Isabelle Samay, a rising senior in the graphic design department of the VCU School of the Arts, is the VCU Libraries 2026 Book Artist in Residence. Samay has been a frequent visitor to Special Collections and Archives to look at artists’ books with classmates and on her own to do research. She begins her residence in mid-May. 

In her application materials, she said, “As designers, it is required to question the intent and history behind every visual, type and material decision, and it results in constant internal contemplation. My remedy to that is to seek out physical media at bookstores, galleries, student work, and, of course, the libraries in order to gain more hands-on context and inspiration. I like to think of my study in graphic design as an artist that combines research, writing, journalism, archiving and visual language.”  

Samay has a great deal of experience designing promotional materials for organizations, and the residency will provide an opportunity for her to expand her thinking in an immersive experience. “I am always seeking new ways to cultivate my craft,” she said. 

2026 is the third summer for the Book Artist in Residence program. The student selected for this paid internship is mentored by library faculty, has a dedicated workspace and special access to materials in Special Collections and Archives, as well as a budget to create a special edition of book art inspired by VCU’s outstanding Book Art Collection. Previous artists in residence have also had the opportunity to host workshops and exhibit their work in galleries

Book art, also known as artists’ books, are works of art that are created to be handled and explored by the viewer. The medium references the book by using the form or concept of the book to convey meaning. Works can be made as unique objects, in small editions, or in larger or open edition sizes. Book Art can employ a full range of techniques, methods and approaches, such as hand binding, letterpress printing, digital printing, photography, printmaking, calligraphy and hand lettering, painting and drawing, graphic designing, paper engineering, automated/machine production and more.  

In her application, Samay suggests how her book art project might evolve, noting she is currently researching fabric, fabric weaves, the ethicality of silk, cyanotype and penmanship. She wrote:  “I am deeply enamored with how content can beautifully inform the book’s/object’s form in endless ways, and I am only at the beginning.” 

The Book Art Residency was launched three years ago as a proof of concept to explore how a VCU student immersed in the collection might be inspired to create knowledge in the form of book art in the library environment. The residency is supported through private funding.  

The residency highlights a need to expand Special Collections and Archives to accommodate experiential learning opportunities for VCU students. Expansion plans include constructing space dedicated to book art and creative publishing. The envisioned space will offer art studio quality worktables, specialized tools, equipment, resources for printing and book producing, storage space for works in progress and infrastructure for teaching and workshops (drop down screens, cameras and other technology). The new lab will transform VCU’s world class Book Art Collection into a more robust learning opportunity by providing equipment and space for researchers, artists and students across disciplines to make work inspired by the collections.  

 “The lab will allow students and community visitors to see collections up close and then construct their own works, allowing all disciplines and courses of study to explore this medium,” said VCU Libraries Director of Development Kelly Gotschalk.

Fundraising is ongoing for outfitting the space. Specialized equipment and furnishings will create a state-of-the art working environment. Work is well underway to design and create the space. 

The new space is one element in the planned expansion of The Special Collections and Archives that provides much-needed space to house unique and valuable artifacts, artwork and rare materials in a secure, climate-controlled space. When the expansion is complete, it will also house materials from the Health Sciences Library.