Newsbites

​​​​​​​FROM THE PRESIDENT:
-- Jodee Fenton 

 

UPCOMING ELECTIONS:

“The time has come the Walrus said…” the Northwest Chapter will need a new Chair and Events Coordinator as of July 1, 2026. And we need your help!

It’s understandable if you are a bit reluctant…but the benefits of these two positions are very nice and quite germane to book artists. The Guild of Book Workers is a totally voluntary organization, so its success is the responsibility of its members.

 

Chair Position:
First, the Chair attends the GBW executive board meetings and brings ideas and issues from the chapter membership to the table, where our concerns are taken seriously, and solutions are a top priority. The board is an energetic and supportive group of delightful people who are ready to help. Attending Standards of Excellence (one night’s lodging paid for) and enjoying the fellowship of the entire executive and chapter chairs is very special. 

 

Events Coordinator Position:

Developing programs for book artists, librarians, and conservators gives the Events Coordinator an opportunity to bring top-notch speakers and teachers to our region. It is gratifying to see members and our friends come to these programs and know that our work is helping us all to learn more.
 

Membership Position:

Being a member of the national book workers organization has a number of advantages: the GBW Newsletter, The Journal, exhibition opportunities, registration at Standards of Excellence, access to resources via the GBW website, and much more. One of the “much more” items is the fellowship and generosity of the membership, who are eager to see your work and talk with you about a wide variety of processes and materials. You can connect with clients, students, teachers, and mentors, and find lifelong friends. No other organization has this deep reach into the book arts world. If you want to check on the status of your membership, just click on this link:

https://guildofbookworkers.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=5

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS: 
On March 16, 2026 Don Glaister will be presenting on zoom to the FABS (Fellowship of American Bibliophilic Societies) Bindings Special Interest Group about how he creates binding designs from the text. This will be a zoom that starts at 4:30 PDT.
If you are interested, please request to be put on the invitation list by sending an email to Marc Chavez.

 

PAST EVENTS:

On Feb 21 the Chapter hosted a studio visit with Tim Ely where we were awed to see his creative space, walk with him thru his amazing process, and gain some insight into his unique and elegant books. He rings a bell to begin work each day in his studio. There were some very clever tools and “tricks” he uses to create. He has a “dripathon” that produces a grid pattern of droplets. His collections of exceptionally interesting materials is mesmerizing…”People just discard the best stuff” he said. His website https://aplanetarycollage.com/ is filled with images of his work. Highly recommended! 

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OTHER EVENTS THIS MONTH:​

Who Is America at 250? Artists’ Books on the State of Democracy

Curated by Betty Bright, Mark Dimunation, Maymanah Farhat, Yuka Petz, and Ruth Rogers

San Francisco Center for the Book​

January 17 – March 8, 2026

https://www.sfcb.org/exhibitions-archive/who-is-america-at-250
This exhibition explores the realities and perceptions of living in the United States today. Featuring artists' books and print work by artists from across the nation, the exhibition reflects on the current state of our American experiment. 
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Aimee Lee: Tethered

Sherry Grover Gallery, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Mar 6 – Jun 14, 2026

https://www.biartmuseum.org/exhibitions/aimee-lee-tethered/
A solo exhibition of internationally acclaimed papermaker and book artist, Aimee Lee, which showcases her interdisciplinary approach and a conversation around materials, personal experiences, and ancient legacies.
 

What Is An Artist’s Book?
Orientation Gallery, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art 
Mar 6 – Jun 14, 2026

https://www.biartmuseum.org/exhibitions/what-is-an-artists-book/
Explore the expansive and inventive world of artists’ books in this debut exhibition, which will return on occasion!

These unique works blur the boundaries between object, narrative, and experience, with definitions intentionally left open and artist-driven. Created as one-of-a-kind pieces or in limited editions, artists’ books reveal meaning over time through the interplay of form, material, and content. Ranging from familiar book-like structures to sculptural and experimental formats, they often incorporate drawing, printmaking, collage, photography, textiles, and creative writing—inviting touch, interpretation, and discovery while challenging how art can be experienced.

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Making Their Mark: Decorating and Finishing
American Bookbinders Musuem 
Online Exhibition
https://bookbindersmuseum.org/exhibition/online-exhibits/
An Introduction to Finishing, by hand or machine. Finishing adds the titling and decoration to a book’s cover, back, and spine. Learn about the tools, processes, and materials used to decorate a book’s binding.

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And as always, please contact us with any questions, concerns, and hellos!

Northwest Chapter Board, GBW