Kindred Spirits is a touring book arts exhibition that responds to the work and life of Lucy Maud Montgomery. The pieces were created by members of the Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild (CBBAG) as an acknowledgement of the enduring legacy of L.M. Montgomery at the 150th anniversary of her birth. The Robertson Davies Library is honoured to host a collection of treasures from CBBAG, which will be showcased in the exhibition cases in the Lower Library from April 15 to May 15. 

Please join us in the Lower Robertson Davies Library at Massey College on the evening of Monday, April 14 to celebrate this exhibition launch and to revel in the book arts and the world renowned Canadian author L.M. Montgomery. Our keynote speaker for the launch event will be Melanie J. Fishbane. Fishbane is a PhD candidate at Western University and holds an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and an M.A. from Concordia University. She teaches English and children’s literature in Toronto. Her YA novel, Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery, was shortlisted for the Vine Awards for the best in Canadian Jewish Literature. 

We will also be joined by Barbara Helander, the coordinator of the travelling exhibition, and two of the artists featured in the exhibition itself: Emily Loker and Don Taylor. Taylor is also Massey’s onsite bookbinder who repairs our damaged books on a weekly basis for the last two decades.

Agenda:

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Arrive in Lower Library. Sign in with Porter upon entry.

6:00 – 6:10 p.m. Introductions by Librarian Andreea Marin

6:10 – 6:40 p.m. Keynote Speaker Melanie Fishbane addresses Montgomery’s creative legacy

6:40 – 6:50 p.m. Barbara Helander will introduce CBBAG artists

6:50 – 7:10 p.m. Emily Loker and Don Taylor discuss book arts.

7:15 – 8:00 p.m. Explore exhibits downstairs and join us in the Junior Common Room (JCR) for food, drinks, and conversation.