There will be an exhibit of Handmade Artists Books presented by the Westfield Historical Society in conjunction with the Book Arts Roundtable.
You are invited to the opening reception on Friday, April 25 at 7:30pm at the Reeve History and Cultural Resource Center. The exhibit will be open Fridays through Sundays from 10am to 3pm until May 18 (closed for Mother's Day). You will have the opportunity to meet some of the artists. Artwork will be on sale during the opening.
The exhibit will feature 39 pieces from 19 different artists of the Book Arts Roundtable. Each book is a one of a kind piece of art. The books include various art mediums including watercolor, collage, handmade paper, stenciling, inks, wood, photographs, etching, to name just a few. Books range in size from miniature to large panels and all will be offered for sale on opening night and throughout the exhibit.
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The Book Arts Roundtable began in February of 2000 in order to provide a place for artists, bookbinders, and people who love books and paper to gather and share their work. They meet once a month to share ideas, and when possible, a member of the group puts on a workshop or demonstration. The group also hires artists and bookbinders to teach weekend workshops. They also do a semiannual book swap and have created nine books collaboratively.
In addition to the exhibit a workshop with Book Arts Roundtable artist Joe Reilly will be given Sunday, May 4 from 12:45pm to 3:00pm. Participants will learn the basics of bookbinding and make two books in one afternoon: a soft cover pamphlet stitch and a hard cover accordion book. Participants will learn how to score and fold paper, stitch with linen thread, glue paper to board, and determine the grain of paper.Book Art information will be sprinkled throughout the afternoon. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the exhibit. All materials will be supplied, including gorgeous Japanese paper, text paper, and linen thread. Joe Riley has been involved in making books by hand since the 1980s. He has been exhibiting and selling in various galleries in New Jersey and New York since 2006.
Seating for the workshop is limited, so reservations are required. There is a suggested five dollar donation. For reservations and further information, please call the Westfield Historical Society office at (908) 654-1794. Samples of book art can be found on our website at
The Westfield Historical Society is a nonprofit organization. Our mission is to preserve, interpret, and encourage interest in history, Westfield and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs. We also offer resources for those interested in preservation, oral history, and historical research.
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