Actualizing a Fine Binding: Brenda Gallagher's Night Circus

Online Presentation

by Brenda Gallagher

February 12, 2026

6:00 PM PST (7:00 MST)

(note time)

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In 2024 and 2025, the Guild of Book Workers* hosted a traveling, juried exhibition called NIGHT CIRCUS. Artists were invited to submit books on this theme, where a Night Circus "…invites curiosity with its Spectacle, fascinates with Artistry and Performance, explores the Mysterious and Luminous, investigates Clandestine actions and Secret knowledge, and embraces Chaos and Otherness."

As Brenda pondered a concept for the theme, a book took shape in her imagination that demanded to be made. She created a series of 30 circus-themed etchings and bound them into pages to function like an album of circus snapshots. The circus theme was carried throughout the structure and design of the book which was finished with a leather binding. Brenda will share with you her submission to the exhibition which is both an artist book and a fine binding.

* The Guild of Book Workers is a national organization that promotes interest in and awareness of the tradition of the book and paper arts by maintaining high standards of workmanship, hosting educational opportunities, and sponsoring exhibits.

BRENDA GALLAGHER is a graphic designer, book artist, and fine bookbinder living in Niwot, Colorado. She has designed books and magazines professionally for over 25 years and serves on the Boulder Book Arts League board. Brenda enjoys using her experience with professional design to self-publish works with her own illustrations, which she then binds using ancient skills of fine bookbinding. She is an enthusiastic teacher of bookbinding and letterpress printing for students of all ages. Brenda graduated from the American Academy of Bookbinding in 2023 and received her diploma from the Fine Binding Program. Website: http://www.brendagallagher.com/