Altered Book Competition Underway at MRL

Massanutten Regional Library announces its fifth annual Altered Books Competition. Entry forms and discarded books may be currently picked up for the contest at any MRL library. Entry forms and the altered book artwork are due by 12 noon on Tuesday, April 2, at the Main Branch in downtown Harrisonburg.

An altered book is a form of mixed media artwork that changes a book from its original form into something else. According to the International Society of Altered Book Artists, an altered book "...is any book, old or new that has been recycled by creative means into a work of art. They can be...rebound, painted, cut, burned, folded, added to, collaged in, gold-leafed, rubber stamped, drilled or otherwise adorned."

Altered books give new life, artistic purpose, and meaning to used, old, or abandoned books. People traditionally think of books as works of literary art. Through altered book projects, books transform into works of visual art as well.

The altered books exhibits will be displayed in a gallery at MRL Main and visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their top three favorite entries during library operating hours April 4-6 and again on Friday evening April 5 from 5-7 pm in conjunction with the First Friday Celebration sponsored by the Arts Council of the Valley.

A display of altered book exhibits is in the lobby at MRL Main. Last year's first and second place winners are featured in the current Altered Books brochure. "Shakespeare's Mask Muse" by Janet Marshman of Harrisonburg, was the first place winner in the 2012 competition. Asha Hospach of Harrisonburg placed second in the contest.

For more information regarding the Altered Books Competition, please contact Cheryl Griffith, 434-4475, ext. 121.