Oak Knoll Fest XVI
October 1-3. 2010
New Castle, Delaware
Several members made the trek to New Castle Delaware to partake in Oak Knoll Fest XVI. Displaying the work of 40 fine press printers, typecasters, binders, and handmade paper companies Oak Knoll Fest was three days of talks and looking over some of the best fine press books you can find anywhere, along with the chance to buy some new foundry type and try out some new handmade papers, visit old friends, meet new ones, and see lots of new ideas and wonderful imagery and typography.
The group met on The Green for lunch on Saturday, joining with a group from the .918 Club of Lancaster and locals from Lead Graffiti. Left to right: Chris Sweterlitsch, Jill Cypher, Val Lucas, Ken & Judy Kulakowsky, Ray, Nichols, Greg Robison, Chris Manson, friend of Ken's, and Bill Roberts from Bottle of Smoke Press.
A view of the room of attendees.
This view takes in about two-thirds of the whole space.
Friday's panel discussion tried to herd a definition / comparision of fine press books & artists' books.
Our own Mark Samuels Lasner was one of the speakers.
After the discussion the attendees divided into groups to discuss and argue and then collect back together for a summary of each of the discussions. This was the author's favorite part of the day.
Chapter members Ray Nichols and Jill Cypher joined with woodcut artist and letterpress printer Chris Manson to produce a keepsake to celebrate Oak Knoll and to create some buzz among those attending.
The room looked quite nice with the keepsakes laid out on each chair.
These were three of Lead Graffiti's favorite people at the Fest. Left to right: Sandra Reese from California, Russell Maret (incoming president of the Fine Press Book Association) from New York, and Graham Moss from England.
Russell was the invited speaker at Sunday's Fine Press Book Association meeting.
It was also nice to be able to buy some new type from Dale Guild who is one of the few still making seriously good type for letterpress.
Afterwards on the way back south the group stopped into Lead Graffiti in Newark, Delaware to see what was new there.
Jill Cypher and Val Lucas talking over cases of Lead Graffiti type.
Ray Nichols, Chris Sweterlitsch and Jill Cypher in back, Greg Robison, and Chris Manson look over new stuff at Lead Graffiti.
Overall, a really nice day & perfect weather.
Photos and text by Ray Nichols & Mike Denker.
