Call Description

CALL FOR ENTRIES: The Rochester Public Library is looking for book artists and paper sculptors to participate in the 15th annual international juried exhibition “The Art of the Book & Paper” which will be on display in the Anthony Mascioli Gallery at the historic Central Library in downtown Rochester, NY from October 5 – December 31, 2026.

The juried exhibition has earned an international reputation among book artists since 2011. From intricate bindings to transformed volumes, intricate folds and sweeping structures, the works push the boundaries of form and meaning, transforming books and paper into bold, thought-provoking works of art.

Artists 18 and older who would like to enter the show are invited to submit digital photos of their work no later than July 1, 2026. 

$650 in cash prizes will be awarded in 3 categories:

• Artists Books: An original work of art in a form of a book
• Altered Books: Any book, old or new, that has been creatively recycled into a work of art
• Paper Sculpture: Artworks created as sculpture using paper as the predominant material

 TIMELINE

July 1, 2026: Application deadline.

July 21-24, 2026: E-mailing of judges’ results – accepted or declined

September 8, 2026: Deadline for receipt of accepted work via mail or in person. Work delivered after deadline will not be included in the exhibit.

October 5, 2026: Art of the Book & Paper exhibit opens

November 4, 2026 (tentative date): Reception, Award Ceremony

December 31, 2026: Exhibit closes

January 15-30, 2027: Artwork shipped to artists. Appointments required for in-person pickups.

HOW TO APPLY

IMPORTANT: One application represents ONE artwork, with up to three images of the work. After you finish the first application, go to checkout and pay the $20 entry fee for your first entry.

PLEASE DO NOT ENTER MORE THAN ONE WORK OF ART PER ENTRY FORM.

If you wish to enter additional art works:

• Check out and submit the first application,

• Return to "Apply to Calls" and choose APPLY AGAIN TO THIS CALL.

• Fill out the second application.

• Review your application.

• Click the "I’m ready to checkout" button.

• Select the checkmark next to the entry fee.

• Enter coupon code ROCHBOOK2026 into the coupon box that appears. ✅

• Click "Apply" button.

• Click "Proceed to Checkout" button.

Using this coupon code ROCHBOOK2026, you will only be charged $5.00 for your second and third entries. If you do not redeem your coupon for these entries, the full cost of $20 will apply.

PRESENTATION: Three-dimensional, and in some cases, unframed two-dimensional works are acceptable. Entries must match the images submitted with the application. If the matting or framing is deemed unacceptable by the exhibits director, it will be the artist’s responsibility to correct the discrepancy before the work will be shown. If you are submitting work that is intended to be hung for display, it must be ready to hang with picture wire. Art cannot be screwed into the wall or hung from the ceiling. Due to display restrictions, we cannot accept digital formats.

SALES: The Library will not handle any sales during the course of this show. However, the artist may elect to provide personal contact information to be shared with parties interested in purchasing exhibited works. The Library will make this information available upon request.

The application implies agreement with all conditions, dates and other regulations, including the right of the Library to photograph and display any accepted entry for archival or promotional use. Promotional use may include images and statements placed on public/social media networks for The Rochester Public Library with artist credit. Artists grant the use of their image(s) as stated without further contact or compensation from The Rochester Public Library.

We look forward to another exciting year of amazing entries. See the prospectus for more detailed information. View last year’s winners and program at https://RocCityLibrary.org/artofthebook

Application Requirements

Minimum 1 image, artist statement, dimensions and media of artwork. You may submit 1-2 additional detailed images of each work. 

Images: JPEG or JPG format only; minimum 1,200 pixels, maximum 5 MB

Main image must be labeled as: Title of artwork.
Detailed images MUST be labeled as follows: Title of artwork_detail

Eligibility Criteria

Must be 18 years of age. Must be original work and personal execution and not previously shown in the Art of the Book & Paper exhibit.