Herron Art Library to showcase its collection of artists’ books in First Friday event

  • July 29, 2013

INDIANAPOLIS -- Work from the Herron Art Library’s museum-caliber collection of artists’ books will be on view at the opening of a new exhibit this week.

Herron Art Library is part of the IUPUI University Library, which is partnering with the Harrison Center for the Arts to sponsor an exhibit titled "Spineless," an Indianapolis Downtown Artists & Dealers Association First Friday event. The exhibit opening reception starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug.2, at the Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 N. Delaware St. in Indianapolis. The artwork will be on view until Aug. 30.  Both the reception and exhibit are free and open to the public.

"Spineless" builds on four years of successful collaboration between the library and the Harrison Center to promote local and regional book artists in the field of fine arts. Work from 16 artists was chosen for this juried show to take place in the Harrison Gallery. As in the past, the University Library will award a $400 prize to the best in show. Opening night will feature a selection of books from the Herron Art Library’s permanent collection as well.

Also returning this year to give a hands-on talk about artists’ books is nationally recognized book arts dealer Bill Stewart of Vamp & Tramp Booksellers.

The Herron Art Library’s collection of artists’ books contains many forms of the book arts, including fine press books illustrated by artists such as Mark Rothko and miniature books, some conveying powerful messages addressing social and family issues of personal significance to the respective book artist. Artists’ books often become a personal extension and means of expression of a significant event or issue in an artist's life.

Significant book artists represented in the Herron Art Library collection include Julie Chen, Ron King and Rebecca Goodale, plus local book artists, Bonnie Stahlnacker and Karen Baldner. New additions to the collection can be seen in the newly redesigned artists' book alcove at the Herron Art Library on the IUPUI campus, 735 W. New York St., Indianapolis.

Any resident of Indiana is eligible for an IUPUI University Library card. Our resources and librarians are also available on the University Library website. Browse the online collections to learn more about the road to Indiana statehood, the history of the National FFA Organization, writer James Whitcomb Riley and much more, or contact a librarian specialist for help with professional and school-related research.

Vicki Stewart (left) and Bill Stewart of Vamp & Tramp booksellers at last year's book arts show. Bill Stewart will give a talk at the 2013 book arts show.

Vicki Stewart (left) and Bill Stewart of Vamp & Tramp booksellers at last year's book arts show. Bill Stewart will give a talk at the 2013 book arts show.

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Diane Brown
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