Herron undergraduate students dive into the world of book arts

In early January before the start of IUPUI's spring semester, four Herron students minoring in Book Arts traveled with Karen Baldner, adjunct professor of printmaking, to attend the annual College Book Art Association (CBAA) Conference in Philadelphia.

The three-day conference hosted by the University of the Arts allowed Ashton Boehman, Courtney Kravig, Sloan Marshall, and Megan Smith to gain insights into the rising national book arts scene through participating in professional development workshops and panel discussions, and networking with other students and professionals.

During the trip, students ventured out on their own to visit the city's historic landmarks and to explore a diverse landscape of cultural institutions including the Mütter Museum, the Fabric Workshop and Museum, and the Barnes Foundation.

"Upon returning, I could see a difference in the students' attitudes towards their work—taking themselves more seriously and being able to see themselves as budding young professionals in the book arts field," Baldner said. "I am so proud of them for having committed themselves to this adventure."

"Attending the CBAA conference in Philadelphia helped me network with a new community of book artists and printers [that are] passionate about advancing an art form that's building momentum. I learned a lot about how books and letterpress have [played] a role in socially engaged art." —Ashton Boehman, printmaking student

"The [CBAA conference] was really special because it offered the opportunity to travel to a new city, experience the environment of two new college campuses, and gain inspiration through the artist book collections of the University of Pennsylvania." —Courtney Kravig, printmaking student