Kindred Spirits: 30 Years of University of Iowa Center for the Book  Alumni Work

K.K Merker Gallery

B Level of North Hall

Oct. 6–24, 2025

Reception as part of an Open House on Thursday, Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kindred Spirits celebrates over 30 years of Book Arts Education at the UI Center for the Book. Featuring work from 40 alumni/artists, this exhibition, which showcases both recent and earlier work, is a testament to the commitment UICB alumni make to their work and to the field. We include work from some of our first Certificate alumni in 1998 through work completed by new Spring 2025 Book Arts MFA grads!

These alumni were invited to submit a book — something new or something old — to share in our K. K. Merker Gallery in conjunction with the Guild of Bookworkers Standards in Iowa City. The work displayed presents a range of techniques, styles, and approaches in pieces ranging from traditional fine binding to zines and artists books. While most of these artists’ time at the Center did not overlap, they are bound together as alumni of this program and the spirit and excellence embodied here. UICB staff and faculty are extremely proud of these artists and appreciate the opportunity to share the range of skills and imagination represented in this exhibit.

Participating Artists:

Keren Alfred, MFA ’22

Islam Aly, MFA ’13

Mary Claire Becker, Certificate ’19

Lindsey Beal, Certificate ’11

Adam Bryant, MFA ’21

Jamie Capps, MFA ’24

Nicole Cotton, MFA ’18

Tegan Daly, MFA ’24

Emilia Ellison, MFA ’14

Emily Eldred, MFA ’25

Sonia Farmer, MFA ’19

Jocmarys Viruet Feliciano, MFA ’21

Leslie Kathleen Hankins, Certificate ’20

Maggie Heineman, MFA ’15

Erin Iams, Certificate ’25

Edwin Jager & John O. Smith, Certificate ’98

Caitlin Jochym, Certificate ’08

Katie Kiesewetter, Certificate ’23

Rachel Lapides, Certificate ’25

Maeve Leslie, Certificate ’22

Rachel Livedalen, Certificate ’14

Christine Manwiller, MFA ’18

Michelle C. Moode, MFA ’18

Krista Narciso, MFA ’20

Kimberly Obee, MFA ’22

Pamela Olson, MFA ’13

Amy Richard, MFA ’16

Sara Rieger, MFA ’22

Dave “Thor” Rollins, MFA ’16

Katharina Siedler, MFA ’13

Rachel Singel, Certificate ’13

Julia Skinner, Certificate ’11

Mary Louise Sullivan, MFA ’14

Theresa Vishnevetskaya, MA ’22

Vernie Vukovich, Certificate ’17

Joelle Webber, Certificate ’00

Kazumi Wilds, MFA ’18