Friday, October 07, 2011

2011 Printers' Ball: It's Alive!

This post is a bit overdue as the 7th Annual Printers' Ball was on July 29th. We were waiting for the professional pics to arrive, and they were worth the wait. Thanks to the photographers Alexis Ellers, Jonathan Mathias and Steve Woodall for their fantastic documentation. 

Zombies check out some hand bound books in the bindery.
Photography by Alexis Ellers
In case you don't know, the Printers' Ball is one of the largest literary events in the country, and it is totally free to all ages. This year, we estimated that over 3,000 people attended this one-night-only celebration in the Ludington Building. It is sponsored by the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine with the Center for Book & Paper Arts, the Chicago Underground Library, Columbia College Chicago, and MAKE magazine.

In addition to the live music, readings, tables upon tables of free books and magazines, zombie face painting, Kindle (or actual book) dunk tank, and free beer, many PIT members also hosted several Book Arty demos. Hordes of Printers' Ball attendees came to learn about and participate in hand papermaking, book binding and letterpress printing. It was a very exciting night and here are the pictures to prove it.

Chris Saclolo demonstrates some hand binding techniques.
Photography by Alexis Ellers
Boo Gilder and Hannah King make paper laminations with string
Photography by Alexis Ellers
Claire Sammons helps participants print Chicago postcards on a letterpress
(Photography by Jonathan Mathias)

A bustling letterpress studio
(Photography by Steve Woodall)
Liz Isakson-Dado and Boo Gilder at work in the paper studio
(Photography by Alexis Ellers)
Jenna Rodriguez mixes ink before the letterpress demo.
(Photography by Steve Woodall)
Posted by Claire Sammons

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