Art inspired by books on display at Allens Lane Art Center

A new exhibit at Allens Lane Art Center in Mt. Airy features works of art inspired by books. That’s the theme that drive’s Artist’s Books: Creative Structures, which runs through Oct 26.

Artists’ books give us a chance to witness the creative reaction a particular artist had to a book. “It really pushes the boundaries of what a book is,” said Craig Stover Executive Director of Allen’s Lane Art.

“Artist’s Books is an exhibition set-up through the Philadelphia Center for the Books (PCB) .  Karen Lightner is president of PCB. Lightner said there are about 100 members in the organization, many of whom are book artists.

The reception for “Artist’s Books” was held this past Saturday. Several of the artists were present, including local book artist Thomas Parker Williams. His book art piece was a movable aluminum structure. When closed, the structure resembles a brief case. It can then be opened and fanned out by turning a knob.

Williams said he loves artists’ books not only for its creative aspect but also finds other artists very supportive of one another. “I find people are friendlier [in this medium]. People share ideas.”

Also at the event was artist Jude Robison. Her piece “In Her Element” displays pictures of women who had an impact on her life. When closed, the piece shows pictures of these women. Inside are poems related to each person and the five elements (water, earth, air, fire, and ether). Robison says that creating book art brought together her interests. “I like to do things with my hands. I love books and language. So it was a natural fit,” she said.

Donna Gloubus, whose piece “One More Pass” contains texts and images about the Levittown project, noted that book art is both admired and interactive. Gloubus said, “I like the intimacy with the viewer. You can hold the book. There is also the element of time with the turning of the page.”

Visitors can pick up a checklist in the gallery that includes artists’ names, titles of each work, mediums used, as well as the price. The exhibit opened on September 8 and runs through Oct. 26. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free.