Proposal: “Book Covers — A Group Exhibition of Graphic Arts in Maine”

Opportunity:

Developing a propsal for a collaborative exhibition celebrating the art of the book cover — where image, typography, and story converge.

Overview:

This proposal outlines an opportunity to curate a group exhibition of Maine-based graphic artists, illustrators, and designers working in the field of book design and related visual storytelling. The exhibition will highlight the creative intersection between literature and visual art — exploring how cover design shapes perception, narrative, and memory.

Exhibition Concept:

Each participating artist will present an unsdetermined amount of original or reimagined book cover designs — real or fictional — showcasing the diversity of Maine’s graphic arts community. Works may include:

• Published or conceptual book covers

• Mixed media, photography, digital collage, or illustration

• Process sketches, type studies, or mock-ups

The exhibition is intended to be open-ended, encouraging experimentation, reinterpretation, and the blending of historical and contemporary design approaches.

Proposed Venue:

Library exhibition space (to be determined) — ideally within the Maine State Library system or a partner institution with public visibility and educational outreach capacity.

Curatorial Goals:

• To elevate the role of visual design in literary culture.

• To provide a public platform for Maine designers and visual storytellers.

• To engage library visitors and readers through the lens of visual narrative.

• To inspire new audiences to consider the book as both artifact and artwork.

Participation:

Open call for Maine-based designers, illustrators, and typographers. Artists may submit up to three works initially for consideration, accompanied by a link to their website or online portfolio. Selected participants will be contacted with details about exhibition format, framing, and installation. 

Organizer:

Bradford Fuller, artist, publisher, and recipient of two Maine Arts Commission awards for public school arts projects (South Paris and Waldoboro).