On Oct. 18, Off Register hosted an art book and print fair at the Community Arts Workshop, where City College’s Graphic Design Club participated.
There were numerous art activities, workshops, music, free stickers and food trucks. A variety of artists from different parts of the country appeared with some international exhibits. Off Register held a total of four panel discussions around the topic of book printing and art.
“How do artists’ books, project-based publications and ephemeral or experimental print editions emerge from exhibition contexts and interdisciplinary practices?” was the topic addressed in the opening panel.
The lecture covered current artist-led collaborative books and how publishing may function as both a medium for art and documentation.
The second presentation, called Defining, Defending and Dreaming Santa Barbara’s Visual Culture, brought together discussions on how the aesthetics of Santa Barbara are seen and what may be missing.
Shortly after, Allyson Healey, senior permanent collections researcher and archive manager of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, moderated a discussion among artists about the value of modern print and publishing techniques in the increasingly digital world.
Zach Clark of National Monument Press presented the final panel, which showed a screening of Liz Roberts’ “Love is the Drug,” which featured footage shot in Santa Cruz and explored the issue of the environment.
WirWir attended the Off Register with artist April Gertler, who displayed a book that will be published and some of the team’s artwork.
Some of the past projects by WirWir include “The Gemini Show”, a project that exhibited works by artists whose zodiac sign is Gemini, along with the book “Bread Banter” by Gertler.
Another stand displayed the work of artist and photographer David Horbitz. His work, called “Nobody Owns The Beach,” brings attention to oil rigs and the activist and community efforts in California to ensure access for all its beaches held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Santa Barbara (MCASB) art stand.
The Santa Barbara Arts Fund was present at the event. They aim to maximize art resources and collaborativeness. Their pop-up gallery in Santa Barbara showcased the work of local artists. The fund allows students aged 13 to 18 to have the opportunity to work with professionals within studios.
City College’s Graphic Design Club attended the event, where they showcased their zines that the club had made and made buttons for people as well.
It was an event for aspiring artists from the area and attendees had the opportunity to get engaged in creative professions.
