Cal Poly Kennedy Library Redefines Perception of Books
with Unique Exhibition April 11 – June 5

SAN LUIS OBISPO – A fascinating exhibit showcasing books as an art form is coming to Cal Poly this spring. Titled “slightly BOOKISH,” the free and public exhibit is scheduled April 11 through June 5 in the Kennedy Library Gallery at the Commons. An opening reception with artist Julie Chen is scheduled at the same location for Saturday, April 11 from 3 to 5 p.m.

The interdisciplinary exhibition will highlight artists’ books in various mediums. In the exhibition the book takes traditional, unconventional, and innovative forms that will redefine the viewers’ perception of books – incorporating typography, handmade books, letterpress books, installation pieces, and hands-on instruction relating to books as art.

The exhibition’s goals are to promote the library’s fine printing and graphic arts collection and demonstrate how book art is incorporated into Cal Poly’s curriculum. Work on display will include local presses and artists, current student and faculty work, work by alumni, and printing ephemera and artifacts from the Shakespeare Press Museum at Cal Poly.

Hands-on demonstrations will be held throughout the duration of the exhibition including printing press demonstrations, altered book journal making, and workshops and tours geared for K-6 grades led by Cal Poly liberal arts students.

Portions of the exhibit draw from the special collections’ fine printing and graphic arts collection including work by artist Julie Chen, designer of Flying Fish Press in Berkeley, where she creates and publishes sculptural, limited edition artists’ books.

Chen will be the featured speaker at the opening reception April 11th. She will conduct a workshop earlier in the morning. Call 805-546-3100, ext. 2756 for reservations for the morning workshop, located at the Cuesta College San Luis Obispo campus.

The exhibition is being presented in collaboration with Cal Poly Graphic Communication, Cuesta College and Kennedy Library. It will be open during normal library hours. For more information, contact Catherine Trujillo, 805-756-2305 or visit the library’s Web site at www.lib.calpoly.edu. For library hours, visit www.lib.calpoly.edu/about/hours.

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Note to editors and reporters: for print-ready, high-resolution images,
contact Catherine Trujillo at 805-756-2305 or ctrujill@calpoly.edu

Cal Poly Kennedy Library Redefines Perception of Books with Unique Exhibition April 11 – June 5

Cal Poly Kennedy Library Redefines Perception of Books
with Unique Exhibition April 11 – June 5