Library Friends Seek “Altered Book” Art

Bisbee's Friends of the Copper Queen Library have announced sponsorship of
an “Altered Books” art exhibit to run from December 2006-December 2007 in
conjunction with the library’s upcoming Centennial Celebration in Spring 2007.

Altered Book Artists, a national organization popularizing this form of artistic
expression, explains that “altered books” are “any books, old or new, that have
been recycled by creative means into works of art. They can be ... rebound,
painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped,
drilled or otherwise adorned ... And yes! It is legal!”

Altered books are created for many different reasons. Some artists do altered
books as a conversation piece, as a journal, or as a liberating way to express
artistic talents. Others alter books to work through personal issues or to make
political or social statements. Some books are created to a theme; others are
done to accent the original book’s story or illustrations.

To showcase bookart talent, the Friends invite area artists -- and any book
artist interested in supporting CQL -- either to use a book they already own
or to contact the library or the Friends’ bookstore, choose a discarded book,
and create an artwork (suitable for public display) based on the book’s title,
color, form, or other evocative feature(s).

Works will be displayed in the library, where members of the public will have an
opportunity to place silent bids. Artists will retain a portion of the bid amount,
and the Friends group will use the rest to help support library services.

The Friends are set to host the Chamber of Commerce’s monthly membership
mixer on November 30 and plan to open bidding on the first altered books starting
at 5:30pm. Book displays and silent bidding will be featured throughout the year.

Artists and art collectors are invited to contact the library at (520) 432-4232 for
further information.