Schatten Gallery to display book arts by libraries staff members

The art of making a book enjoyable is generally considered to be the writer's responsibility. An exhibition in Schatten Gallery in Woodruff Library demonstrates that the very act of putting together the physical form of the book is not only part of what makes the book ultimately readable, but also is an art form unto itself. "Out of the Stacks, Into the Studio: Emory Libraries Staff in the Book Arts" will open at Schatten Aug. 5 and run through Sept. 20. Located on the gallery's main level, the exhibition will showcase work in the book arts created by six Emory Libraries staff members.

Valerie Watkins, director of Schatten Gallery, explained that the exhibit originated from a conversation she had with Linda Mathews in Special Collections concerning a number of library staff members who also were involved in the book arts, the art of binding, decorating, illustrating and covering a book. She sought out this "hidden group of artists" with a call for submissions in the library newsletter and thereby discovered the six artists. She noted that the exhibit is unique in that it "educates people about book arts in a visually pleasing way and it shows that our staff is educated and talented in fields other than their given jobs." Artists include Beverly Allen, special collections; Marcia Watt, preservation; Martha Ebener, government documents; Allison McCullough, Ma-terials Center library; Ann Frellsen, conservation; and Susan Padgett, serials department.

Works in the exhibit will display examples of decorative bindings and covers; artist books of painting and printmaking; and marbled, pasted and handmade papers of varying materials that also are used in some instances to create three-dimensional objects. Book illustrations, lithographic prints and an illustrated alphabet also will be shown.

Watkins stressed the "high level" of work in the exhibit and noted that many pieces take forms other than the traditional ones. For example, Allen's "Paper Box" was created from handmade white cotton linter, quartz, stones, pine twigs, and white and metallic yarns. Ebener covered a prayer book with lace paper and Japanese Unryu paper and painted the pages with watercolor images. "Thanks Mom!" by McCullough is a small artist's book created from paper, fabric, string, beads and color xeroxes.

A reception for the artists, hosted by exhibition sponsor Friends of the Emory Libraries, will be held on the main level gallery from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11. Admission is free and the public is invited. The exhibition is available for viewing during regular library hours. For library hours, call 727-6868. For other information, call 727-6861.

-- Joyce Bell and Matt Montgomery