The multi-media art exhibit “The Art of the Book: Journals Then and Now” opened February 11 at Gallery 210, for a run through May 2, 2010. The exhibit celebrates books old and new as art objects, through cover art and beautifully constructed books but also books as parts of artworks. “The Art of the Book” exhibit is a wonderful journey from the past to the present, spanning over about 500 years. There were many works of art donated by many prestigious and many fresh sources.

The book-themed works of art are placed on shelves, or, in the case of the older artifacts, are encased on pedestals. The exhibit is one that can be physically felt and experienced as attendees can actually handle the artwork/journals and flip through them, seeing stories, lives and journeys unfold before their eyes. Some items were hundreds of pages and some were less than ten. A printed guide of the exhibit and its history, with commentary from various names in the art community, is available at the gallery.

This is an excellent exhibit for history buffs. For example, it features a Bible from 1539, some drawings from early Native Americans, and an original souvenir book of views from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Another piece of history is an advertisement for a lecture given by the well-known poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Some of the items are basic books while others come in different forms. One artist, John Bently, creatively put a book on the heel of a man’s shoe and then placed the shoe in a shoe box. Another artist folded a large piece of paper and drew on the sides of the folds. Every piece of artwork was unique and fascinating in its own way. Many tell stories, others review the past and still others make one laugh.

The journals, including their titles, were fascinating. “Bio Auto Graphic Scar Issue,” “Wanderlust” and “Ode on the Death of a ‘Favourite’ Cat Otto” are some titles to look for when viewing this exhibit. Some pieces tell interesting stories, while some contain drawings. Other artists elected to take pictures, like Sarah Bodman, who constructed the four-volume “Flowers in Hotel Rooms.” Her books consisted of pictures taken at various hotels in several different locations, including Berlin, Tokyo and London.

It is fascinating to note that in this exhibit there are many names known and unknown, from the very famous Michelangelo to students who have yet to become famous. Many artists and donors came together to make an artistic feast for the viewer. These works have come from far and wide, from American universities to areas outside of the country.

Another fascinating feature of this exhibit is that some pieces were done by college students who only had 10 days to complete them. The students successfully took the art of bookmaking to many interesting places.

Three words come to mind for this exhibit: collaboration, cooperation and education. This exhibit, which will be traveling to Bristol, England later this year, will be touching and inspiring people for many years to come. “The Art of the Book” incorporates unity, beauty and culture all in one exhibit, making it worth seeing.

Grade: A+