Throughout the year, I work for many solitary hours in my studio. It is rare that I connect with people outside of my own setting unless I am working with someone on a commission or book repair work. I haven’t exhibited much in town, and I don’t make it out to many gallery openings, so I love to participate in the Bloomington Open Studios Tour. The tour has been a great way, my main way, to connect with people in my local community that are interested in the book arts.

Just before the tour, I, and a few other artists on the BOST steering committee, had the privilege to talk with Yael Ksander, on WFIU, about the tour and its development over the last 5 years.
Listen to it here!

On Friday, June 3rd, there was a big kick off exhibit opening at the I Fell building where work from many of the BOST artists was on display. The tone of the evening was set by a fun DJ, cold brew from Uel Zing, a keg from Upland, and tasty appetizers from Feast. Great food, inspiring art, and a room full of wonderful people…it was a great start to the weekend!

The tour: June 4-5.
Showing from my home studio, all of my artists’ books, journals, cards, and prints were brought out of their regular storage spaces. Everyone was invited to handle the work (with freshly washed hands) as we talked about each piece’s creation, concept, and the techniques used in each. I loved the enthusiasm from everyone who came in! I was even treated to several familiar faces I hadn’t seen in far too long.

A special feature of my studio this year was a Royal typewriter that was given to me recently. I love this little machine, and I invited anyone so inclined to type out some thoughts on the paper I provided. This compilation of resulting text will be used to create an artists’ book (theme to be decided) over the next few months. A special thank you goes out to those brave enough to put word to paper!

Both days of the tour were wonderfully busy, with guests, despite the threat of rain throughout the weekend. It is hard to quantify the great conversations I had with all of my visitors. Electrified once again by a successful tour, I am motivated to create new pieces and work to complete a few personal objectives in the near future which will help me reconnect with everyone again!

To see a great video summary of the weekend (created by Sam Ellis), visit this link!