University Library News Release
Date: April 16, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jeanette Smith, NMSU Library, (575) 646-7492, jcsmith@lib.nmsu.edu
Book Arts Displayed at Branson Library
Handmade books by students in New Mexico State University's art department's book arts class, Art 394-595, taught by Professor Mark Nero, are on display in the lobby of Branson Library.
The display is free and open to the public. It will run through the end of July.
The students explored the history of the book, its place in the modern digital world and the changing definitions of what constitutes a book and what a book may contain.
Students were taught to produce a variety of book styles, and they were encouraged to experiment with their own artistic vision of what a book could be.
"A growing interest in the book arts, evident in college and university curricula across the country, is alive and well at NMSU," said Nero.
The student works on display include traditional case-bound and hardcover books, journals, decorative bindings in the Japanese and Chinese styles and experiments with modified and altered books. Some students produced uniquely personal books containing their own artwork and poetry, as well as journals and artist's books.
For more information, contact Nero at (575) 646-1705.
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