What makes a book a work of art? Is it the stories it tells, the materials from which it is made, or the creativity that transforms its pages into something extraordinary?

Join the New Bedford Whaling Museum for Beyond the Page: Exploring the Art of the Book, a special evening of conversation, creativity, and hands-on discovery inspired by the Museum's exhibition, Boundless: The Book as Art.
Bringing together historic treasures from the Museum's extensive collection with innovative works by contemporary artists, Boundless challenges conventional ideas of what a book can be. From intricately illustrated natural history volumes and maritime journals to sculptural artist books, handmade paper, and experimental book structures, the exhibition reveals how books have long served as vessels for artistic expression, cultural memory, and creative experimentation.

This special evening brings those ideas to life through the perspectives and practices of contemporary book artists. The program begins with an engaging artist roundtable exploring the intersection of art, storytelling, craftsmanship, and materiality. Participating artists will share insights into their creative processes, the traditions that inform their work, and the ways they push the boundaries of bookmaking.

The roundtable discussion will be facilitated by Ymelda Rivera Laxton, Curator of Contemporary Arts & Culture, with featured artists Tracey Cockrell, Adrian Tio, Andre Lee Bassuet, Cristina Hajosy, and Lara Henderson.

Following the conversation, attendees are invited to explore hands-on workshops and artist demonstrations in the Jacobs Family Gallery. Discover the artistry behind techniques such as paper marbling, printmaking, and other book arts, meet the makers, and experience firsthand how ordinary materials can become extraordinary works of art.

Guests will also have the opportunity to explore Boundless: The Book as Art, drawing connections between centuries-old bookmaking traditions and the imaginative approaches of artists working today.

Whether you're an artist, a book lover, a curious maker, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handcrafted objects, this evening offers a welcoming opportunity to discover the book as more than something to read—but something to experience, create, and reimagine.