About

This workshop for youth is an introduction to artists’ books that address issues of social change and personal narrative. Teens often hold very impassioned viewpoints about contemporary issues that can be distilled into meaningful artist books.  At the beginning of the workshop, Jane Carlin (head librarian at Collins Library, UPS) will showcase unique books and address a variety of current social issues as well as personal stories and narratives. We will then have an opportunity to handle and read the books, and have small group discussions about them.

At the end of the first day, participants will brainstorm ideas for their own books about social change.  After viewing the samples, students will have the opportunity to gather in small groups to discuss topics of their choosing, and begin to plan and make their own book. Students will work on a simple binding structure and think about how words and images can work together to tell a story and convey a theme relevant to their world.  A variety of mark making tools will be supplied for making images and text.  

Students will leave with a better understanding of the Book Arts field, and a completed book on an issue or concept of their choice.

Jane Carlin is the head librarian at the Collins Library at University of Puget Sound, and MJ Linford is a Book Artist with over 40 years of experience working with books and students.