September 1–October 23

Carol Moore
Women of a Certain Age, 2004, detail, fan-shaped book with text (click photo for overall view)

Ex Libris: Artist Books from the Arthur H. and Mata Jaffe Collection

Roethke Humanities Festival event
A selection of handmade, limited edition, and fine press books by artists who make works of art in book form. The books in the collection “have in common the unique perceptions of the artist who conceived and created the book” (Florida Atlantic University), and are idiosyncratic, cutting-edge, highly imaginative, and beautifully crafted. The Jaffes’ extensive private collection of artist books—ranging from miniature to oversize, new and antique, mass-produced and limited editions, and one-of-a-kind works—was donated to Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. The books in this exhibition are loaned courtesy of Arthur and Mata Jaffe Collection: Books as Aesthetic Objects, Florida Atlantic University Libraries.
press release

Meet Arthur Jaffe for an informal gallery talk, Wednesday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.

Exhibition reception,Thursday, October 6, follows lecture by Johanna Drucker,"Open Ended Possibilities: The Future of the Book in the Digital Age," Williams Center 108, 4:00 p.m.

October 28–December 14

Qiu Zhijie
Tattoo II, 1994
Chromogenic print
23.2 x 18.3 inches
Courtesy Estella Collection.

The Painted Word: Language as Image in Modern Art

Roethke Humanities Festival event
Throughout history in both Western and Eastern traditions, the visual arts and literature have been closely linked. In 10 BCE, Horace declared ut picture poesis (as is painting so is poetry), an idea that became a hallmark of Renaissance thinking. In the modern era, the conceptual links between language and imagery have become ever more complex and exciting. This exhibition explores a range of contemporary artists, both Western and Eastern, who use ideas—through language—as the primary medium in their works.

press release
on-line version of brochure text will be posted by February 20

"Word Play," lecture about exhibition by Robert S. Mattison, curator: Monday, November 7, 4:10 p.m., Williams Center 108. Exhibition reception to follow.

Meraviglia:
Innovations in the Book Arts
(Regional Artists Show)

Roethke Humanities Festival event
Williams Center for the Arts Gallery
This juried exhibition of books by 42 artists investigates the nature of the book as a format for artistic self-expression, with works that push the meaning of what is commonly understood to be a book, creating new definitions and pushing the boundaries through scale, content and complexity. Innovative books stretch the imagination of artist and viewer alike. The exhibition’s title, Meraviglia, is an Italian word meaning “wonder, astonishment,” with connotations of awe and the excitement of discovery. Curated by Liz Mitchell.

press release

Book Arts 101 Workshop with Liz Mitchell: Monday, September 12, 7–9 p.m.

A hands-on Introduction to bookmaking workshop for adults with Liz Mitchell, Sunday, January 8, 2-4 p.m.

Stories to Tell, a hands-on introduction to bookmaking workshop for children by Martha Posner, Saturday, January 14, 2-4 p.m.

Exhibition reception: Sunday, January 15, 2-4 p.m.

A brochure, in the form of a "one page book" is available. Contact the Williams Center to order one. An on-line verson is available.

February 3–March 12


African Women, Windows, 2005
Color monotype and relief print, printed at EPI
at the Portlock Center

The Pine Tree, 2005
at the Williams Center

David C. Driskell
Reflections and Memories:
New Works on Paper, 2005

As a leading authority on African American Art, Driskell’s work—paintings, prints, and collages will be exhibited—often reflects his complex experiences dealing with race in this country. He is a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Art at University of Maryland, College Park, and has maintained an active career as a practicing artist, art historian, curator and collector. Exhibition curator is Scott Habes, director of The Art Gallery and associate director of the David C. Driskell Center, both at the University of Maryland, College Park. Joint exhibition with David A. Portlock Black Cultural Center Gallery.

An illustrated brochure with essays by Curlee Raven Holton, director, Experimental Printmaking Institute, Lafayette College, and Scott Habes, gallery director, The Art Gallery, University of Maryland, College Park is available. Also included in the brochure is an interview with David Driskell conducted by Curlee Holton with a discussion of the role of printmaking in his work.

A brochure can be ordered from the Williams Center art gallery. An on-line version is also available.

At the Portlock Center: Reflections and Memories: Ancestral voices with a classical vision, a survey of prints by David Driskell, 1967-2005.

Artists' Talk: Sunday, February 5, 3-4 p.m., Williams 108
Reception at the Williams Center and Portlock Center follows until 5 p.m.

Exhibition press release; Black History Month press release

Rembrandt Etchings


In celebration of the 400th birthday of Rembrandt, the Williams Center Gallery presents an exhibition of etchings that reveal the breadth of the seventeenth-century Dutch master’s subject matter: portraits, scenes of everyday life, and historical and biblical narratives.

Loaned courtesy of Dr. and Mrs. Morton M. Mower. Exhibition organized by Aaron Young, The Halcyon Group, London, United Kingdom.

click here for additonal information on the following related lectures and concerts.

click here for downloadable pdf of schedule, and here for press release.

Monday, April 10, Concert, noon, "Music in Holland from the Age of Rembrandt" A program of 17th century Dutch music by The Practitioners of Musick: Eugene Roan, harpsichord and John Burkhalter, recorder.
Williams Center Theater
click here for a detailed schedule

Tuesday, April 11, Keynote Lecture:
Dr. Larry Silver, Farquhar Professor of Art History, University of Pennsylvania, "New Jerusalem: Rembrandt, Christians, and Jews.”
Carol P. Dorian ‘79 Memorial Lecture in Art History. Sponsored by the department of art.

Tuesday, April 11, Reception for the exhibition, Dr. and Mrs. Mower, Dr. Larry Silver, and the Mr. and Mrs. Ira Dorian follows the lecture.

click here for additonal information on the related lectures and concerts.

A small selection of sixteenth and seventeenth century imprints from the Rare Book Collection of Skillman Library will be on display in conjunction with the Rembrandt etchings. Included are works from the famed Plantin Press of Antwerp, Europe’s leading printing establishment for nearly two hundred years, ca 1550–1750. Additional works come from the Amsterdam press of Jan Jansson, who earned distinction as a map publisher and who, along with the Blaeu family, helped make the Dutch the preeminent mapmakers of Europe during the age of Rembrandt.
Williams Center Gallery

The Painted Violins
Lobby Installation, Williams Center for the Arts

Organied by the Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra in celebration of its 25th Anniversary, The Painted Violins is a unique fundraising project. Eighteen violins, in various states of disrepair, were provided to area visual artists to transform in accordance with their own personal artistic visions. This union of art and music raises community awareness of the value of interdisciplinary artistic cooperation and helps raise funds for the Orchestra's continued mission in serving the Lehigh Valley.
The violins can be viewed at the Williams Center when the building is open to the public.

For additional information please visit the LVCO Painted Violin site.

press release