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Learn about the rich history and contemporary role of artists’ books at a talk by Cleveland Institute of Art librarian Cristine Rom. In Artists’ Books: Re-defining a Familiar Object, Rom will give an historical overview and context of the artists’ books movement using examples from CIA’s nationally recognized collection, which she developed.

The talk will take place on Sunday, July 25 from 5 to 6pm at the Morgan Conservatory, a nonprofit art center dedicated to the production and preservation of hand papermaking and the art of the book. The Morgan Conservatory is located at 1754 East 47th Street in Cleveland.

Cristine Rom joined the CIA library staff in 1981 and became Gund Library Director in 1984. Previously, she was the Rare Book Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she curated a large collection of avant-garde poetry “little magazines” and small press publications. She has published widely on alternative publications. She has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Wisconsin and an MA in American Studies from Case Western Reserve University.

Rom’s talk coincides with an exhibition at the Morgan Conservatory curated by printmaking professors Maggie Denk-Leigh (Cleveland Institute of Art) and Charles Beneke (University of Akron). On view until July 30, Premiering Print Portfolios offers a glimpse into the diverse media and engaging work of contemporary printmaking.

Denk-Leigh, who heads CIA’s printmaking department, is a co-founder of the Morgan Conservatory and current president of the board. “I am proud to be an active member of this Cleveland arts organization,” she said. “I think it is vital to the field and to the growing community of artists who work on paper in Cleveland and beyond.”

For more information about the talk or the exhibit, visit morganconservatory.org.