Special Collections, Skillman Library, Lafayette College in Easton, PA has curated an exhibit around four New Jersey book artists.  All of the book artists have either taken, taught workshops at Lafayette or are/were artists in residence for book arts projects under the direction of Curlee Holton at the Experimental Printimaking Institute or EPI as it is locally known.  The exhibit curated by Diane Shaw, Director of Special Collections and Pamela Murray, Rare Book Cataloger/Project Archivist is entitled "Crossing the Delaware:  Miller, Mitchell, Pisano and Riker" runs from February 1st through the end of May.  One of the artists, Mary Ann Miller has a diverse background and brings to her book arts, a painterly approach along with her wonderful poetry.  Trained as a painter, Mary Ann has had many exhibits of her outstanding paintings and came to book arts in 2000 at EPI.  Along with her book arts she also has worked there assisting and eventually printing her own works.  I have had the privilege to view many of Mary Ann's earlier works and can see the processes and philosophies that have informed her book arts practice. Her poetry has been published by PS Books of Philadelphia and is entitled "Locus Mentis" and continues to work at EPI as their artist in residence.  In her own words:  "MaryAnn L. Miller has been the Resident Book Artist at the Experimental Printmaking Institute, Lafayette College since 2001. Her work is in the National Museum of Women in the Arts and other special collections. Miller has curated book arts exhibitions and given accompanying workshops at SUNY Geneseo , Universidad Autonomia Metropolitano, Mexico City, University of Costa Rica, and the Noyes Museum of Stockton College, NJ. Miller has been a presenter and exhibitor at the NJ Book Arts Symposium, Rutgers, Newark, NJ. Her work encompasses the rudiments of human existence, our biological identities, who we are genetically and culturally.  Also a poet, Miller is published in print and online journals, as well as her full-length book of poems: Locus Mentis. She publishes hand-bound artist’s books through www.luciapress.com."   A very talented lady,artist and poet, indeed.  

With winter bearing down on us, it never fails that trips and weekend plans for New York City can be changed on a moment's notice.  But, this weekend, we did make it in and despite the chill, New York City warmed us up with some great exhibits, particularly book arts related!  First up, is the wonderful Louise Nevelson exhibit at the Pace Gallery on 26th Street.  Instead of her wonderful assemblages, this show highlighted collage work from the mid-50's to the 80's.  Marvelous in their starkness, her use of materials predated Rauschenberg's use of cardboard, wood and tar paper.  These collages sparkle with their earthy grittiness--definitely worth a look.  On 27th Street, check out FIT's new exhibits featuring knock-offs and copies in "Faking It" in the first floor exhibit hall and the influence of Halston and Yves St. Laurent in "Fashioning the 70's" in their lower level space.  The Museum at FIT is one of my favorites!  Always exquisite shows and free!  Take a stroll over to 6th Avenue and 27th Street to view the new exhibits at the Center for Book Arts.  The main exhibit curated by Maddy Rosenburg highlights the Center's collection; the artist's spotlight showcases Collette Fu, whose popup books are amazing!  Collette Fu will be teaching a popup-with-lights workshop at the Center in March and is worth checking out. Another great exhibit that is book arts-related and worth a look-see is at Skillman Library at Lafayette College, Easton, PA. Entitled "Crossing the Delaware: Mary Ann Miller, Liz Mitchell, Maria Pisano and Maryann Riker", this exhibit curated by Diane Shaw, Director of Special Collections and Pam Murray, showcases the work of four New Jersey book artists whose works are not only part of Lafayette's Special Collections, but have taken workshops, taught workshops or worked with Curlee Holton at the Experimental Print Institute at Lafayette on book arts projects.  The works which are currently on display in the Simon Room show the diversity of styles and perspectivies.  More work will be on display from late March to June in the main lobby of the library.  A panel discussion with Karen Guancione will take place on Wednesday, March 25th at 4:15 p.m. in the Gendebein Room with a reception to follow.  This blog will highlight three of the book artists in the coming weeks!  With more snow in the forecast, stay warm and safe and keep creating!