The Vespiary Book Binding & Book Conservation

I know it’s been a while but I’ve been under the gun to finish a number of projects for the end of my Master’s degree.  However, the shed is nearing completion and I’m rarin’ to move in.

A pal of mine in Helena just alerted me to this fascinating book art exhibit that is touring Montana and hopefully the rest of the nation.  The exhibit is called “Speaking Volumes: Transforming Hate” and is a testament to how creativity can be used to combat bigotry.  Some time ago, the Montana Human Rights Network acquired a vast number of white-supremacist books. Instead of destroying them, they were donated to various artists to be part of a show with the goals of educating and stimulating dialogue about racism. The show is currently at the Jesse Wilbur Gallery in Bozeman from October 15 til December 15.  It is also scheduled to be shown at Montana State University’s Helen Copeland Gallery from November 23 to December 18. With the frightening resurgence of white supremacist groups (especially here in Montana), it is vital that we combat hate with creativity and resourcefulness.

If you can’t make it (or don’t want to wait til it starts traveling outside of Montana), you can find some of the work included in this collection online. Check out the following:

• Lisa Jarrett (click on “In Equality”)
• Marc Morris
• Robbie McClaran
• Ralph Esposito
• David Kamm