Members have been invited to interpret the theme either literally or abstractly, and we will be taking viewers ‘behind the curtain’ by encouraging participants to include documentation of their creative process as part of their submissions.
From the Jurors: Gabby Cooksey, Jesse Hunt, Keri Schroeder--
The Guild of Book Workers' latest exhibition theme, Night Circus, is evocative of the mysterious spectacle, embracing otherworldliness, and flirting with chaos. On the surface level, this could be depicted through eccentric colors, bold patterns, or a direct representation of the circus itself; a visceral collective experience that has become part of our larger cultural memory. Looking deeper, the judges panel also considered motifs of transformation and the innovative integration of structure and content.
We were eager to see how binders would interpret and elaborate on these concepts. Much like an audience at a circus, we were wowed and delighted by never-ending surprises: tattooed books, books on wheels, books that transformed into tents. Themes ranged from outer space to inner dreams, from zany animals to theatrical performances, incorporating natural and magical wonders. Submitted pieces showcased the broad skills of our book-making community through fine binding, artists' books, letterpress printing, hand-illustration, and more.
This was the first in-person Guild of Book Workers juried show since 2020. Thanks to the generosity of Virginia Green, we were able to view all of the submissions together in-person at the extraordinary Black Hare Studio in Robinson, TX. It was both meaningful and helpful to physically handle the books in order to provide fair and thorough assessments. We took our time with each book, thoughtfully examining the variety of designs, as well as their tactility, materiality, and craftsmanship.
The panel selected works in which artistry and craft, interpretation of the Night Circus theme, and visual interest were most closely aligned and successfully articulated. We considered the entries as individual works as well as their place in a cohesive group exhibition. The final selection of approximately thirty extraordinary pieces offers the best representation of Night Circus: a variety of books that elicit a sense of wonder and joy, explore spectacle and innovation, and showcase impeccable skill.
We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with Guild of Book Workers to orchestrate such a unique and energetic exhibition. So…
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Phone: 404-747-5350
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