An exciting offshoot of the PSBA annual exhibition is a summer exhibition of selected PSBA member works to be held at Bower Ashton Library in collaboration with the prestigious Centre for Fine Print Research at the University of the West of England, in Bristol, England. The exhibition, Bridging the Water, will be on display at the library later this summer. As Jane Carlin, Vice President of PSBA reflects,” this connection is a result of the increasing recognition of the work produced by PSBA artists. It is great to think of how artists from our community will be discovered in a gallery almost 5,000 miles away!”
The Centre for Fine Print Research is recognised as of the UK’s leading Centre’s in support of art and design. PSBA has been fortunate to work with Sarah Bodman, Senior Research Fellow for Artists’ Books, where she runs projects investigating and promoting contemporary book arts. We are delighted that Sarah supports Bridging the Water.
PSBA was drawn to the metaphor of Bridging the Water as the title of the exhibit and are intrigued by the connections artists might make together in the future. Tacoma is located on Commencement Bay, part of the Puget Sound, surrounded by the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges with magnificent views of Mt. Rainier. Tacoma and the surrounding area is a community that supports the arts. Like Bristol, Tacoma is defined by its’ connection to water and the Narrows Bridge, like the suspension bridge in Bristol, connects communities and people. PSBA Artists are intrigued by the connections we might make together in the future. This collection of artists’ books on display reflects contributions from our members from past exhibits and work which reflects the diversity of our book arts community.
Participating artists include:
MalPina Chan, Debbi Commodore, Gabrielle Cooksey, Patricia Chupa, Mari Eckstein Gower, Deborah Greenwood, Lucia Harrison, Mark Hoppmann, Carol Inderieden, Kim Izenman, Bonnie Larson, Dorothy McCuistion, Chandler O’Leary, Gina Pisello, Laura Russell, Lynn Skordal, Jessica Spring, and Jan Ward
Puget Sound Book Artists (PSBA) is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of creating a spirit of community amongst books artists and those who love books. Now celebrating its’ 7th year, PSBA is based in Tacoma, Washington, USA. PSBA received the city’s AMOCAT award (that’s Tacoma spelled backward) for Community Outreach by an Organisation. PSBA strives to increase educational opportunities for individuals as well as organisations, fostering excellence through exhibitions, workshops, lectures and publications. PSBA sponsors a yearly members’ exhibition, lectures and mini-workshops where individuals can explore, create and share with others. The annual members’ exhibition is a highlight of the year. The exhibit invites all members to participate and a dedicated curatorial team selects and designs the exhibit and prepares the printed catalogue.
Each year the exhibition features a variety of artists that challenge and inspire book artists. PSBA is delighted to have the work of eighteen member artists on display at UWE from July 4 – August 31, 2016.
How to find the library is here: It is City Campus, Bower Ashton: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/comingtouwe/howtofindus/howtofindcitycampus.aspx
Library opening hours are here: http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/visitingthelibrary/openingtimes.aspx
PSBA Web site: http://blogs.pugetsound.edu/pugetsoundbookartists
