Visit the Whatcom Museum anytime before January 3 to see Unhinged: Book Art on the Cutting Edge a new exhibit featuring work from 63 prominent artists.

The Museum’s curator of art Barbara Matilsky notes, “As many people are not familiar with books used in art, Unhinged will open viewers’ eyes to the beauty, complexity, and cultural significance of the book. With digital media quickly surpassing books as a means of communication, the idea that artists can infuse new life into this traditional object underscores the continued importance of the tome in daily life. Once again, books have become vitally relevant as artists expand the physical boundaries of text and volume to express a wide range of ideas.”

The exhibition will feature a hands-on display created by Hedi Kyle, one of the pioneers of book art, showcasing a variety of styles and formats. Visitors will be able to handle these volumes, which will convey the intimacy and kinetic component of many works exhibited in the show.

Matilsky believes that, “after visiting this exhibition, viewers will never look at a book in the same way again.”

The exhibit is open to the public in the Whatcom Museum’s Lightcatcher Building Wednesday–Sunday, noon-5pm; Thursday until 8pm; Saturday at 10am.