THE ILLUSTRATED ACCORDION – A COLLECTION OF RICHES!

January 28, 2023

If you love artist’s books, and the fun of the accordion book format, this exhibition is truly a treasure trove. Each year we accept books from all over the globe for display in The Illustrated Accordion exhibition. If you attend in person, you get an up-close look at the details and scale of each book. If you visit online as you get a good idea of the variety of styles and media. No matter how you join us, it’s worth your time!

Magdalena Cordero, ABECEDARIUM, Hand cut paper, 2023, $350 (sold), Chile
Marjon Mudde, Red Sea Scroll, Monotype, paper cut outs, embroidery and pearls on silk, 2022, $230.00 (closed). 2,75 x 3,15 x 1,18 inch (unfolded), France
Denise Crolle-Terzaghi, " Vole, vole ou je t'attrape" (Fly, fly or I'll catch you), Coloured paper decoupage and collage, 2022, $89.00, 12 x 12 x 4 cm, France

 This year we have 135 books in the show with one all the way from Chile and three from France.

We have two area high school teachers that are big supporters of the KBAC and had their students enter books as a class assignment.  So, for the first time, we have a wonderful section of student work, and they are so proud to have their books on display.

Savannah Keck, Frank and Lily, Acrylic paint, transfer foil, 2023, NFS, 20 1/8” x 11 1/4” x 1/8”
Sammy Linn, Willow Wisps the Dead Man’s Hand, Paper, ink, alcohol markers, 2023, $50. 4.75 x 8.25" 
Kingston Rice, 180, Pen, Ink and watercolor, 2023, 4.75” x 8.25" 
Roziya Rustamova, Taste of Central Asia, Mixed, 2023, $150, 3” x 4”

Some books are illustrated with pen and ink, paint, colored pencils, and markers. Others feature various print techniques including intaglio, letterpress, linocuts, hand carved stamps, and silkscreen. You’ll also see photography, stitching, cyanotypes, eco printing and collage.  There are examples of nearly every possible medium used to make a book.

This show is a mountain of effort by KBAC staff, interns, and of course, the artists themselves.  The mailman and various delivery drivers might wonder why they must make so many trips to the studio at this time of year. We’ve made some wonderful connections with the artists; it generates a lot of excitement on social media; it brings people into the studio that truly linger over each book, and visitors to our website spend a lot of time pouring through the exhibition photos. We always host a Zoom call with the book artists to talk about the exhibition and learn about their creative process which is another great way to learn and connect! The reception for the exhibition is on Friday, March 3rd from 5:00 to 8:00 but you can visit the gallery Monday – Friday 10:00 – 5:00 until March 24th.  The online gallery is always there for viewing and inspiration.

This is our 15th year of hosting this show, and we hope to have many more. Take a look at the photos of current and past entries then start thinking about what your entry might be for next year!

Jeff, Katie and Lorrie

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