WE’RE WORKING AWAY ON THE NEA!
March 14, 2022
Mary Proenza, Buena Vista, Linocut, 8 x 6 inches
We’ve been working overtime recently setting type, printing pages, and binding books to complete the work for our National Endowment for the Arts-funded projects on schedule. Here’s what we’ve been up to:
Truth Comes Slowly—This book, written by Los Angeles writer Jervey Tervalon, is the story of his early encounter with gun violence as a young boy, visiting family in San Francisco with this mother. Tervalon is an award-winning author whose novels include Understand This and the Los Angeles Times bestseller Dead Above Ground. Our letterpress edition has been illustrated with sensitive and preceptive relief prints designed and carved in linoleum by Mary Proenza. We are currently printing the final pages of the book and will begin binding in preparation for its release with a reading by Jervey in the KBAC Gallery on Saturday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. This reading will be held in conjunction with a reception for the exhibition Memoir, with paintings and works on paper by Mary Proenza, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Chap Books—We’ve also completed two chap books of poetry: (Un)Becoming Gretel by Lauren Alleyne and Collected Poems by Mónica Gomery. These books are letterpress printed and feature linocuts by artists Vicki VanAmeyden and Vicki Cook. Our KBAC interns were heavily involved with the production of these books including setting type, printing the text and illustrations, and binding 50 books for each title. They can truly say they made a book from start to finish during their time with us. The book launch for these titles will be April 9.
Studio Memberships—Two studio residencies were offered to emerging artists to encourage creative work in the book arts. Rachel Stickney was here during the Fall 2021 months during which she spent her time focusing on affordable ways to make a print, including making collagraphs out of scrap cardboard as an experiment. Her subject matter was informed by her interests in astronomy and physics. In March, we will welcome Laura Citino and she will be here through June. Both artists will display their work as part of our June exhibition that will celebrate all the projects completed with the NEA award.
We’re so thankful to the NEA for this Grants for Arts Project award. As one of only 21 organizations in Michigan to receive the grant we are working hard to fulfill it!
Jeff, Katie, and Lorrie
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
or by appointment
The KBAC is committed to inclusion of all members of the community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, age, or ability.
Thank You!
KBAC’s educational and artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of these organizations, other private funders, and people like you.
