Otis Artists’ Book Collection:

(Above and next 3 images below) Crispix by Otis Lab Press ©, 2005. Click image for larger view.

Book opened, showing spine.

Inside spreads with “four-fold throw up format with long stitch into a mini-cereal box cover.”

(Below) Pop-up book (cover) by Carol June Barton ©, 1993. Click image for larger view.

(Below) Inside spread of pop-up book by Carol June Barton ©, 1993.


(Above) Inside spread of pop-up book by Carol June Barton ©, 1993.

(Above) Inside spread of pop-up book by Carol June Barton ©, 1993.


THE OTIS ART INSTITUTE IN CALIFORNIA has put forth an extensive effort to digitize their handmade artists’ books, available for view by designers and artists anywhere. With approximately 2,000 examples of every sort of art book and process imaginable (letterpress, pop-up, xerox, embossing, and every binding technique imaginable) this is a resource to know about for students and professionals alike.

The stated goal of the Otis Artists’ Book Collection was not to create a comprehensive archive, but rather to provide a valuable teaching resource available to art historians, artists, and students. Since the collection is available on only a limited basis, providing access to the books via online images was a priority. With assistance from the Getty Electronic Cataloging Initiative, the Otis Library cataloged the books and and photographed representative portions of each work.

For instant access to the Otis Artists’ Book Collection, click here.