Category Archives: Birmingham

Authors, Birmingham, Book Talk, Events, News

Local Author Expo – Birmingham

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Mark your calendars for December 3rd, 10:00am-3:00pm. That’s when the sixth annual Local Authors Expo is slated to take place. As always, the event will take place downtown at the Central Library. The expo is always an interesting mix of authors and books. Most of the tables are stacked with books by self-published authors. So authors have a publisher, but most are braving the wilds of literature on their own. Prices and subjects run the gamut, so you’ll want to leave yourself enough time to make the rounds. More than 90 authors have already signed on.

In keeping with the self-published push, they have also invited Liz Reed, of the Birmingham Arts Journal, to lead a 90-minute discussion/orientation for people wanting to get published. The event is called “Every Writer Needs an Editor“. It is free, but they’re asking that you click through that link to reserve a spot, so they can make sure they have enough seats.

Birmingham, Events

Musical Event with a Bookish Bent

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I have fond memories of Robert Louis Stevens’ Treasure Island. It’s the first book I remember my father and I reading together while I was learning to read. Which is one reason this weekend’s November 13th STRANDED event has my attention. The event is being held in recognition of Robert Louis Stevens’ birthday, and in following the island theme, the Desert Island Supply Company is wondering “what songs could you not live without if stranded on an island”?

The event runs from 2p.m. until midnight, this Sunday, at the BottleTree. If you buy your tickets early, $20 gets you in the door (it’s $25 at the door) where you’ll hear musicians playing coves of their “desert island” songs. All proceeds got to DISCO, which is a creative writing program for students. Fostering future creative writers is a great way to honor Stevens, who has influenced so many writers since his time.

What: Stranded: A Day of Desert Island Music
When: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m. to midnight
Where: Bottletree Café, 3719 Third Ave. S.
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door (purchases can be made at thebottletree.com or by emailing tickets@desertislandsupplyco.com)
Information: (205) 201-0826, desertislandsupplyco.com

All proceeds from ticket sales benefit DISCO.

Birmingham, Book Art, Events, letterpress

Printing at 2011 Bluff Park Art Show

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The weather was GORGEOUS here in Birmingham this past weekend. I’m not sure there was a better way to spend it than cruising the stalls at this year’s Bluff Park Art Show. They had some new folks there, so that was neat, but I really enjoyed the handful of print-artists that were there.

Katherine Linn was there and had some great prints. Many are local landmarks with a subset sporting vibrant colors.

Justin Banger was also there. This was my first time seeing Justin’s prints. They were very well-done and the subject matter will keep you staring for quite a while. Lots to think about, besides technique.

Debra Riffe was also there this weekend. She had a new print of Amos Kennedy, that was fantastic! When I asked about it she said it will never be for sale. The Amos Kennedy Print is pulled from a small 50 print run she did as a birthday gift for Kennedy. She says she got to keep one and Kennedy got the rest. I would have loved to have this one to hang by my Kennedy posters. Oh well.

I also found out, at the show, that Georgia-based artist Sarah Rishel is retiring. She’s been churning out intaglio prints for 30+ years and says she’s ready to explore something else. Tip: I’ve emailed her to see if I can get the etching that a print I bought was pulled from. I hear she is in the habit of selling plates. So if you’re lucky enough to have one of hers on your wall, it may be worth seeing if you can buy the etching. How neat would that be to display them side-by-side?

 

 

There were a couple of other paper-artists and printers that I didn’t get to visit. I hope they all come back next year.

 

Birmingham, Bookstores

Birmingham-Area Bookstores

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About 3 years ago, I started posting photo-tours of local independent bookstores. I keep the rundown on a Bookstores page here. Sadly, many stores have come and gone. But new ones keep getting added. We have a great indie bookstore scene. A few of the posts could probably use some sprucing, new photos, etc. but the information is accurate.

Today, I started adding photo tours of some of the used-bookstores in the Birmingham-area. We have some really great “Friends of the Library” stores where you can find some really good deals. Not everything has been culled from the library stacks either. Many have been donated. So you stand a good chance of finding a $2 hardback, in great condition, without stamps, card envelopes, etc.

I just added my recent BPL Used-Bookstore tour to the lineup, so you can check it out. And do sign-up for their emails. As promised they have come regularly with information about what’s new and even early-notice on special pricing deals. Plus, whatever you buy at these stores usually goes back into supporting your local library.