CRAFTSBURY – For the last six decades, Claire Van Vliet has been producing some of the most extraordinary artist book editions in her quiet corner of Newark.
Her Janus Press has collaborated with poets, writers and artists from Vermont and around the world to produce hand bound books on fine paper.
photo by Paul Fixx
Among other accolades, she was the recipient of a MacArthur Genius prize.
Local artist Paul Gruhler, a personal friend of Van Vliet’s, and his partner Jane Marlin, are donating their collection of 24 volumes of her work to the library.
The books show the heights of artistic achievement in the medium.
This donation makes the Craftsbury Public Library one of a very few locations to offer patrons the opportunity to view and interact with these creations, said a library promotional announcement.
Gruhler said he hopes patrons will handle the books and read them to get the full experience they can provide to a reader.
A preview of the collection was held Saturday, April 11, with talks by library board members and donor Paul Gruhler about Claire Van Vliet and her work.
photo by Paul Fixx
Visitors were then encouraged to explore the works which cover a wide range of subjects, including poetry and prose.
Each book is bound by hand, often without glue. Many include pull out maps and diagrams. Some on display included carefully produced slipcovers, some crafted of wood by Jack Sumberg of Glover.
The collection will be transferred to the library once a cabinet to house and display the collection is completed by Sumberg, who was at the event with a drawing of the cabinet. It will be built with UV glass to protect the book collection.
It is hoped the collection will move into the library this summer, said Librarian Susan O’Connell.
