The Beauty of Physical Books in a Digital Age by Judy Bales, Free

The Beauty of Physical Books in a Digital Age by Judy Bales, Free

Jun 18, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Are physical books a dying breed? Do they have use and meaning in an increasingly digital world?
Thanks to an Iowa Arts Council Project Grant, artist Judy Bales has devoted almost a year to creating a group of books that document her work, including fashion design, fiber sculpture, photography, and public art.


During this project Judy came to see the advantages of creating books for both artists and non-artists. A book can be more satisfying and permanent than a scrapbook or a folder of photos on a computer. And, because of the affordability of on-demand printing, creating books can become a new artform for artists and hobbyists. 
With options for high-quality at low cost, print-on-demand books allow the creator to alter or experiment with content between single printings.

 
Judy will explain how creating books actually propels her work forward, and why she plans to make bookmaking an integral part of her studio practice.

 

Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.