Staff
Nicole Cooke
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Nicole oversees all operations at the WNY Book Arts Center including fundraising and community outreach. Nicole is a letterpress printer, graphic designer, and photographer with an interest in process based media, and a love for creative community. Formerly the Marketing & Communications Manager at Valu Home Centers, Nicole was a member and volunteer at Book Arts for several years, and served on the Board of Directors, before becoming a staff member. She is grateful for the opportunity to put her extensive background in marketing, and passion for service to others, to work to help Book Arts continue to serve the great people of Western New York.
Rosemary Williams
Education Director
Rosemary (was named after her paternal grandmother but she’s not a grandma!) has a BFA in Fine Arts with a concentration in Printmaking from the University at Buffalo. Starting as a Book Arts Intern, Rosemary quickly fell in love with the place and is grateful to continue to be a part of such a vibrant and quirky community art space. At Book Arts, Rosemary leads our team of Teaching Artists, coordinating with educators, artists and the community to teach learners of all ages the curiosities of all things paper. You’ll most likely find her in a printers apron behind piles of paper on her desk. Some of her favorite things include: using a pica ruler, being around old & printy-things, and taking walks and looking at houses.
Melissa Rechin
Communications & Shop Director
Melissa Rechin, Mel for short, has Bachelor’s Degrees in both Journalism and Public Relations with a concentration in Visual Arts from SUNY Fredonia. Discovering our organization at an Allen West Festival, she quickly grew an affection for Book Arts’ hands-on learning experiences, and began her journey with Book Arts as a volunteer shortly after. Mel implements and oversees Book Arts communications and outreach, preparing press releases, marketing materials, organizing events, e-newsletters and social media engagement. As the lead Book Arts Shopkeep, Mel also works with a growing collection of consignment artists to stock our shelves with unique handmade wares and artist supplies. She can always be found amongst floral print and blocks of cheese.