Since its inception in 1974, The Center for Book Arts Gallery has mounted contemporary and historical exhibitions presented in the context of the working artists' studio. Over 140 exhibits have showcased the work of more than 2,500 established and emerging artists. 

Many catalogs of these exhibits are still available.  You can also look at our exhibition archives to see online exhibits.

In the mid 70's we showed the work of Barton Lidicé Benes, Stella Waitzkin, Douglass Morse Howell, Syl Lebrot, and others who were experimenting with the book form. The goal has always been to bring together artists and artisans to influence each other, raising the technical standards of the art and the creative inspiration of the craft. Daniel Gibson Knowlton, Hedi Kyle, and Gary Frost are among the bookbinders who have had exhibitions at the CBA. Fine pres printers including Nadja, Purgatory Pie Press, and Kuboaa have presented this aspect of book art to the public.

International artists have had influential shows at the CBA, including Tom Phillips and Jean de Gonet,Grooup shows from France, Germany, Latin America, Great Britain, and other areas have brought the world of bookmaking to the United States. Many of our exhibits have circulated to other institutions. In 1990 we organized Book Arts in the USA, an exhibit which circulated through Africa and Latin America courtesy of the United States Information Agency.

Group shows with themes have inspired artists to create special exhibition works, and socially important exhibits have included The National Women of Color Artist's Book Project.

Each summer the Center has mounted a juried exhibit of work by our Members, which  includes some of the latest evolutions of book concepts, stretching the idea of what a book can be. The opening reception is always an exciting event, as artists discuss the new work and share their knowledge.