DiscARTed unveils transformation of books into art

Christine Renaud with Evelyn Sloane’s lighted frame.

Created by Jan Swenson

Books past their useful life have been transformed into creative, unusual and unexpected pieces of art as part of a unique art show and sale opening tonight.

“We have more than 30 artists who rallied with such creativity,” says Christine Renaud, the show’s organizer. “The response to the show and the diversity of the creations is wonderful.”

“DiscARTed” is a fundraising art show presented in partnership between the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives and the Prince Edward County Authors Festival.

DiscARTed opens to the public at 7 p.m. tonight on the upper floor of Books & Company, downtown Picton, and runs to Oct 20.

“We have many books that are past their useful life,” says library CEO Barbara Sweet. “Books that are damaged, have been in the library’s used book sale for a long time and are clearly not going to sell because they are no longer relevant, or ones that contain information that is no longer accurate, are all examples of the type of books that must be recycled.”

Members of the Board of the Prince Edward County Authors Festival David Sweet, Alexandra Bake and Barbara Burns-Sweet, who happen to own Books & Company, also have books that are destined to be recycled.  And the two non-profits share another similarity; heightening awareness of, and promoting, literacy.

“The DiscARTed Art Show and Sale is a perfect match in many ways,” says Sweet, “and one that will stir people’s imaginations for a good cause.”

Three Peoples’ Choice awards will be presented  Oct. 20 to coincide with the International Festival of Authors Lit on Tour, part of the IFOA’s touring program which brings Canadian and International authors to a few select locations in Ontario.  This year’s writers include Joanne Harris, Arno Kopecky and Grace O’Connell.

Created by Gudrun Gallo