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On its 13th year, the Book Arts Competition sponsored by Special Collections & University Archives at the University of Central Florida Libraries have been recognizing the artistic works of undergraduate and graduate students in book arts. Book arts are works of art that pushes the form and reading structure of traditional books. Many artist books are handmade by the artist themselves. Each year the competition awards one student artist book to be included in the permanent Book Arts & Typography Collection at Special Collections & University Archives. A panel of judges selects the winning artist book based on creativity, craftsmanship, content, and design. This year’s judges were David Benjamin, Head of UCF Libraries’ Special Collections & University Archives, and Rachel Simmons, Professor of Art at Rollins College.

The competition had a breadth of unique entries. Each artist book submitted was distinct in both form and content, ranging from personal experiences to whimsical stories. Leaves by Jacob Wan is the 13th Annual Book Arts Winner. Wan’s artist book visually tells the longing of nostalgia; the connection and disconnection, the familiar and unfamiliar, the similarity and difference between reality and memories. Delicate sewing stitches and handmade paper interweave throughout the book as photographs recreate moments of the artist’s youth.

This exhibit runs through February which features all entries submitted as well as select past winners.

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