Artists' Books

“AIRES RISING” Welcomes Springtime at the Irvine Fine Arts Center!

March 29, 2023 By Debra Disman

Aires Rising is a six-woman show at the Irvine Fine Arts Center.

I am thrilled to have six works in the show.

“WOMB” (2020)

“HANG OUT” (2017)

“WINDOW TREATMENT” (2018)

“BLACK HANG OUT” (2017)

“WHITE WEDDING” (2023)

“TORRENT AND TANGLE: KEEP YOUR HOUSE IN ORDER” (2019)

Curator and Virginia Arce on the exhibition Opening Day!

“Women Artists Unfolding”: Celebrating Women Artists at the West Valley Regional Branch Library

March 19, 2023 By Debra Disman

In honor of Women’s History Month (March) the West Valley Regional Branch Library celebrated women artists with a bookmaking workshop led by artist in residence Debra Disman!

Patrons joined us to create their own handmade books which unfolded to hold informative and inspiring images and information about renowned artists Faith Ringgold, Frida Kahlo and Yayoi Kusama. All materials were provided. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Yayoi Kusama and her ubiquitous polka dots was a hit!

BOYS MAKING BOOKS!

March 15, 2023 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to teach “Make Your Own Books” through the City of Santa Monica’s CREST Enrichment program during January and February 2023!
I had a fantastic class of all boys who worked together beautifully, learned enthusiastically, and displayed great creativity and passion for their book projects!

Here is what one Mom said of her son’s experience with bookmaking:

“Owen is so sad he will be missing the last class this week as we are out of town. I wanted to share how much this class has changed Owen. He is obsessed with making books now and holds his own comic book club…daily…with his Dad and I. He carries them everywhere. He shows everyone.”

This was thrilling for me to hear…it is what a teaching artist lives for!

Below are they boys in action during our after-school program:

Be The Change Book Festival: Bookmaking Workshops II

March 6, 2023 By Debra Disman

I was thrilled to lead three bookmaking workshops at the Glendale Central Library as part of Glendale Library Arts and Culture
on Saturday, February 25: 10:00am – 11:00am, 1:00pm – 2:00pm, 3:00pm – 4:00pm

“Make Your Own Books with Debra Disman – Bookmaker and ReflectSpace Gallery exhibiting artist”

Glendale Central Library – ReflectSpace Annex
I worked with families, individuals and groups who learned how to create fun and fabulous handmade books using folding, cutting and gluing techniques.

Presented as part of:

Be the Change Book Festival – Be the Change Series at Glendale Central Library

Held Saturday, February 25: 10:00am – 4:00pm

A marvelous day-long event which celebrated diverse voices in reading at the Book Festival with author talks, local book vendors, food trucks, DJ, and activities for all ages.