Instituting Art:  
Altered Book Project 

Instituting Art: Altered Book Project was a joint venture between the Portland Public Library and the Maine College of Art in 2005 exploring modern society’s relationship to both books and art.

The altered books created by the Maine College of Art students and faculty and were on exhibit at the Portland Public Library’s Lewis Gallery in Spring 2005. 

The works were then processed by the Library’s Technical Services Department and re-entered into the Library’s collection. The Altered Books were then available to patrons to check out. Discussion and interpretation continued through October 2005.

While the Altered Books are no longer on display at the library, many of them are available upon request by other libraries interested in exhibiting them.

Megan Dunn, The Book Bracelet                 Susan Winn, Field of Greens

Patricia Kaczmarck, Zelda

“The book, threatened as it has been in this century by radio, television, film and the Internet, seems determined to survive as a staple of human expression, communication and knowledge.” Doug Beube, Artist/Curator

This project was generously supported by the Maine Humanities Council.

To request items for your library, please contact the Interlibrary Loan Office of the Portland Public Library at 207-871-1700 x7358 or ill@portland.lib.me.us.

5 Monument Square, Portland Maine 04101    207 871-1700    email: reference@portland.lib.me.us