Venues

Evolution of Photo Book-Making
October 4–October 31

Exhibition Reception
Thursday October 4, 6 pm–8 pm

The Mercantile Library explores the tradition of the artist book. Featured are self-published books from artists and photographers and a historical review of bookmaking techniques demonstrating the evolution of the craft. The exhibit allows audiences to trace the manufacture of texts from antiquity (letterpress to copy machine) to the future (three-dimensional materials and texts). The Artists’ Books Cooperative is also donating materials demonstrating the methods of contemporary online publishing and ebook development. Works on view include Gomorrah Girl by Valerio Spada, The Alienated Photographer by Simpson Kalisher, London Darkrooms by Richard Nicholson, and Fanzines: The DIY Revolution by Teal Triggs.

Founded in 1835, the Mercantile Library is a nonprofit institution supported by members, annual subscriptions, and income from an endowment fund. The Library contains an impressive collection of historic and contemporary literature. Each year, the Library sponsors a lecture series related to literature (both contemporary and historic) with a wide range of programming and guest speakers.