The Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) announces a call for Twin Cities teens to submit altered books for a juried exhibition January-March 2008 in the MCBA studios. The exhibition will be part of a citywide series of workshops, exhibitions and programs capped by the annual convention of the Public Library Association in Minneapolis, March 25-29, 2008. Media releases, electronic and printed materials will direct visitors to all exhibition venues. Submission Deadline: December 14, 2007.

Submission Guidelines: Each teen may submit ONE altered book for the exhibition. Submitted work must be delivered to MCBA for jurying and accompanied by a completed application form. The artist must either pick up the submitted work after notification (if declined) or after the exhibition (if accepted), or provide adequate postage for return shipment. MCBA is not responsible for work not collected after 60 days of notification.

Selected artists will be notified by e-mail or phone. Please direct questions to Jeff Rathermel, artistic director, at 612.215.2526.

Altered Books Definition: According to the International Society of Book Artists, an altered book is any book, old or new, that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. An altered book can be rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned. An altered book can also take on an entirely different form that does not resemble its original form.

Display Case Conditions: The display cases for the teen altered books exhibit are located in MCBA’s studios. Submissions should not exceed 18 ” deep, 36” wide, 14” high.

Wall Pieces: MCBA also has limited space available for altered books to be hung on a wall.