January 3, 2006 > Bound to Inspire

by Arathi Satish

The upcoming book artists exhibit, "Bay Area Book Artists: Bound to Inspire" is one that will likely inspire the book lover within you. Sponsored by the Olive Hyde Art Guild, the show will be held at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery, Jan. 6 to Feb. 11, with an opening reception on Friday, Jan. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Book artists work with images and text, using illustrations, varied text styles, symbols and a variety of binding styles and techniques to produce a collaborative work between a storyteller or poet and an artist. Traditional disciplines such as 15th century binding methods, leather bound books and scrolls may be used in addition to crafts such as fabric art. Modern techniques like computer-based art, zines, sculptural 3-D and touchable works and video books are other techniques that you can expect to see on display at the exhibit that will feature over 80 books by 20 artists in addition to a variety of book- inspired objects.

The exhibit coincides with the city of Fremont's 50-year anniversary and the Bay Area Book Artists 10-year anniversary. The show will consist of two parts: a retrospective of 10 years of book art from members of BABA as well as a collection of the group's response to collaborative and community-inspired ideas. Olive Hyde Art Gallery Curator Sandra Hemsworth asked the book artists to respond to the notion of the word "diversity." Come see how artists express what the word means to them using a variety of book making techniques.

Because BABA organizers feel there should be no barrier between the realization of an artist's vision and the viewer, visitors -- with clean hands please -- will be invited to pull up a chair, have a seat and turn the pages of the books in order to appreciate the overall concept, content and binding techniques.

During "Saturday Walks & Talks" held at 1 p.m. each Saturday (Jan. 14, 21, 28 and Feb. 4 and 11) throughout the exhibition, a different exhibiting artist will be on hand to talk about the book arts on display in the gallery. On Saturday, Jan. 7 at 1 p.m., book artist Julia Bradshaw will give a lecture, followed by a book arts demonstration.

The Olive Hyde Art Gallery is located at 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. For further information, please contact the gallery at (510) 791-4357 or Julia Bradshaw at (408) 395-3065 or Don Drake at (510) 537-9711.

Bay Area Book Artists: Bound to Inspire
Friday, Jan. 6 - Saturday, Feb.11
Opening reception: Friday, Jan. 6 from 7 to 9 p.m.
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
Thursday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
(510) 791-4357