Peoria, IL (November 12, 2012) A limited edition book–hand-printed and hand-bound by a community of artists, designers and printing enthusiasts in Peoria who meet regularly in the book arts studio in the Department of Art at Bradley University will be released this month. A book signing at “I Know You Like a Book” bookstore in Peoria Heights will be held on Saturday, November 17.
The book, “Great Day for a Run,” was written by local running enthusiast Kevin McGuire and hand printed in a limited edition of 50 copies. The spine is sewn with a shoelace.
The book is colorful and masterfully crafted—a true collector’s item. It was designed by noted local graphic designer, Becky Krohe, and was printed and hand bound by Andrea Ernest, Joe Fitzanko, Becky Krohe, Kevin McGuire, and Julie Swenson, with guidance and assistance of Robert Rowe of the Department of Art at Bradley. The printing was done on two hand-operated Vandercook proofing presses in the University’s book arts studio. Additional support for the project was provided the Mohawk paper company. Each copy is signed and numbered.
Cost for the book is $75. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund future projects by the community press and to further its mission to increase awareness of the beauty of letterpress printing.
Kevin McGuire has been an avid amateur runner since the 1980s. Each of the colorful spreads of this book contains a short account of a run, retold with Kevin’s characteristic enthusiasm. The colorful pages display unique typographic treatments and progress through the book from cool blues and grays for winter to warmer yellows and reds for the accounts of spring and summer running. The text consists of recollections and reminiscences by Kevin McGuire of memorable runs and bike rides in the Peoria area. Local people will recognize familiar locations: Glen Oak Park, Springdale Cemetery, the Rock Island Trail and Jubilee Park, to name a few. The writing is refreshingly straight- forward and honest. Throughout it all, Kevin, in his own words, “has a blast.” It is a testament to shear joy and enthusiasm for life.
The book is dedicated to the memory of Doug Brasch, a memorable member of the Peoria running community.
Letterpress printing is a process of printing from a raised surface, and is distinct from most other commercial printing in that it leaves a distinct physical impression in the paper. According to Professor Rowe, the process has been going through something of a renaissance lately, as people are coming to appreciate the unique and hand-made qualities it conveys.
For information about purchasing a book or learning more about letterpress printing and book arts, contact Robert Rowe, at rowe@bradley.edu.