Night Circus

"Night Circus" is the Guild of Book Workers’ 2024–25 juried exhibition, with RIT hosting one of its five national venues. The exhibition theme invites curiosity in spectacle, while fascinating with artistry and performance. Night Circus artists explore the mysterious and luminous, investigate clandestine actions and secret knowledge, and embrace chaos and otherness. Designer bindings and fine press books with be on view by 31 of the Guild’s talented members.

This juried exhibition features approximately 30 works that embody the Guild's mission: maintaining high standards of workmanship, providing educational opportunities, and promoting the artistry of book and paper arts through exhibits. What makes each triennial exhibition unique is how it captures a moment in time—a collective snapshot of artistic expression, seen through different techniques, materials, and thematic interpretations. The works showcased here demonstrate not only hand-craftsmanship but also the deep engagement with learning, practice, and experimentation that our members embrace. Some materials are familiar, while others are more unusual, but each piece transforms these resources into a statement reflecting the artist's response to the "Night Circus" theme. Insights into the artists' creative process and mindset are shared through accompanying quotes, offering viewers a glimpse into the world behind each piece. As you journey through this exhibition, I hope you are as captivated by the wonder, mystery, and artistry of these works as I have been.