Printed Matter - A Hub For Art Books And Creative Works
Have you ever stopped to think about how art and ideas can find their way into your hands, not just on a gallery wall, but within the pages of a book? It's a pretty neat idea, really, and it's something a special organization has been doing for quite some time. This group, called Printed Matter, has been around since 1976, started by a collection of creative minds – artists, people who write about art, and folks who make books happen. They've been busy creating spaces and opportunities for everyone to connect with art in a really personal way, often through things you can hold and flip through, which is, you know, pretty cool.
This particular group does a lot more than just sell books, though that is a big part of what they do. They put on exciting art book fairs, which are basically big gatherings where you can see all sorts of unique publications. They also host exhibitions that show off interesting works and even create window installations right there in New York City, which, you know, gives passersby a little glimpse into their world. Their efforts really help bring art right to people, making it feel less distant and more approachable, in a way. It’s all about making art feel like something everyone can be a part of, so it's quite a welcoming setup.
What's especially neat is how much they care about making art accessible and open to everyone. Printed Matter has a long history of supporting social activism, helping to make sure that the arts community is a place where everyone feels welcome and can participate, regardless of their background or situation. They really believe in the idea that art, especially the kind you can publish and share, can be a powerful tool for good, and they work hard to make that a reality, which is, you know, a very good thing. They truly champion the idea of art for all.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Printed Matter So Special?
- How Does Printed Matter Share Its Collection?
- Why Does Printed Matter Focus on Accessible Art?
- What Exactly is an Artist's Book, Anyway?
- Printed Matter and the Digital World - How Do They Connect?
- How Does Printed Matter Help Others Find Fairs?
- Printed Matter - A Practical Use for Shipping?
- What Are the Rules for Shipping with Printed Matter?
What Makes Printed Matter So Special?
Printed Matter has a rather unique history, starting up back in 1976. It was a time when a bunch of folks who really cared about art and ideas decided to get together. These were people who made art, people who thought deeply about art and wrote about it, and also, you know, people who helped get books out into the world. Their combined passion led to the creation of something quite different, a place where art could exist in a published form, making it easier for lots of people to see and experience. This initial group had a vision for art that was not just for galleries but for everyone to hold and keep, so it's kind of a big deal.
From the very start, this organization has been really keen on what are called "artists' books." They've had a strong affection for these kinds of creations since that founding year, 1976. An artist's book isn't always what you might think of as a typical book; it's often a piece of art in itself, where the book form is part of the artwork. This could mean it has unusual shapes, materials, or ways of telling a story. Printed Matter has always been interested in these publications that are thought of as artworks in their own right, which, you know, gives them a special kind of charm. They really see the book as a creative space.
Their work goes beyond just having a shop. They also put on a whole bunch of events, like big art book fairs that draw lots of people, and smaller exhibitions that highlight particular artists or themes. You can even see their creativity spilling out onto the streets of New York City through their window installations, which, you know, add a little bit of unexpected art to the urban scene. These activities all work together to make art more visible and available, helping people connect with creative works in many different ways, so it's a pretty active place.
How Does Printed Matter Share Its Collection?
Printed Matter really gets its unique collection out to people through several different avenues, making sure that what they offer can reach a broad audience. They have their own physical bookstore, which is a wonderful place to just browse and discover something new, you know, a real treasure trove for anyone interested in these kinds of publications. It’s a space where you can actually pick up and feel the books, which is pretty important for art that’s meant to be handled. This storefront is, in some respects, the heart of their physical presence, allowing for direct interaction with the art.
Beyond the bookstore, they also put on various exhibitions and events. These happenings allow for a deeper look into specific works or artists, creating a more focused experience for visitors. Then there's their publishing program, where they actually help produce new artists' books and related materials. This means they are not just selling what others create, but they are also helping to bring new creative works into existence, which, you know, is a pretty active role in the art world. It’s a way of contributing directly to the body of available art.
One of their biggest ways of reaching people is through the art book fairs they host, especially the ones in New York and Los Angeles. These fairs are quite large gatherings where many different creators and publishers come together, offering a huge variety of items. They also have an online catalog, which means people from all over can look through what's available and find things they like, making their collection accessible far beyond their physical locations. This widespread circulation of their materials, you know, helps share these special publications with a lot of folks, reaching more than you might at first think.
Why Does Printed Matter Focus on Accessible Art?
It's clear that Printed Matter holds a deep belief in making art something that everyone can get their hands on, not just a select few. They specifically look for artists' publications that are, you know, democratically available. This means they want items that are easy for many people to find and acquire. They also really prefer things that are inexpensive, which is a big part of making art accessible. The idea here is to break down any barriers that might stop someone from enjoying or owning a piece of art, which is, in a way, a very inclusive approach.
This commitment to openness also shows up in their preference for publications that are produced in large or open editions. What this means is that instead of focusing on books that are very limited in number or unique, one-of-a-kind items, they lean towards works that are made in greater quantities. This choice helps ensure that more people have a chance to experience and own these artistic creations. It's about spreading ideas and art widely, rather than keeping it exclusive, so it's a pretty thoughtful way to do things.
Moreover, Printed Matter actively supports social activism within the arts community. They believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels welcome and where art can be a tool for positive change. This includes working towards greater inclusivity and making sure that art spaces and materials are accessible to people from all walks of life. This focus on making art available to a broad audience, and using it to support important causes, is, you know, a core part of their mission, showing their dedication to a more open and fair art world.
What Exactly is an Artist's Book, Anyway?
