Dense Magazine is absolutely delighted to introduce the very first Jersey Art Book Fair to Jersey City this January 28th-29th, 2023. Where the original offset press was conceived, the two-day event commemorates the immense form of bookmaking for all art, design and print narrative enthusiasts.
Dense has worked alongside Monira Foundation, a center for revolutionary artwork from New Jersey, to bring in over sixty indie publishers and small presses. The range of books available encompasses art, photo and illustrated works, in addition to zines, graphic novels, posters, chapbooks, ephemera and other prints.
“Jersey Art Book Fair is a celebration of bookmaking as change-making. Print remains a powerful community tool. We’re excited to bring together fellow publishers who range from emerging to established, so that they not only connect with each other, but with new audiences” proclaimed Lune Ames, Co-founder and Editorial Director of Dense.
The Jersey Art Book Fair will offer an exciting and diverse array of activities and events over the course of the two days, including zine-making workshops, riso-printing demonstrations, book signings, kid-friendly activities, and an after-hours party. Featured highlights from the schedule include a panel on typography led by Draw Down Books, a joint letterpress printing demonstration with the Center for Book Arts and Calipso Press, a Q&A session on self-publishing hosted by FAR-NEAR, and a workshop on pop-up structures by Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts professor, Amee Pollack.
Dense Co-founder and Program Director, Petia Morozov, has expressed their gratitude for the support from their partner, Monira Foundation, and their event sponsor, Mana Contemporary. With this help, they are able to create a more accessible and inclusive platform for book artists, allowing underrepresented voices to be elevated.
Monira Foundation’s Executive Director and Curator, Ysabel Pinyol Blasi, announced that every month their Open Book series will be shining a light on artistic book makers all around the world. They could not be more delighted to host the Jersey Art Book Fair where those who are passionate about book and zine making, small presses, and independent publishing from all levels of experience will be more than welcome.
Anne Muntges, the Director of Residencies and Development for the Monira Foundation, then went on to explain why Dense had been chosen as their organization-in-residence in the Fall of 2023. This decision was due to Dense’s stimulating initiatives, such as JAB Fair, which allowed them to open the eyes of new audiences. As part of the fellowship program, they intend to host a series of 3-month programs that will aid in the advancement of change-makers of varying backgrounds, in an enriching atmosphere.
Tickets are only $5 per person and encompass parking, access to the Mana Contemporary displays, and activities of the same day. All proceeds will help to fund the Dense Fellowship Program, which will commence with its first Call for Fellows later in the summer of 2023, in combination with the Monira Foundation.
If you would like to obtain tickets or gain more information, visit www.jerseyartbookfair.org
marcroy@peopleofprint.com
