Project Summary

The Book As Art: Myth & Magic is the eleventh edition of an art show celebrating books: objects that, in an increasingly digital world, stubbornly survive. 

Humans possess a fundamental attraction to stories and storytelling. Folktales, fairy tales, and myths are foundational narratives that bridge the secular and the spiritual and merge the factual with the fantastical. Art can challenge and disturb, restore peace and calm, uplift and inspire. Myths and magic transport us and bind us together in the world of imagination.

The objects in this exhibition will interpret the concept of the book and invite the viewer to look beyond the printed page to where ideas, words, and symbols are transformed and are transfigured. Artists are challenged to look inward and outward, to interpret classical myths and tales, to explore and expose modern myths and myth-making, and to create new, magical tales.

The Book as Art series seeks to showcase beautifully made volumes, sculptural and conceptual interpretations, and one-of-a-kind approaches to the book format. We also encourage artists to submit wall-hung interpretations.

Site Description

The Book as Art will exhibit in the 4th floor gallery at the Decatur Branch of the Dekalb County Public Library, located at 215 Sycamore Street.  The exhibition will run from September 7 – October 30, 2023.

Design Criteria

Artists are invited to enter original, limited edition original, or altered books. Participating items will be selected from submitted entries by a panel of three jurors on the basis of creative excellence and quality of execution. All submissions must be the work of the entering artist. Collaborative projects are eligible, with the names of all participating artists included in the statement or description of the work.

Awards

Prizes for Best of Show, Second and Third Place will be awarded by a jury during the exhibition. Cash prize for Best of Show is $1,000, Second Place is $700, Third Place is $500. Purchase awards totaling $2,500 will be selected by the City of Decatur.

Timeline

Applications Open: April 27, 2023
Application Deadline: June 18, 2023
Artist Invitations/Notifications Deadline: July 21, 2023
Artwork Received Deadline: August 25, 2023
Exhibition Dates: September 7 – October 30, 2023
Opening Reception: September 8, 2023