Benjamin Rinehart

Keynote Speaker

This dynamic panel brings together a cohort of talented book artists who navigate the rich history of bookmaking, using their skills in printing and binding, and scoring to create complex, intimate art objects with diverse content. Speakers will discuss favorite structures, collaborative approaches, and how artists’ books uniquely amplify content and engage readers. Discover how these artists transform printed paper into immersive experiences while exploring themes of family, identity, history, science, nature, and politics through their innovative artists’ books

In this lively, hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to create a range of flexagon structures and embellish them with hand stamping, drawing, and creative writing. Flexagons are single-sheet paper structures that can be flexed or folded to reveal hidden faces, creating an intimate, interactive experience for the reader. Their magical ability to transform a sequence of images makes them a fan favorite amongst book artists.

Attendees will be encouraged to share, play, experiment, and collaborate with fellow participants. Writing prompts and group discussions will help participants develop an idea for each structure, spark creativity and deepen engagement.

Instructors will also share their collaborative process through several artists’ book projects focused on flexagons and family relationships. Everyone will leave with a unique collection of interactive flexagon art.

Benjamin Rinehart

Benjamin D. Rinehart is an artist and educator that specializes in multimedia images with a strong focus in printmaking, book arts, pop-ups, and movables. He is intrigued how pop-ups and movables keep the viewer physically engaged by providing a tactile and psychological experience when interacting with the various elements. His socially charged work is currently a part of over 60 public collections and has been exhibited both nationally and internationally. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, IN and a Master of Fine Arts from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. Ben is currently a Professor of Printmaking and Artist Books at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. For examples of Ben’s work visit www.benrinehart.com.