OPENBOOK
WORKSHOP
JULY 24TH — AUGUST 2ND, 2015
LED BY
BEN VAN DYKE
&
JOSHUA UNIKEL
Over the last two decades, there have been a number of essays—and, ironically, books—that predict the demise of traditional books in the wake of digital media. Defining the term “book” loosely, as a vehicle for visual or verbal content that is organized into “sections,” this intensive ten‐day workshop will challenge overly simplistic, even fatalistic, ideas about the demise of physical books by stressing instead the ways novel renditions of physical and digital and hybrid “books” carry meaning. The objective is to encourage participants to explore unconventional forms that books may take and to create an artwork/designed object that challenges ideas of what books can be.
While the instructors will guide the direction of and lead discussions at the workshop, participants will be asked to contribute their particular knowledge and skill sets and contribute to the topic through presentations of their ideas and their creative work or research.
This workshop is part of the Open Book Project organized by Leslie Atzmon and Ryan Molloy.
INTRODUCTION
Ben Van Dyke
Ben Van Dyke, BFA Kendall College of Art & Design, MFA University of Michigan. In 2006, Van Dyke was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to the Netherlands where he was artist in residence at NLXL in The Hague. During this time, he lent his talents to the implementation of experimental practices for the ministries of education and culture with an analysis on the cultural implications of design. He has continued his research through site-specific installations of experimental typography. He has been invited to exhibit his work across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Van Dyke recently joined the faculty in the Department of Art, Art History and Design at Michigan State University. He also serves as Vice President of DesignInquiry — a non-profit design collective focused on research and education.
JOSHUA UNIKEL
Joshua Unikel works in graphic design, creative writing, and hybrid forms. His writing has been published in The Journal, Sonora Review, Fugue, TriQuarterly Online, The Collagist, [PANK], kill author, and numerous other national journals. His art has been shown at The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit and The Alchemical Theatre, Manhattan. Unikel has lectured on art and writing at The University of Oregon, Stony Brook Manhattan, and Carnegie Mellon University. Currently, he serves as the assistant editor of the Seneca Review and graphics editor of Hobart and William Smith Colleges Press. He has an MFA in visual art from The University at Buffalo’s Department of Art and an MFA in creative writing from The University of Iowa’s Nonfiction Writing Program.
Work by Ben Van Dyke
Work by Joshua Unikel
PEOPLE
Key dates and deadlines
- Application deadline (EXTENDED): May 25st, 2015
- Acceptance notifications: no later than early June
- Payment due: July 1, 2015
- Participant Arrival: July 23-24, 2015
- Workshop Dates: July 24-August 2, 2015
- Departure: August 2, 2015
DATES & DEADLINES
The cost of the workshop is $550.00.
The fee includes housing, dinners, and related workshop supplies.
For those interested, the workshop can be taken for 3 hours of college credit. Students pay tuition and fees, plus a program fee for expenses. Non-EMU students seeking college credit must apply to the university as a continuing education student in order to get college-level credit. .
Supplies and Materials
Some supplies and materials specific to the workshop will be provided for all participants. It is recommended that all participants bring general art making supplies. Participants are also encouraged to bring any other materials and supplies they may find useful in tackling their projects.
Location
Parsons Center
The Eastern Michigan University's Jean Noble Parsons Center has sleeping lodge units that include two beds, chairs, dressers, and closets. Guests should plan to bring their own sleeping bags, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels, as well as personal items like soap and shampoo.
Getting there
- Flights are available to Traverse City from Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Delta Airlines, US Air, and United Airlines.
- It takes five hours to drive from Ann Arbor to Lake Ann.
- If there are enough participants arriving at Detroit Metro Airport, the organizers will assist in arranging transportation to the Parson's Center.
Lodging
The Sleeping Lodge, which typically sleeps 12, is six units with two to three beds, closets, dressers and chairs in each unit. Each unit has a separate entrance with a view of the woods. Platform tent sites furnished with cots are also available. Restroom/washroom facilites, with men's and women's showers, are located in the Dining Hall. Participants must provide their own bedding and linens—sheets, pillows, towels, etc.
Meals and Dining
Dinner will be communal style, cooked by members of the workshop. Lunch and breakfast will be on your own, though some basic staples are provided. The Dining Hall is equipped with stove, microwave, refrigerator, dual ovens, dishwasher and icemaker. Nearby Traverse City and Lake Ann provide adequate access to groceries. Please notify the workshop coordinators of any specific dietary restrictions.
COST & LOCATION
- Application: interactive pdf*, non-interactive pdf
- 2015 poster
- 2015 postcard
* interactive pdf may not work properly in Safari's default browser or Preview.
APPLICATION & DOWNLOADS
Images from Past Workshops
& Comments and testimonials
"The diversity of art forms provides the openest attitude to me of what art/books could be. The process of thinking opens up possibilities to different solutions."
"Conceptual rigor and, conversely, serious play, were values upheld."
"The team at the workshop was very engaging, questions were asked regularly and new devices were developed in a very constructive manner."
"My favorite part of the workshop was the morning sessions. It was a time to try new things and get out of your normal thinking space."
The Open Book Project book
Additional work from previous workshops can be found in The Open Book Project book available at openbookproject.info. The book will be available for sale late May or early June 2014.
PAST WORKSHOPS
For more information contact:
- Leslie Atzmon, latzmon@emich.edu
- Ryan Molloy, mryan7@emich.edu
Promotional materials designed by Kayla Aliemenious, Sara Bowen, Alex Day, and Scott Rider as part of Eastern Michigan University's Graphic Design Practicum studio.