MTSU’s James E. Walker Library is encouraging visitors to see its “Artists’ Books: Student Works from the MTSU Book Arts Program” exhibit, currently featured in the facility’s Special Collections Reading Room on campus.

One of MTSU senior Katie Fowler's handmade books, "Stitches," is on display in the "Artists' Books" exhibit at Walker Library. (photos courtesy Kristen Keene)

Imaginative art students have combined traditional book tools, techniques and materials with handmade and hand-painted papers, origami-folding techniques, etchings, photography, collage and innovative pop-up and 3D elements to turn the basic model of an accordion-style book into “awe-inspiring” creations, organizers say.

This unique display showcases 20 pieces created by MTSU students who were enrolled in the Department of Art’s “Book Arts I” class during the fall 2011 semester.

Each work selected for display was chosen based on innovation, size and the use of materials.

A handmade book by MTSU sophomore Kelsea Bassham, "Jerica," is on display in the "Artists' Books" exhibit at Walker Library.

Diverse objects and forms, everything from coffee cans to computer disks, make an unexpected appearance and expand the traditional book artists’ repertoire of materials and tools. Each work displayed is a unique item and reflects the learning goals of the classroom.

This exhibition is part of a continuing series of juried shows hosted by Special Collections featuring the work of MTSU’s “Book Arts” students.

Special Collections is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located on the fourth floor of the Walker Library.

The show will run through April 18.

— Lauren Price (news@mtsu.edu)