Member Month 2023: Meet the Board
Jeff Sherven
President
What prompted you
to become a board member?
I have been supporting the mission of the Book Arts Collaborative since its inception in 2007. Whether it was a print exchange portfolio, printing on the top of wood boxes, Tabling at Elmwood Art Festival, TypeCon in 2008, or clearing out the old store that was to become the Book Arts Center’s home, I have been there every step of the way. As an Educator and Technician in UB’s Department of Art for all things Print Media related, analog and digital, I am passionate about all things print. In 2016, Gail Nicholson, past Executive Director, asked me to join the Board, and I gladly accepted. It was a relatively easy sell.
From your perspective,
what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
Print and Book Arts are critical to the advancement of literacy, education, and knowledge worldwide. They showcase the diversity of people, languages, and ways of life that are extinct, current, and dominant on this planet. The creation of prints and books is a captivating puzzle of design, engineering, physics, chemistry, and art. They broaden our senses and intellect, allowing us to understand the world, human behavior, and the universe in a meaningful way.
Kathleen Hartmans
Vice President
What prompted you to become a board member?
I was approached by Pete, Barb and Gail to consider becoming a board member, mainly due to my connection to the printing industry in WNY, not to mention the hand work that we do that fits in with the spirit of the Center. I admit I was reluctant at first due to time constraints, but quickly found out that wasn’t the case. The monthly meetings are informative and fairly brief. The committee work is easy to accomplish and the camaraderie of the other board members is great.
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
I am often surprised when I mention the Center in conversation, that many people are already aware of the facility and have even been to an event, took a class or stopped in the shop. I think that is quite an accomplishment for an organization like this.
Lynn Lasota
Secretary
What prompted you to become a board member?
Although I heard about it a few years earlier and had been wanting to check it out, my first experience with Book Arts was BookFest in July 2014. I made paper for the first time! The festival was a great introduction to the space and community, which felt very open and welcoming, especially considering I was someone with no experience in book or print-related arts outside of photography. A couple months later I took an intro letterpress workshop and loved everything about it. I wanted to learn more and really liked being in the space. There’s a special energy at Books Arts that becomes apparent very quickly. It felt like a creative and collaborative home. I also really liked the community focus and accessibility of Book Arts. Anyone at any level could learn and create art there. When I was invited to join the board in December 2014, it seemed like a great way to get more involved and support an organization I already believed in, so I quickly said yes.
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
Many people do not consider themselves artists and some think that art is not for them. Or they may be interested, but don’t find it accessible. I think once people get a feel for Book Arts, they begin to change their minds and realize art – whether making it or experiencing it – really is for everyone. Book Arts is truly a collaborative organization that makes art and creativity accessible by opening its doors to the community, but also by going out into the community and meeting people where they are. Book Arts offers so much: workshops, exhibitions, a gift shop, artist talks, poetry readings, festivals, special events, tours, professional development, custom printing, artist grants, community education, a working museum, and more. Book Arts impacts the community in so many large and small ways, but ultimately, I think what all those ways encompass is that Book Arts makes and holds space – by and for anyone who’s interested – for creative expression, which is a vital part of our community and our existence.
Thomas Knabb
Board Member, Former President
What prompted you to become a board member?
I became a Book Arts board member first because I was asked after I had a solo exhibit. There is a lot of power in being seen as someone who can contribute. I was also close to finishing up my work on two national boards and thought I would invest some of my efforts in a local organization
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
I believe that Book Arts keeps printing, bookmaking, and the like in the forefront of the community. Book Arts shares the history, value, and contributions of the “book arts.” It also supports many artists in their work through the store and the gallery.
Hannah Lin
Board Member
What prompted you to become a board member?
Being a Buffalo transplant who’s lived here for about 6 years now, I think it’s time I start contributing to my community and get to know more people who are also passionate about the arts. I have a Fine Arts and Visual Communication background, and bookmaking, letterpress, and book history were some of my favorite courses in school. Being able to contribute to the growth and development of WNYBAC is a great opportunity for me to connect to both book arts and the Buffalo community.
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
Book Arts’ presence in this community is a blessing. Its provision of studio resources and strong artist support is a privilege for Buffalo. It’s a rarity to find a city with such accessible and well-equipped letterpress facilities, offering everything needed to start creating prints. Personally, I have experienced the power of Book Arts through the screen printing space, where I was able to bring my artistic visions to life through producing hundreds of prints and zines. Thanks to Book Arts, our community has been enriched with an invaluable artistic haven that connects us to a rich history of craft and making.
Kelly Myers-Chunco
Board Member
What prompted you to become a board member?
I was delighted to receive an invitation to join the board at WNY Book Arts! My background is in graphic design and printmaking, and I’m a born-and-raised Buffalonian. I currently teach typography and graphic design at UB. I come from a long line of pressman and platemakers in my family that worked for the Washington Post, Buffalo News, and Tonawanda News. I feel an inherent need to help preserve the rich history of expression through print in Buffalo for future generations, and I found that opportunity at Book Arts. I was so inspired by the letterpress classes that I took there over ten years ago that I have since acquired and restored a few presses of my own. I continue to enjoy the art of letterpress both personally and professionally, and whole-heartedly believe in their mission of education, expression, and preservation.
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
The Book Arts center creates a bridge between our past and present stories. They are stewards of beautiful antique presses, lead and wood type specimens, screen printing, and book arts, but also focused on continuing arts education, awareness, and providing access for all to express themselves in a hands-on, creative environment. Events like Edible Book Fest and Buffalo Book Fest have been steadfast for 15 years. It’s a great way to bring our community together and experience the best of Buffalo.
Matthew Nagowski
Board Member
What prompted you to become a board member?
In 2013, I became a member of Book Arts, and started consigning some of my work while participating in a few workshops. In 2017 the board approached me and asked if I would be interested in becoming a board member. In addition to offering me some delicious cookies to snack on while getting me up to speed on the activities of the board, I also saw it as an opportunity to give back to an organization that is vital for Buffalo’s visual arts and literary communities.
From your perspective, what impact has Book Arts had on the community?
Over the last 15 years, Book Arts has become an important facilitator and community access point for the visual, printing, and literary arts. It’s an unassuming and welcoming community hub that is open and accessible to all, creating connections across Buffalo, Western New York, and beyond. We hope that Book Arts will continue to thrive for the next 15 years and beyond!
Cheryl Quimba
Board Member
John Smith
Board Member
That’s the board! Ready to join the fold?
Your annual membership donation directly supports our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and furthers our mission! Memberships are crucial to the growth of book arts in our community, and support our arts education outreach & artist opportunities.
A few member perks include:
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Discounted classes and events
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Access to our letterpress and screen print studio
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Display your art work at at the members show
