Minnesota Center for Book Arts Announces 2016 Winter Book

Minnesota Center for Book Art’s twenty-sixth Winter Book features poetry and prose by Heid E. Erdrich exploring the complex conversations between artists and viewers. every-blest-thing-seeing-eye imagines the varied experiences of viewing art in a gallery. Curation is meant to direct viewers, but every viewer comes to each artwork in a distinct manner—from myriad intellectual, emotional, and spiritual starting points. When an Ojibwe poet acts as curator, her statements on the work of indigenous artists become part of a larger, non-linear narrative in which characters and emblems, just like the artists who create them, cannot be fully fathomed. And yet, we must look. We must see every blest thing. 

every-blest-thing-seeing-eye was designed by Jeff Rathermel and Todd Thyberg, with Thyberg serving as Master Printer. Printing of the deluxe edition portfolio of prints was directed by Tom Spence. every-blest-thing-seeing-eye features poetry and prose by Heid E. Erdrich, a poet, writer, and faculty mentor at Augsburg College. The twenty-sixth Winter Book was produced in two editions, with illustrations by Jim Denomie, Aza Erdrich, Eric Gansworth, Dyani Whitehawk, Louise Erdrich, Adrea Carlson, and Jonathan Thunder.

The Standard Edition (100 numbered copies; $40) contains letterpress printed text and images on Arches Platine papers. The accordion structure features die cuts, a Cave Paper banded closure, and ochre accents throughout. 

The Deluxe Edition (26 lettered copies; $295 / $235 before December 31) is also letterpress printed on Arches Plantine paper, is accompanied by a portfolio of seven prints and various physical artifacts referenced in the text, all housed in a custom glass top case.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts wishes to thank Wet Paint Inc., Smart Set, and Angel Bomb Design + Letterpress for their generous support. Special thanks to the many Winter Book volunteers for their gifts of time and talent. 

Join MCBA in celebrating the handmade book at our annual Winter Book publication celebration! 

Saturday, December 10, 2016

7pm: Reading by Heid E. Erdrich

Followed by a book signing and public reception with light refreshments in MCBA’s Studios and Gallery.

Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit mnbookarts.org/winterbook