CALL FOR ART: ALTERED BOOKS AT MINNEAPOLIS CENTRAL LIBRARY
Minneapolis Public Library announces a national call for U.S. artists to submit digital images of altered books for a juried exhibition January-March 2008 at Minneapolis Central Library’s Cargill Hall exhibition gallery. The exhibition will be juried by Betty Bright, Ph.D., former curator at Minnesota Center for Book Arts and author of No Longer Innocent: Book Art in America, 1960 to 1980, (Granary Books, 2005). The exhibition will be part of a city-wide series of workshops, exhibitions and programs capped by the annual convention of the Public Library Association, in Minneapolis, March 25-29, 2008. A webpage and gallery guide will document the works. Media releases, electronic and printed materials will direct visitors to all exhibition venues. Altered Books Definition: According to the International Society of Book Artists, an altered book is any book, old or new, that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. An altered book can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned. Cargill Hall Conditions: Designed by Cesar Pelli, the vibrant exhibition gallery is located on the second floor of the Minneapolis Central Library. At 1,600 square feet and 122 linear feet of hanging space, the gallery’s security is of moderate level. The furnishings include hanging rails and hardware, three hooded pedestals, two hooded display tables and four glass vitrines 78” high. Fabricated by Glasbau Hahn America, the pedestals, tables and vitrines are locked and have linen decks. The gallery utilizes track lighting with 64 fixtures.
Submission Fee: $20 (make checks payable to Minneapolis Public Library) for up to 5 images on CD. Images will be viewed one at a time on the juror’s personal monitor; they will not be projected or viewed full screen. Images should be saved in JPG format, 72 dpi, no more than seven inches (or 504 pixels) along the image’s longest dimension.
On the CD and in hard copy, include curriculum vitae, artist statement, mailing address, email and phone. Also include titles (note series if applicable), dimensions, dates and media of works. Works must be original in concept and execution and have been created since January 1, 2003. Note that this exhibition is open to working artists only. Students, for other exhibition opportunities related to the Altered Book Project contact Melinda Ludwiczak at mludwiczak@mplib.org Submission materials, CD and fee (checks payable to Minneapolis Public Library) should be mailed to Melinda Ludwiczak, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. If submissions are to be returned, a self-addressed stamped envelope is required. Submission Deadline: October 15, 2007. Final selection by November 1, 2007. Selected artists will be notified by email or phone. Selected works and loan agreements must arrive by December 5, 2007 at Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401. Artists pay shipping and insurance both ways; shipping container should be reusable. Exhibition works will be installed by professional art handlers and works will be insured by Minneapolis Public Library when they are received. Please direct questions to: Melinda Ludwiczak at mludwiczak@mplib.org or 612-630-6246. For more information see: http://www.mplib.org/callforexhibitions.asp or http://www.mplib.org/AlteredBooks.pdf