The Seattle Public Library Launches 'Open • Set' Bookbinding Exhibit Sept. 8
release date: August 25, 2017
The Seattle Public Library will host OPEN • SET, an exhibition that draws from 40 artists' submissions to the recently-launched OPEN • SET bookbinding competition, from Friday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 8 Gallery, 206-386-4636 .
Library events and exhibits are free and everyone is welcome. Tickets and reservations are not required to visit the exhibit.
The OPEN • SET competition is a new triennial competition that formed in response to the growing interest in finely crafted book bindings in the United States. Sponsored in part by the American Academy of Bookbinding, the competition was designed to encourage both new binders and professionals. Binders of all levels and from all over the world were invited to participate. Seventy-nine submissions were received.
The submissions went through a formal "blind jury" process, in which the judges were unaware who bound each book. All professional binders, the jurors were Cathy Adelman, David Esslemont, and Eleanore Ramsey. They awarded cash prizes for first, second and third places. There are also several bindings that were given a mention of "Highly Commendable," particular to a notable feature in the book. The 50 books in this exhibition represent a variety in style and structural approach of the submissions received.
EVENTS
All programs take place either in the Central Library's Gallery on Level 8, or in the small gathering area just north of the Gallery.
Insider's Tour of OPEN · SET
Exhibition coordinator Lang Ingalls will conduct a walk-through of the exhibit. She will focus on books that have special features and perfectly exemplify the art of design binding. A reception with light refreshments will follow the gallery program.
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9
Family Bookbinding Workshop
Children's librarian Jenny Craig will help kids create their own book. Children are invited to explore the exhibit with their families using a "discovery search list" to locate unusual materials, shapes and designs in the bindings. Using the exhibit as inspiration, the children will decorate bindings on a small blank book for use as a sketchbook or journal.
1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1
Insider's Tour of OPEN · SET
Exhibition coordinator Lang Ingalls will conduct a walk-through of the exhibit. She will focus on books that have special features and perfectly exemplify the art of design binding. At this tour, attendees will have an opportunity to examine the bindings more closely with guidance by Ingalls. Co-hosted by the Book Club of Washington with a reception and light refreshments.
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24