FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Allison Goodin, College Relations Associate - Media, 610-740-3790

GALLERY EXHIBIT: LARRY COOPER: "TRAVELS AND EXPERIENCES"
Artist will Lead Bookmaking Workshop for Students During Visit

Allentown, PA (February 13, 2008) - Larry Cooper, master bookbinder and printmaker, will display a selection of his works in a new exhibit, "Travels and Experiences", in the Tompkins Gallery at Cedar Crest College.  The exhibit opens on March 10, 2008 with an artist talk and reception beginning at 5:15 p.m.  The show runs through April 11, 2008.

The exhibit will feature roughly 20 prints and books that, according to Cooper, display two very different themes.

32803", woodcut, 32"x48

"I strive to create pieces that represent skillful craftsmanship mixed with ingenuity and personal expression," says Cooper.  "My prints are large, graphic works created to depict stories relating to personal struggles throughout life's journey. Often biographical and dark in content, they graphically portray emotions of fear, hope, sadness and strength."

"In contrast, my books translate many of these same messages through a subtle, logical thought process appearing warm, organic and embracing. This non-confrontational format allows the viewer the opportunity to connect with the piece and relate to the emotions being expressed. In most cases these are three-dimensional works designed to be viewed as narrative sculptures."

During Cooper's visit to the College he will also teach a workshop for some of Cedar Crest's art students in which he will lead them through the process of creating a handmade book using their own prints as the imagery.

"I enjoy working in collaboration with other artists to create works that focus on tradition, skill, design, craftsmanship and experimentalism, says Cooper.  "This exchange of ideas, ever evolving through out the work process, often leads to memorable partnerships and beautiful works of art."

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Larry Cooper received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking from the Memphis College if Arts in 1990 and his Masters of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia in 2002.  Following an apprenticeship with master bookbinder Jim Canary of the Lilly Library at the University of Indiana, he returned to Memphis to found Gardyloo Handmade Books, a one-of-a-kind and limited edition bindery. In 1991, Gardyloo became the exclusive binder for Ke Francis' Hoopsnake Press. In 1997, he moved his bindery to Orlando, FL where he became the Assistant Director and Binder for Flying Horse Editions, a fine arts press operated by the University of Central Florida (UCF).

As an Instructor with UCF, Larry recently designed and implemented a BFA specialization in Book Arts. Larry Cooper has shown his prints, books and collaborative works throughout the United States and abroad. His works can been seen in numerous collections including The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; The J.P Ghetty Museum Los Angeles California; Yale University; the New York Public Library, New York City, NY; Stanford University,  Stanford, CA; and the Hargrett Rare Book Collection, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.

The exhibit will run from March 10, 2008 through April 11, 2008 and is free and open to the public.  The Tompkins Gallery is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  For more information, please contact Brian Wiggins, gallery coordinator, at 610-606-4666, ext. 3469.

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