Artists' books

Asa Packer books designed and constructed by Lehigh University students as class projects called “Asa Packer Book Project” for their Graphic Design III taught by Professor Thom Lepley in the Spring of 2003-2004 and Fall of 2004-2005 academic years. Through this graphic design project, the students were to research and study artifacts and evidence of Asa Packer’s lifespan and then tell a unique story in a hand-bound artist book that would define Asa Packer and his legacy.

This collection comprises artists’ books, exhibition catalogs, and literary fiction dating from the 1970s to the 1990s. It reflects a wide range of conceptual approaches to the book as a medium of artistic expression. The materials challenge conventional formats and explore experimental narrative, structure, and design. The collection was assembled by George Shortess—psychologist, professor, and artist—whose own artist books are also included.

The students of Professor Thom Lepley’s graphic design III class of 2005-2006 for a class project designed, created, and hand bound 9 specimen type books.