Submissions for the 15th annual international Art of the Book & Paper (AOTB&P) juried exhibition are now being accepted through the CaFÉ (Call for Entry) platform (link opens new window) for artists 18+.Watch retired MCLS/RPL Director Patty Uttaro’s 2025 talk about Central’s signature AOTB&P exhibit (link opens new window), a project she initiated in 2011, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library. The exhibit has grown to include work from all over the world.
The juried exhibition has earned an international reputation among book artists. From intricate bindings to transformed volumes, intricate folds and sweeping structures, the works push the boundaries of form and meaning, transforming books and paper into bold, thought-provoking works of art.
Cash prizes will be awarded in 3 categories: Artist Books, Altered Books, and Paper Sculpture.
Browse the catalog: roccitylibrary.org (link opens new window)
Artist Books are works of art in the form of a book. They are often published in small editions, though sometimes they are produced as one-of-a-kind objects referred to as ‘unique.’ Artist Books can include scrolls, fold-outs, concertinas, loose items contained in a box, and bound printed sheets. Artists have been active in printing and book production for centuries, but the artist book is primarily a late 20th century art form.
Altered Books are old or new books that have been creatively recycled into works of art. They can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned.
Paper Sculptures are artworks created as sculptures using paper as the predominant material. These sculptures are three-dimensional and can be either free-standing or slightly raised from the backgroup (bas relief). Paper sculpture can be functional or non-functional.
