FFRPL, Central Library and all City Branches will be closed:
Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
Juneteenth: Wednesday, June 19
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
note: in addition, (just) Central Library will be closed Thursday, May 9 for staff training
Annual Art of the Book Juried Show
FFRPL has supported Central Library’s Art of the Book & Paper exhibit since the first show in 2011, which was held in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Public Library. The exhibit has grown to include work from all over the world.
The deadline for entries for the next show is May 15, 2024 (see graphic below).
Learn more about Art of the Book & Paper (view/download the 2024 Prospectus and complete your online entry).
Artists 18 and older who would like to enter the show are invited to submit digital photos of their work no later than May 15, 2024.
This is a juried show and there is a $20 entry fee for the first piece and a $5 for each additional piece. Artists may submit up to 3 entries. Entries must fall into the following categories: artist books, altered books and paper sculpture.
The 2024 exhibit for The Art of the Book & Paper will be on display at the Central Library August 20 through November 30, 2024.
The Monroe County Library System has thousands of titles (books, Blu-Ray, DVD’s) related to artist books, book making, handmade books, bookbinding, altered books, paper sculpture, creating paper pop-up books and other forms of book art and book arts.
Browse the catalog: roccitylibrary.org
Artist Books are works of art realized 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 have employed a wide range of forms including scrolls, fold-outs, concertinas, or loose items contained in a box, as well as 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 books, old or new, that have been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned…and yes, it is legal. They can also be composed entirely of unique materials.
Paper Sculptures are artworks created as sculptures using paper in some form as the predominant medium. These sculptures are three-dimensional and can be either free-standing or bas relief and would be considered art forms in themselves. Paper sculpture can be functional or non-functional with attention to pushing the limits of how paper can be used and explores paper in inventive and unique ways.
Annual Rochester Edible Books – 2010-2015
For six consecutive years — from 2010 through 2015 — the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library sponsored the Edible Books Festival and Competition, a unique event to celebrate the joy of reading. It was an opportunity for readers to share their favorite books in their own creative and artistic ways. Contestants were asked to create an edible 3-D sculpture based on the title or theme of a book. Submissions were made from cakes, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, and any other edible items.
The Festival was part of the International Edible Book Festival. It is an annual event held on or around April 1 in honor of French gastronome Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826) who was famous for his book Physiologie du Gout (Physiology of Taste). He is quoted as saying, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”
