A month-long exploration and celebration of the art of bookmaking and zine-making!
The Easthampton Public Library will be joining together local zinesters, bookmakers, and artists for a series of workshops on all things bookmaking! Join us for one event or all of them.
All events will meet at the Library Annex – 52 Main St, Easthampton.
The Workshops
Teen Zine-Making Workshop
Thursday, February 19th, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
In this class we will explore the one-sheet-fold-up or “foldie” zine! We will discuss the basics of DIY publishing and the mini-magazine, or “zine”, and then launch into creative brainstorming techniques to help you come up with ideas for your own. We will use drawing, writing, collage and more to produce your very own “foldie” zine—but don’t worry—you don’t need to be able to draw to participate and there will be lots of support. Zines are a quick and inexpensive way for artists and writers (and anyone!) to share their work and ideas with a lot of people and this class encourages students to share and put their work out into the world. This class is taught by local bookbinder, Lisa Hersey, and comic artist and zinester Sally Pirie.
For ages 12-17. Registration required.
Adult Zine-making Workshop
Friday, February 20th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
In this class we will explore the one-sheet-fold-up or “foldie” zine! We will discuss the basics of DIY publishing and the mini-magazine, or “zine”, and then launch into creative brainstorming techniques to help you come up with ideas for your own. We will use drawing, writing, collage and more to produce your very own “foldie” zine—but don’t worry—you don’t need to be able to draw to participate and there will be lots of support. Zines are a quick and inexpensive way for artists and writers (and anyone!) to share their work and ideas with a lot of people and this class encourages students to share and put their work out into the world. This class is taught by local bookbinder, Lisa Hersey, and comic artist and zinester Sally Pirie.
For adults ages 18+. Registration required.
Pamphlet Stitch Workshop
Saturday, February 28th, 11 am – 12:30 pm
We will create a three hole pamphlet stitch journal with a pocket in the back. This is a beginner friendly class, we will create a book together, and then students will create one more on their own. Students are able to recreate this binding at home with materials they likely already own. Students can choose cover color and thread. This class is great for those interested in creating their own blank journals, self publishing a short chapbook, or start your journey into artist books.
For adults 18+. Registration required.
Flag Book Workshop
Friday, March 6th, 4:30-6:30 pm
In this class we will create a flag book, which is a variation of an accordion fold with extra “pages” sticking out. It is a fun sculptural book to create, and is the gateway structure to the book arts world. Students will decorate their pages with pens, pencils, markers, and collage material from recycled library books and magazines. Students will leave with a one of a kind artist book.
For ages 12-adult. Registration required.
Print & Media Day!
Saturday, March 14th, 11 am – 2pm
Come explore different ways to get text and images into your books! Stations will be set up for you to participate in multiple medias. Explore Play-doh printing different textures. Set up words and images on the Prixel Press. Make a print on the tiny letterpress. Join Ila Film Labs in learning Polaroid image transfers.
All ages! Registration only required for Polaroid Transfers.
Daniel Kelm - Artist Talk
Thursday, March 19th, 6-8 pm
Join us in an artist talk with local bookbinding legend Daniel Kelm. Kelm is a book artist who enjoys expanding the concept of the book. He is known for his innovative structures as well as his traditional work. His expression as an artist emerges from the integration of work in science and the arts. Alchemy is a common theme in his bookwork. Kelm’s presentation will be an introduction to Wire Edge Binding, and the work that led to it, with a slide show of bindings to illustrate the concepts discussed.
No registration required.
The artists and instructors
Lisa Hersey has been a bookbinder working in the Valley for over ten years. She specializes in creating boxes and enjoys working closely with clients. She was immediately hooked on bookbinding after taking her first class in 2009 at Montserrat College of Art where she received her degree and an award in her concentration. What she loves most about bookbinding is the interaction between viewer and object. Learn more about her work at www.antlereditions.com
Sally Pirie is a cartoonist, writer, printmaker, zinester, toymaker, and all-around good time. She is also Professor of Child and Family Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. A graduate of Grinnell College and Punahou School, she received her PhD from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Pirie is the master artist and director of the Comics Based Research Lab at UMass and a recipient of the Charles M. Schulz Award for cartoonists. She recently went to New Year’s Eve fireworks dressed as a huge blue pufferfish because life should be full of art and joy. You can learn about all of that and more at www.sallypirie.com
Jonathan Davila is a photographer, educator, and owner of iLA Film Lab in his hometown of Holyoke, Massachusetts. As a proud Puerto Rican and lifelong creative, building this lab has been one of his biggest achievements. iLA is more than a lab, it’s a space for photographers, artists, and curious minds to explore analog photography without judgment or gatekeeping.
Jon has been developing and scanning film for years, and is currently an adjunct instructor, teaching darkroom printing and film photography at the college level. When not in the lab, Jon is either out shooting, relaxing with his wife and their two pups, or chasing new ideas for where this journey could go next. Learn more at ilafilmlab.com
Daniel E. Kelm was awarded the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award by the Guild of Book Workers.
Kelm is a book artist who enjoys expanding the concept of the book. He is known for his innovative structures as well as his traditional work.
Kelm’s experience with bookbinding began in 1978 and in 1983 he opened his studio in Easthampton, MA., called The Wide Awake Garage, where he designs and produces artist’s books, interpretive fine bindings, and book sculptures.
He invented a style of bookbinding called “wire edge binding” in the mid-1980s to explore the nature of the book as articulated sculpture.
Daniel teaches in his home studio in Easthampton, MA, as well as on Zoom. He also enjoys consulting with book artists, binders, and publishers. Learn more at his website www.danielkelm.com
