By Sarah Malczynski, student writer

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the opening reception for “art ex libris” was held in Kresge Library. Members of the Oakland University community and art lovers gathered to view the masterful creations that students submitted for this innovative show.

For the pieces to be eligible for display in “art ex libris,” students could only use up to 10 withdrawn Kresge books to create a work of art. There was no limit to the dimensions of the pieces or the medium used, with the exception of materials that were toxic or may have spoiled (such as food).

Students had to submit their work by Sept. 30 and were judged by faculty members from Oakland University’s Art and Art History Department. Three criteria were used for the judging process: use of materials and techniques, intellectual and/or aesthetic impact of the piece, and the extent to which the artist’s statement articulated the concept. At the reception, first, second and third prizes as well as four honorable mentions were awarded.

Billy Ogawa won first place for the piece titled “Merciful Everlasting Disillusion,” a two-dimensional piece made from book pages and graphite. James Hadrill won second place for the piece titled “Functional Obsolescence Recontextualized for Consumption,” a three-dimensional sculpture made from books, drywall, mud and tape. Tari Kahrs won third place for the piece titled “Paper Bowl,” a three-dimensional piece made from paper mâché and acrylic. Each of these students received SpiritCash as a prize.

Tricia Juettemeyer, a Kresge librarian, organized the show. She was inspired while reading a magazine in which she saw an artist’s book created from old books (in Latin, “ex libris” means “from books”). She worked in conjunction with Art and Art History and specifically Andrea Eis, professor and chair of Art and Art History to plan “art ex libris.”

“Kresge Library had some withdrawn books that were waiting to be recycled, and it occurred to me that we could use some of these books in an alternative way,” Juettemeyer said.

“Art ex libris” remains on display until Oct. 31 on the second floor of Kresge Library. The library plans to host “art ex libris” again next year, although there are no official plans at this time.

For more information about “art ex libris,” contact Juettemeyer at juetteme@oakland.edu.