This spring, I spent a week traveling from east to west across North Carolina teaching book repair at public libraries. I visited libraries in Burgaw (Pender County), Burlington (Alamance County) and Shelby (Cleveland County). The attendees are always fun and their questions come tumbling out throughout the day. Public libraries have few resources and little... Continue reading “Spring Book Repair Workshops” ›
I recently taught three workshops, in the east, central and western areas of North Carolina. I hadn’t taught in person since March, 2020 and it was good to get back in the saddle. It always amazes and encourages me how hungry librarians are for this information about repairing their books. I guess we all want... Continue reading “East to West Book Repair Workshops” ›
Anne Yeats (on left) with Leslie MacWeeney 1964 Anne Yeats was born in Dublin,Ireland in 1919. Her father was William Butler Yeats, who was internationally known for his poetry. Her family was immersed in the arts. Her father’s brother, Jack Yeats, was an accomplished Irish artist, who illustrated materials for the Cuala Press. Anne Yeats... Continue reading “Anne Yeats: Born into the Arts” ›
Jack Coughlin was born in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1932. He illustrated several Dolmen Press books with his unique style of drawing, especially his portraits. Coughlin’s parents are Irish-American and his interest in art led him to study at the Rhode Island School of Design and the Art Students League of New York. He has created... Continue reading “Jack Coughlin, an Artist with Irish Roots” ›
While reading the Winston-Salem Journal this past summer, I saw the familiar name of African American artist David Bustill Bowser appearing in a reprinted Atlanta Journal Constitution article. Bowser, born in 1820 (d. 1900) and based in Philadelphia, made his living painting ornamental banners, portraits, and during the Civil War, flags for African American Union... Continue reading “A Wake Forest Connection with African American History” ›
Special Collections & Archives is hosting an exciting variety of artist’s books created by five women from our area. These books represent a variety of approaches to creating artist’s books as a form of expression. The artists are Sara Hiatt (Kernersville, NC), Anne Murray (Winston-Salem, NC), Robin Harper (Mebane, NC), Terry Schupach-Gordon (Shoals, NC) and... Continue reading “Artist’s Books and Calligraphy in Special Collections & Archives” ›
One current exhibit in the Special Collections Reading room is composed of calligraphy from the local Encore Group. This group is ably led by Joyce Teta, who is an excellent teacher and well-respected calligrapher from Winston-Salem. The group is composed of calligraphers and bookmakers with beginning to advanced students and teachers. Joyce gave members of... Continue reading “Bible Versals Exhibit In Special Collections” ›
Bookmarks sponsored a series of book arts-related demonstrations at their Festival this past weekend, and I was happy be invited to participate. No one was protesting at the Bookmarks Festival this weekend. There were a series of demonstrations related to books, however, which I was privileged to be part of. I completed a series of... Continue reading “Bookmarks Festival Demonstration” ›
Louis le Brocquy was born in Dublin, Ireland on November 10, 1916. His family had Belgian origins, but were firmly Irish. Louis’ family was involved in the oil business and this gave him financial security. He traveled widely and decided to become a painter. Le Brocquy did not attend art school-he was self-taught. He was... Continue reading “Louis le Brocquy, Painter of an Irish Epic” ›
A huge congratulations to our four graduating seniors! Kelli Johnson, Mia Harris, Tara Coady, and Juno Zhu have dedicated time from their busy schedules and studies to work in Special Collections & Archives. We are sad to see them graduate, but know they all have very bright futures ahead of them. All of us here in... Continue reading “Congratulations to Special Collections & Archives graduates! #WFUGrad” ›