A bookmaking tale

Books samples displayed at a recent Art Intersection workshop

Our house is home to four new books thanks to a bookmaking class I attended last night with our oldest daughter, Jennifer — an ASU student who readily admits her new bookmaking skills will make it harder to slog through all that summer session homework.

When we got to Art Intersection in Gilbert, Jennifer quickly made her way to the book-making class being taught by Carol Panaro-Smith. I joined her after taking a stroll through the “All Art Arizona 2012” exhibition that runs through July 28, but tried to lay low while Jennifer did her thing.

Portion of the gallery space at Art Intersection in Gilbert

Jennifer was one of seven women taking the three-hour class that night, and all went home with four styles of books created from various recycled papers. Picking which papers to use seemed like half the fun — and I was touched when Jennifer thought to grab a piece picturing Shakespeare, knowing that her sister Lizabeth is a big fan of the Bard.

You can learn a lot about a person by watching them in art-making mode. Do they like to wing it or meticulously follow step-by-step instruction? How well do they tolerate imperfections? Do they prefer conversation or keen concentration? Are they comfortable posing questions or asking for help when it’s needed?

Carol Panaro-Smith (L) works with Jennifer on sewing a handmade book

Coming days will find me trolling used book stores and such in search of interesting papers for futute evenings filled with bookmaking. Maybe even returning for a second spin through the Phoenix Art Museum’s “Paper!” exhibit running through Sept. 23 (there’s a related event for the “Under 21” set at the museum tonight at 5:30pm).

Folks eager to learn the fine art of paper making can sign-up for the Phoenix Art Museum’s July 14 “Paper Making Workshop” — featuring “hand-papermaking and a fun exploration of simple and elegant book forms” with Rachel Nore, a graduate student in printmaking at ASU, and local artist Gabriela Muñoz, curatorial assistant of modern and contemporary art at the museum.

One of several books Jennifer created during the Art Intersection workshop

I’ve heard several news reports in recent days about the dwindling attention span of many Americans, and the toll that endless technological thrill-seeking is taking on our ability to engage in slow, deliberate thought. Seems far too many folks favor tweeting over reading.

Maybe the fine art of bookmaking, accessible to anyone with a few scraps of paper who learns just a few basic steps, can help us all embrace the meditative qualities that might help us weather the fast-paced fury of modern society.

— Lynn

Note: Click here to learn about upcoming classes and exhibits offered by Art Intersection in Gilbert.

Coming up: Another night with “Rent”

Visions of Arizona

Visions of Arizona works will be exhibited for a year inside the Arizona House of Representatives building at the State Capitol Complex

I had a lovely time this afternoon attending the opening reception for an exhibition titled “Visions of Arizona” — a partnership between the State of Arizona House of Representatives, Arizona Commission on the Arts and Arizona Art Alliance. “Visions of Arizona” is designed to “provide visibility for Arizona artist professionals.”

Lake by John Fontana of Scottsdale is part of the Visions of Arizona exhibition

An open call for artwork was managed by volunteers with the Arizona Art Alliance, and a review panel by the Arizona Commission on the Arts recommended 25 artworks from a juried pool of over 300 submissions. Exhibited artworks were selected in consultation with the House Majority Whip, Representative Debbie Lesko.

Majestic Solitude by Nancy Conference Troupe hangs in the Majority Leader Conference Room inside the Arizona House of Representatives building

I often make time to enjoy artwork at the Arizona State Capitol — because works by Arizona youth are frequently exhibited in the executive tower, and the hallway leading from the tower to the first floor of the Arizona Capitol Museum. The museum houses both permanent and visiting collections about diverse aspects of Arizona history and culture.

At the Confectionary by Virginia Carroll of Tucson is part of Visions of Arizona

But I discovered something new during today’s travels, which will surely delight my tech-savvy son. It’s art meets QR code. Folks who like specific “Visions of Arizona” works can scan the QR codes on their labels, which will direct them to additional artist information. Recently we enjoyed scanning a QR code at our local library that directed us to a “100 + Journals” community arts project.

I was hoping this QR code would direct me to tasty candy apple recipes

The Arizona Arts Alliance is a volunteer non-profit organization with a membership of 33 Arizona-based arts groups representing more than 4,000 visual artists. The Arizona Commission on the Arts is a 46-year-old agency of state government that provides grants, programs, services and leadership in support of arts and arts education.

Walk in Walnut Canyon by Bonnie Hundley-Shoger of Scottsdale is part of the exhibit

Learn more at www.azartalliance.com and www.azarts.gov. To learn more about the Arizona House of Representatives, visit http://www.azhouse.gov/. While you’re there, take time to find the name of your representative — then be sure to stay in touch to share your thoughts about the importance of arts and arts education to building and sustaining a thriving economy and community.

— Lynn

Coming up: More artwork from the “Visions of Arizona” exhibition, 100 + Journals, Student art inspired by MLK, Young Arts Arizona meets Arizona Opera