Focus on Book Arts 2011

First, let me explain that there are very few photos of our experiences at Focus on Book Arts 2011 because we were all so busy during the four days of workshops that we had little time to take out our cameras! Five local NORBAG members and eleven (yes, eleven!) out-of-town members converged on Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon for workshops by some of the most creative book artists working today. The photos below represent the work of four of our local members.

Workshop with Patricia Grass

Caterpillar Stitch book by Sandy Vrem

 

Caterpillar Stitch Book by Michele Kamprath, closeup of top caterpillar.

Workshop with Andie Thrams

Longstitch with Beads, Leather Cover by Michele Olsen

Drawing in Nature (sticks, watercolor, sepia ink) by Sandy Vrem

 Workshop with Karleigh Jae Heywood

Inset and Raised Cover Designs by Dolores Guffey

Workshop with Susan Collard

Wooden Covers, Tyvek spine by Michele Olsen

Interior wooden pages with moveable parts by Michele Olsen

 Our evenings will filled with book exhibits and lectures but we did manage time to have breakfast together, thanks to Becky Leuning, our member from Portland. Becky brought oatmeal from home, and the rest of us brought assorted food items. 

Our oatmeal feast complete with raisins, chocolate chips, bananas, prunes (!)

Becky serving her oatmeal. Many Thanks!

Michele K., Dolores, and Sandy enjoying the condiments and company.

 The next Focus on Book Arts is scheduled for 2013.

Opportunities Abound

Paul Johnson workshop, San Francisco Center for the Book

When this editor (Michele O.) first joined NORBAG I knew little about the art of making books. The monthly workshops helped me grow by leaps and bounds and I was always amazed at how creative our members were with their ideas—this is still the case today! I also had the good fortune to have a daughter who lived six blocks from the San Francisco Center for the Book and I took a number of one to two day courses that allowed me to fully immerse myself into the art of making books. Spending hours with a group of artists exploring the myriad topics involved in book arts is a luxury akin to long bubble baths and I highly recommend it. Since then I've enjoyed many in-depth workshops and would encourage those of you who might be interested in more extensive instruction to consider participating in the following upcoming or ongoing events, all recommended by members:

• The Newport Paper Arts Festival, April 15-17, 2011. Newport Beach Oregon. NORBAG members attend every year as students or teachers.
• Focus on Book Arts, June 22-26. Forest Grove, Oregon. NORBAG members attend every year as students or teachers. Housing is available on campus.
• San Francisco Center for the Book, ongoing 
• San Diego Book Arts, ongoing
• Art and Soul, venue varies
• An Artful Journey, Santa Cruz Mountains.

There are also classes a little closer to home:

• DJ Pettitt, Jacksonville, Oregon.
• Art for the Young at Heart, Arcata, California. Adults 50 and up. Taught by Maureen McGarry and a project of the Ink People. 
• Art is...You, September 22-27, Petaluma, California