When Printed Matter talks about "artists' books," they're referring to a special kind of publication where the book itself is considered a work of art. It's not just a book *about* art, but the book *is* the art. This could mean the way it's bound, the materials used, the sequence of pages, or even how it needs to be interacted with, you know, like a sculpture you read. These publications are conceived as artworks in their own right, which is a pretty distinct idea from your average novel or art catalog. It really challenges what we think of as a book.
These unique items often come in many forms. While the majority of Printed Matter's collection is made up of these artists' books, they also consider some other related things. This might include zines, which are often small, self-published magazines with a DIY feel, or special editions of prints and other art multiples. These related items still fit into the idea of art that's published and distributed, often with that same spirit of accessibility and experimentation. So, it's not just one type of item, but a whole family of creative printed matter.
The beauty of an artist's book, in their view, is that it can bring art into your home in a way that a painting or a sculpture might not. It's often more personal, something you can hold, flip through, and revisit. This connection to the physical object, the feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, all adds to the experience, which, you know, makes it quite different from looking at art on a screen. It’s a tangible piece of creativity that you can truly interact with, making the art feel very close.
Printed Matter and the Digital World - How Do They Connect?
Even though Printed Matter is all about physical books and publications, they also have a foot in the digital world, especially when it comes to reaching a wider audience. A great example of this is their global online event, PMVABF. This virtual fair brings together more than 400 exhibitors, showcasing artists' books, zines, and various editions from all over the world. It’s a pretty amazing way to connect people with these unique publications, no matter where they are, so it truly expands their reach.
This online event means that someone living far away from New York or Los Angeles can still experience the excitement and variety of a large art book fair. It allows for a much broader selection of works to be seen and discovered, offering a glimpse into what creators are making across different countries and cultures. The sheer number of exhibitors means there’s a huge amount of different styles and ideas to explore, which, you know, is pretty fantastic for anyone interested in contemporary art and publishing. It's a way to bring the fair to your living room.
Beyond the big online fair, Printed Matter also uses its online catalog as a key way to share its inventory. This digital presence means that people can browse their collection anytime, anywhere, and discover new artists and publications they might not have otherwise encountered. This combination of physical storefronts and events with a strong online presence ensures that their mission of circulating artists' books and related materials reaches as many people as possible, which, you know, is a very smart way to operate in today's world. They really make sure their printed matter gets around.
How Does Printed Matter Help Others Find Fairs?
Printed Matter also offers a helpful service by putting together a list of artists' book and zine fairs. This list is a really useful resource for anyone looking to find events where they can discover more of these special publications. It's a way for them to support the wider community of independent publishers and artists by making it easier for people to connect with these smaller, often local, gatherings. You know, it's like a central spot for finding out what's happening in the world of independent publishing, which is pretty handy.
It's important to know that while Printed Matter compiles this list, they are not connected to most of the fairs on it. They make it clear that they are not affiliated with any of the listed fairs, unless they specifically say otherwise. This means they are simply providing a service to the community, offering information without necessarily endorsing or being involved in the running of each event. This approach, you know, helps keep the list a neutral and comprehensive resource for everyone.
If someone has a fair they would like to have included on this list, Printed Matter provides a simple way to submit the details. They ask that you email bulletin@printedmatter.org with the information, which is a pretty straightforward process. They do mention that listings will be posted at their discretion, meaning they review submissions to make sure they fit the focus of the list, which, you know, helps maintain the quality and relevance of the resource for those seeking out printed matter events. It's a thoughtful way to curate information.
Printed Matter - A Practical Use for Shipping?
Interestingly, the term "printed matter" has another, very practical meaning, especially if you're sending books or magazines through the mail, perhaps for something like eBay sales. In many postal systems, "Printed Matter" (or "Imprimé" in some places) is a specific classification for shipping. This classification can often be a really good option because it tends to be more affordable compared to other shipping methods, like express mail services or smaller parcel options. It’s a way to keep costs down when sending paper-based items, which, you know, is pretty useful for individuals and small businesses alike.
If you're thinking about using this shipping category for your books or magazines, it's actually quite straightforward to get started. The information suggests that by reading up on the process, you can quickly learn how to prepare your items for shipping this way. This could involve understanding how to compare rates between different services, like EMS or various small package options, and also how to properly create the necessary labels. It’s all about making the shipping process as smooth as possible for your printed matter.
So, if you're sending out a bunch of books or magazines, choosing the "Printed Matter" classification can be a very sensible choice. It's a way to send these items without breaking the bank, and it’s a recognized method in many postal systems. This practical application of the term highlights just how common and useful physical publications are, not just as art, but as items that need to be moved around the world efficiently, which, you know, is a pretty important part of how information and culture travel. It really shows the everyday importance of printed matter.
What Are the Rules for Shipping with Printed Matter?
When you decide to ship items using the "Printed Matter" classification, there are a couple of important rules you need to follow to make sure your package gets where it needs to go without any issues. One of the main things is how you mark the package. You need to write "Printed Matter" (or "Imprimé" if that's the term used in your postal system) on the outside of the envelope or package. This marking should typically go in the upper left corner of the address side, or just below your return address if you've put that there. This tells the postal service exactly what kind of item is inside, which, you know, helps them handle it correctly.
Another really important rule for shipping printed matter is about how you package the items. The general idea is that the contents of the package need to be verifiable. This usually means that the packaging should, in principle, be openable so that the postal service can check what's inside. This doesn't mean your package will definitely be opened, but it needs to be possible for them to do so if they need to. This rule helps ensure that only eligible items are sent under this classification, so it's a pretty standard requirement for this type of mail.
Following these simple guidelines helps ensure that your books, magazines, or other paper-based materials can be sent efficiently and at a good cost using the "Printed Matter" category. It's all about making sure the postal service
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