Minnesota Center for Books Arts’ Winter Book Publication Party

As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. These two aspects of identity combine in Kimmerer’s recent book of essays, "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants". In a special partnership with publisher Milkweed Editions, MCBA's 2013 Winter Book "Minidewak" reproduces four selected readings from "Braiding Sweetgrass" in a limited edition, handmade artist’s book.

A Potawatomi term, "minidewak" (literally, "they give from the heart") refers to a ceremonial tradition of gift-giving, an expression of generosity and gratitude with its roots in nature’s cycle of plenty and scarcity. Kimmerer understands the minidewak as a living symbol of community, wherein "the well-being of one is linked to the well-being of all."

The artistry, sumptuous materials and craftsmanship of each Winter Book makes it an avidly collected series, included in museum and rare book library collections across the country and around the world. "Minidewak" is produced in extremely limited editions (200 Standard, 26 Deluxe).

Under the direction of MCBA Executive Director Jeff Rathermel, "Minidewak" was produced in two editions, each letterpress printed by master printer Monica Edwards Larson, with the assistance of Winter Book interns Ian Kolstad, Dan Shearen, Evelyn Miller and Shark Shredder. All illustrations are by Nate Christopherson. Both editions include letterpress printed text and imagery on Arches Text Wove, with titles set in Cresci and text set in Granjon.

The Standard Edition ($70 / $60 pre-publication), numbered 1 through 200, features the readings in four sections, bound in handmade paper covers produced in MCBA’s studios by Jeff Rathermel, Monica Edwards Larson, Genevieve Nordmark and the Winter Book interns. The books are hand-bound by volunteers from the MCBA artist community, and are housed in a birch wood slipcase.

The Deluxe Edition ($490 / $425 pre-publication), lettered A through Z and signed by author Robin Wall Kimmerer, is bound by master binder Jana Pullman using a three-piece Bradel binding style. Materials include linen book cloth, chestnut brown leather, handmade paper and birch veneer. The book is housed in a drop-spine box accompanied by a suite of prints on handmade paper in a birch board portfolio.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts wishes to thank Wet Paint Inc. and Smart Set Inc. for their generous support. Special thanks to Robin Wall Kimmerer for the gift of her beautiful words, and to the many Winter Book volunteers and interns for their gifts of time and talent.

Contact Minnesota Center for Book Arts: 1011 Washington Ave S, First Floor, Minneapolis MN 55415, 612.215.2520, 612.215.2545 fax, mcba@mnbookarts.org

As the largest and most comprehensive center of its kind in the nation, Minnesota Center for Book Arts celebrates the book as a vibrant contemporary art form that takes many shapes. From the traditional crafts of papermaking, letterpress printing and bookbinding to non-traditional artmaking and self-publishing techniques, MCBA supports the limitless creative evolution of book arts. To learn more, visit our website at http://www.mnbookarts.org.

Photos: Standard and Deluxe editions, respectively. Courtesy Minnesota Center for Book Arts.