Bernstein Book Arts Lecture

Established in 2015, the Bernstein Book Arts Lecture Series invites master book artists to share insights into their creative practice and engage with students in the UW Book Arts program. The series, underwritten by the generous support of Tracy Honn and Mark Bernstein, offers a unique opportunity to highlight the Kohler Art Library’s nationally recognized Artists’ Book Collection. Previous speakers include artists Gaylord Schanilec, Maureen Cummins, and Diane Fine.

The Bernstein endowment honors Leonora Greenberg Bernstein, aka Leni, who was born in Brooklyn NY in 1907, lived almost all of her life in Paramus NJ, and died in Madison WI in 2001. Her formal education took her from a one room school house in Paramus to New Jersey’s Montclair State Teachers College. She taught in public schools in Newark and then, after her twins went off to college, in Paramus. In the words of former Head Librarian of Kohler Art Library Lyn Korenic, “Leni had bright eyes and a zany sense of humor.” She was particularly talented at making and keeping friends. Among the things she loved were art, books, conversation, and travel. Her legacy generously addressed cultural, environmental, and social issues on three continents, including the initial funding of the endowment for the annual Bernstein Book Arts Lectures.

Each year, we invite innovative practitioners of the book arts to share their craft. Artists are featured in exhibits in the Kohler Art Library’s gallery space. View previous Bernstein speakers using the navigation tabs on the right.

*Banner image credit: [Untitled Book About Stairs], Diane Fine and Mario Laplante, Madison, WI, 1988.