NJ Book Arts Symposium and Exhibition Friday November 1, 2024

I’m honored to be presenting my work at the NJ Book Art Symposium at the Alexander Library, Rutgers University in New Bruswick NJ on November 1, 2024

Possible Futures: The Thirtieth Annual New Jersey Book Arts Symposium (NJBAS) will be held on Friday November 1st, 2024, from 10:00 am to 5:15 pm at the Teleconference Lecture Hall on the fourth floor of the Archibald S. Alexander Library at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. (close to several major NJ roadways and accessible by rail from NYC and Philadelphia). Free parking is available in the Rutgers parking deck next to the library as well as two lots across the street.

The event is free and open to the public.

The day begins with a hands-on workshop led by Catherine LeCleire and Suzie Tuchman, and accompanied by a continental breakfast, with plenty of coffee. All attendees, regardless of experience, are welcome to attend.

The formal program will consist of eight artist presenters. Following opening introductions to celebrate our anniversary, artists Patricia Malarcher, Lois Morrison, and Irmari Nacht, and renowned chef, author, and artists’ book collector Giovanna Bellia La Marca, will discuss possible futures with reference to their past-and-ongoing work in what we have named our “Wise Women Panel.” After the panel, featured artists Colette Fu, Liz Mitchell, Iviva Olenick and Tammy Wofsey will show and talk about their work. Karen Guancione, NJBAS Artistic Director, will serve as symposium moderator and emcee. The audience will be able to engage all the artist-presenters in an afternoon Q and A and share their news during an open mic session.

Attendees will enjoy a sit-down lunch courtesy of the Rutgers University Libraries in the exhibition area adjoining the auditorium. The exhibition, curated by the NJBAS Curator Amanda Thackray, includes artworks by all symposium artists. For those who finish lunch early, a brief lunchtime seminar will be given by Michael Joseph, NJBAS Founder, who will present a lavishly illustrated update on a work-in-progress, “The Prehistory of the Artists’ Book” (working title).

Concluding the formal program, Judith K. Brodsky, Professor Emeritus and Founder of the Brodsky Center, will share her responses to the day’s presentations. Immediately following, attendees are invited to show /swap /sell their own books and book art at The Book Artist Jam. In the hope of counteracting some of the world’s stresses, brief, guided meditation breaks will be led by Kate Van Riper.

Adriana Cuervo, Director of Special Collections & University Archives, and Caroline Muglia, Associate Vice President for Campus Libraries will welcome attendees to the symposium.

Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com

To reserve parking, please register by using the Possible Futures Vehicle Registration form

Campus Map

Registration is at the door. For more information, please write to: Fernanda H. Perrone (hperrone@libraries.rutgers.edu)

Hunterdon Art Museum

Hunterdon Art Museum Member Highlight

Solo Exhibition The Paper Boat Projects

7 Lower Center St. Clinton, NJ 08809 March 11-April 30, 2023

OPENING RECEPTION AND ARTIST TALK (2nd floor)

Saturday March 11, 2PM-4PM

The Paper Boat Projects story:

​The last three years have been interesting to say the least. At the beginning of 2021 I worked to find a way to maintain a focus in my studio as chaos clamored and the virus forced us into a shelter-in-place mode. With so much uncertainty, I needed an element in my practice that would engage me and keep my mind and hands working.

​I decided to create boats made from paper. For several years, the boat form had been moving in and out of my visual vernacular. I planned to keep making boats until I was able to create a public launch when the virus had dissipated and I could bring friends and family together..

​The boats were made using both craft paper and collage (opaque) and Japanese Kozo paper (translucent). They are varnished to make them waterproof and trimmed with linen twine.

​The first of the Paper Boat Projects took place in April 2022 on Earth Day weekend. I released the boats on Angele and Brant Switzler's farm pond in Stockton NJ with friends and family around to celebrate the day.

​Being together and the quiet drift of the paper boats was good medicine for all of us.

The Paper Boat Projects installation will be on view at the Hunterdon Museum of Art March 30 - April 30, 2023. The opening reception is on March 11, 2pm-4pm with an artist talk w/Q&A in the River Gallery (2nd floor)

​​Liz Mitchell

2023

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Lead Us Not into Temptation, Hunterdon Art Museum, Clinton, NJ

In September, 2021 my work was included in the member exhibition at the Hunterdon Art Museum. Lead Us Not Into Temptation is a paper sculpture installation that speaks to the thousands of children sexually abused by the clergy and laity within organized religion. Three hair shirt made from hand sewn and printed Japanese Kozo paper have been waxed and threaded, knotted with horse hair. Hair shirts were worn by religious ascetics as a way to create physical pain to remind them of their religious commitment and for acts of contrition. In this case the hair is worn to the outside of the shirt antithetical to the original intent and a costume of pretense. This piece was selected by juror Kristen Owens for the Hunterdon Art Museum Solo Show Award. My solo show will take place in the spring of 2023 in the River Gallery at the Hunterdon Museum of Art.

Liz Mitchell, Lead Us Not into Temptation, Hunterdon Art Museum recipient of the 2023 Solo Show Award.

Influences Nippones, Moulin du Got Paper Mill, St. Leonard de Noblat, France

In March 2020 I participated in Influences Nippones, du kimono au manga, une culture du paper at the Moulin du Got Paper Mill in St. Leonard du Noblat, France. I was able to travel to the paper mill with my husband and install the work. There was a fabulous opening reception on March 13 (my birthday) followed by a shared dinner with all of the artists who were able to attend. The very next day the paper mill closed due to the pandemic. They have since reopened. The exhibition will remain ongoing through the end of 2021.

The Butterfly Kimono, Moulin du Got Paper Mill, St. Leonard de Noblat, France