*Picture Books* exhibition at Clark Gallery in Lincoln, Mass.

Because you are reading She Is Too Fond of Books, I suspect that you, too, enjoy the written word.

Have I got a fun field trip for you, if you are within driving distance of Lincoln, Massachusetts — you’ll want to get yourself to the Clark Gallery before the PICTURE BOOKS exhibition closes on August 6.

What is PICTURE BOOKS?  According to the gallery press, it is:

A group exhibition featuring work in all media that pictures, or, references a book within the composition, or, is a book of some kind.

As new technologies are introduced to replace the traditional book of bound paper pages, PICTURE BOOKS reminds us of the strong presence of books in art, the significant tradition of recording important events, stories, and lessons within books, and the incredible value of reading.

I visited the Gallery last week with Laura Harrington; we enjoyed exploring the pieces in the show, which include photography, oil and watercolor painting, line drawings, sculpture, metalwork, and even quilting — all focused on the written word.

While a book (or books) is the obvious subject in many of the pieces, others are more peripheral – such as a small stack of books among other interesting items on a small desk, or a Bible on the judging stands of a country fair.

Those who’ve read Elyssa East’s Dogtown will recognize the stone markers of the Babson Boulder Trail. These reflect the words of wisdom of Roger Babson, who hired stonecutters to spread his message – a personal Works Progress type program in the 1930s. “Help, Mother,” to the left, is a Dogtown watercolor by Jack Foley.

Laura’s novel, Alice Bliss, is published by Pamela Dorman/Penguin; we were tickled to recognize the iconic logo and “Penguin orange” covers in this painting by Roger Baker:

Richard Baker, Pots and Pans, oil on canvas, 42 x 40", 2009. Courtesy Clark Gallery, Lincoln, MA

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I’ve been following the work of Cynthia Greig, a Detroit-area artist.  I saw this piece in an exhibition in Concord last summer – she actually paints the pieces white, outlines them in the thick dark lines, then photographs them against a white backdrop.  Of course, there’s a lot more technical and artistic talent involved, but no digital manipulation.  I am intrigued by this work, especially the contrast of the yellowed/natural pages against the stark white of the bindings:

Cynthia Greig, Representation no. 63, C-type color photograph, 18 x 30", Edition of 10. Courtesy Clark Gallery, Lincoln, MA.

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Promotional postcards for PICTURE BOOKS feature work of the late photo journalist, Leonard Freed:

Leonard Freed, A Jewish Boy, New York City, archival vintage silver gelatin print, 10 x 8", 1954. Courtesy Clark Gallery.

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After viewing the exhibition, Laura and I chatted over lunch next door at AKA Bistro.  Many thanks to Kristen Zeiser at Clark Gallery for providing the hi-res images of three specific works from the exhibition (and permission to post my point-and-shoot iPhone interpretations), as well as that spot-on lunch recommendation.

Clark Gallery and a lovely lunch make for a really satisfying mid-day outing.  If you have more time, you might also include the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum or the Gropius House in your exploration of this neck of the woods.

For more on PICTURE BOOKS, read this post by Necee Regis at Beyond the Margins; she spoke with the gallery owners during the opening night reception, and offers additional insight.