from side to side within the book.
The Chattanooga Book Arts Collaborative continues to meet at Create Here on the third Sunday of every month. Programs are posted in advance at www.chattanoogabookarts.blogspot.com. CBAC is open to the public and to anyone interested in book making, from novice to experienced. Over 60 people are on the email list, and attendance has averaged around 15-20 people each month; there are a number of "regulars!" At each meeting, many group members bring examples of their own creations that were inspired by previous demonstrations. There is great variety of work, and we are all learning from each other!
On the personal side, I have had the opportunity again to spend time in Dea Sasso's bindery in Asheville. Dea is an amazing teacher, and I am honored to be working with Dea and poet Maryann Jennings to create an edition of books for the Parallax project at BookWorks. We will design, produce and bind an edition of 20-30 small books that will be part of the annual raffle fundraiser for BookWorks in September.
I also attended a BookWorks Co-op meeting and participated in a book exchange with other Co-op members. At this meeting, I was able to meet others involved in the book arts and to make connections that may provide opportunities (such as book exchanges) for CBAC in the future. In early April, I also traveled with another CBAC member to Knoxville to see the exhibition of handmade books made by members of the Knoxville Book Arts Guild. Perhaps a book art exhibition is in Chattanooga's future (more on this later)!
Finally, because my board shear had developed a crack on its tabletop, an opportunity was created to upgrade the shear. Last month, Bindery Tools delivered a newly rebuilt board shear that is equipped with a back gauge AND a spring gauge, allowing me to accomplish a variety of precise cuts needed for book and box making. With my board shear (purchased with my MakeWork grant funds!), I have been able to provide kits and pre-cut book board for CBAC projects. I am also evaluating opportunities for opening my studio to CBAC members on selected days, so that others will also be able to use this amazing equipment.
I continue to be grateful to Create Here for my MakeWork grant that has opened new doors and empowered me in ways that I never even dreamed possible. Thank you, Create Here for the support and for making space available for the monthly CBAC meetings and special events!
