Introduction from exhibit curator, Katie Christensen:
It was a joy to curate the Laramie County Library System’s Inspiration and the Artist Book exhibition and see it grow in its second year. Each year, the theme is connected to the Library’s Summer Reading Celebration theme. For 2016, the exhibit’s title, The Game of Life, compliments Exercise Your Mind: READ!
As expected, each artist chose to interpret not only the theme, but also how he or she defined an artist book, quite differently. This contemporary artform originated in the 1960s, with rapid growth in the last two decades in North America, Europe, and more recently, in South Africa. This Wyoming exhibition is contributing to the field in new and exciting ways!
There were a total of eighteen artists from six different states who submitted twenty-nine artist books this year. It is truly inspirational growth and creative spirit exhibited in the library cases. You can find these incredible artworks on all three floors of the Library, including a display copy on the third floor that we encourage you to touch and flip through.
Some of the artists interpreted the theme in more serious ways with personal and family connections; most of these can be seen on the first and third floors. On the second floor, viewers will find something for the kid in all of us. These artists approached their work with whimsy and play.
Each artist has written a statement about their work, in order for you to gain insight into the story their book tells. Click on the artist’s name below and you’ll find images of their work, their statement and biography.
Enjoy the exhibit!