Tag: Artists Book House

  • Treewhispers 25th Anniversary Closing Reception—March 22, 2025

    Come celebrate, reconnect, and spread the word!

    Join us as we mark 25 years of Treewhispers with Artists Book House.

    4207 W Irving Park, Chicago, IL
    Saturday, March 22 | 2:00 – 6:00 PM

    2:00 – 4:00 PM | Columbia College Center for Book & Paper Arts Alumni Reunion
    (A special time for alumni to gather and reconnect.)

    4:00 – 6:00 PM | Closing Reception – Open to All

    *For CBPA alumni, this is more than a reunion. It’s a rekindling of the creative spark that first brought us together. Through the wisdom of thought-provoking instructors and the boundless exploration they encouraged, we forged connections that have stood the test of time. Let’s gather to honor those shared experiences, reflect on our artistic journeys, and celebrate the lasting impact of our creative community.

    Expect an afternoon filled with lively conversations, creative inspiration, and a few surprises!

    CBPA alumni who want to join the reunion, email: killian@artistsbookhouse.org

    Come for the art, stay for the stories. Let’s make this a celebration to remember!

  • Paper, Process, Passion

    If you’ve ever been curious about the process of handmade paper, here’s a glimpse! Melissa Jay Craig is creating paper rounds for the Treewhispers‘ closing reception at Artists Book House on March 22nd. (Don’t miss it! You might be a lucky recipient of this amazing paper!)

    What you don’t see is the incredible fiber processing behind the scenes:

    • Raw hemp & unbleached abaca pulp sheet – both beaten for 90 minutes at 1 in the Hollander beater
    • Twinrocker black denim pulp sheet – 20 minutes at 1

    Papermaking is a labor of time, energy, and talent—often unseen but deeply felt in the final sheet. There are many different processes, fibers, techniques, and materials that can be used, each bringing unique textures, characteristics, and possibilities.

    So many generous papermakers have donated handmade paper rounds to Treewhispers. This has made it possible for others to take part. They can write stories, compose poems, or draw on the sheets to be included in the installation.

    I’m incredibly grateful for these generous contributions, which allow this collaborative project to grow and evolve with each participant.

    Next time you hold a sheet of handmade paper, take a moment to consider the process, the fiber, and the maker. Reflect not just on its touch and texture. Contemplate its color, thickness, and even its sound. Yes, sound.

    Enjoy the photos and celebrate the artistry of handmade paper!

    Treewhispers #HandmadePaper #Papermaking #ArtistsBookHouse #MelissaJayCraig #PaperArt #PaperRounds #Abaca #Hemp #Twinrocker #HollanderBeater #BookArts #SustainableArt #CollaborativeArt #ArtCommunity #CreativeProcess #HandmadeWithLove #ArtExhibition #ClosingReception #Gratitude #Papermakers #EcoArt #StorytellingThroughPaper

  • Join us for Pulp Painting fun!

    Pulp Painting Nature

    with Don Widmer

    Saturday, March 1, 2025; 11am to 3pm

    Artists Book House
    4207 W. Irving Park Rd.; Chicago, IL

    Sign up HERE

    Participants will learn the technique of pulp painting, creating imagery within sheets of handmade paper using plant pulp as a medium. We will design and cut our own stencils using nature as our inspiration.  Then we will create sheets of paper, including round sheets, in keeping with the theme of the Treewhispers project. Participants will apply colored pulp using their stencil forms to the fresh sheets of paper. The wet sheets can be taken home to dry. Wear clothes that can get wet.

    About Don Widmer

    Don Widmer is a book and paper artist whose work incorporates papermaking and artist bookbinding. His papermaking utilizes detailed pulp painting with numerous layers of stenciled pulp. His artist books feature structures that explore movement and light. Don has exhibited throughout the Midwest, most recently at David Smith Studio, A+C Architects Studio, the Paper Discovery Center, Bridgeport Art Center, Tall Grass Art Gallery, Morgan Conservatory, Gallery Studio Oh!, and Kalamazoo Book Arts Center.  He has received several best of show awards and his work is represented in university, museum and library collections. Most recently, the Smithsonian purchased his artist book Darkness and Light, inspired by Etty Hillesum. Widmer received his MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

  • Stitching Stories and Time

    Several enthusiastic members of the North Suburban NeedleArts Guild immersed themselves in the Treewhispers forest on Sunday. It was delightful—though perhaps not surprising—that when invited to share their stories, they instinctively reached for needle and thread or brought along their already-stitched handmade paper rounds to continue working on.

    There’s something truly special about gathering together, stitching, and sharing tree stories along the way. It’s a gift—one that continues to weave connections through time and art.

  • Get Ready to Branch Out!

    Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets — February 22, 2025

    In celebration of Treewhispers 25th Anniversary Artists Book House will be hosting Fun & Funky Arboreal Alphabets with Julie Wildman

    Saturday, February 22, 2025; 12pm to 3pm
    4207 W Irving Park    , Chicago

    This is a class for all levels with a focus on drawing, calligraphy, and incorporating nature, using trees as inspiration for creating fun and funky letters.

    Students may bring in their own photos or cuttings of trees, branches, twigs, and leaves for inspiration, or they may use the instructor’s samples. We will explore the interesting shapes found in these items and sketch letters based on those shapes. Then, we will illustrate the alphabets using paints, colored pencils, gel pens, markers, and other materials. Students will work at their own pace and may choose to create a variety of letterforms or a cohesive alphabet or short phrase.

    Materials will be supplied, but students may bring in photos or natural clippings for inspiration. 

  • Creativity in Action

    A heartfelt thank you to the enthusiastic members of the Chicago Calligraphy Collective and everyone who made the Artists Book House event so meaningful! I’m deeply grateful for the CCC’s talent and generosity in creating the Weathergram outreach. It was so wonderful to see art bringing people together, creating new friendships, and sharing stories. Here’s to more moments like this filled with creativity and connection!

  • Weathergrams

    Come for the creativity, stay for the inspiration! 🌿✨

    Sunday, February 16, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Artists Book House – 4207 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

    Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Treewhispers exhibit. Create a weathergram. Explore the art of calligraphy with members from the Chicago Calligraphy Collective in a welcoming, creative space.

    Don’t miss this chance to share the time, soak in the beauty, and let your creativity flow. We can’t wait to see you there!

    Weathergrams by Mary Zabrin

  • Chicago Calligraphy Collective—February 16, 2025

    The Chicago Calligraphy Collective (CCC) is collaborating in Treewhispers’ 25th Anniversary festivities! This special event is open to all—a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of calligraphy, create your own weathergram, and experience the inspiring Treewhispers exhibit.

    Sunday, February 16, 2025

    Artists Book House – 4207 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

    10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    CCC calligraphers will be demonstrating a variety of lettering styles.

    Supplies will be provided for visitors to create their own weathergrams—a beautiful calligraphic tradition dating back over 50 years.

    Take yours home, display it, or gift it to someone special!

    Come celebrate the art of writing, storytelling, and nature with us. Hope to see you there!

  • Storytelling—January 29, 2025

    🌳 Calling All Storytellers!

    Do you have a tree story to share? Whether it’s funny, inspiring, romantic, or mystical, we want to hear it!

    Join us on January 29th (Lunar New Year) at Artists Book House, Irving Park Road, Chicago, for a live storytelling event celebrating Treewhispers’ 25th Anniversary!

    Doors open at 6 PM, with stories from 6:30–7:30 PM amid the stunning Treewhispers installation.

    Bonus points if your story includes trees and the moon!

    Everyone’s welcome—submit your story for a chance to perform. Let’s celebrate trees and storytelling!