Artist-led Exhibition Tour with Carolee Campbell

Join artist and fine press printer Carolee Campbell of Ninja Press for a conversation in The California Effect exhibition. Carolee will bring examples of her artist books for a closer look at her works in the exhibition, as well as discussions of other artists' books.

November 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM

*Standard gallery admission prices will be applied at the door. Visit our website for pricing details.

Carolee Campbell inaugurated Ninja Press in Sherman Oaks, CA, in 1984. She publishes limited editions of contemporary poetry which she designs, handsets in metal type, prints letterpress, binds, & often illustrates. Her work is heavily influenced by both her extensive experience as a photographer and by her career as a distinguished actress.

Ninja Press books are collected by many of the world’s great libraries: The Getty, The NY Public Library, The British Library, and the University of California Libraries at UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkley, and UC Santa Barbara, among others. The entire Ninja Press archive is held in the Special Research Collections Library at UC Santa Barbara.

The California Effect—New Books from the California Chapter of the Guild of Book Workers is rich in both artists and bookworks. 29 artists are exhibiting 54 books, boxes, and broadsides. Some are in limited editions, and others are one-of-a-kind. All are handmade individually with handmade and fine papers, cloth, thread, glue, inks, and paint. What exactly is the California effect? More precisely, what is the effect on the many of us who live, work, and visit here? The misty mornings and baking hot afternoons? The endless coastline, chill forests, or dry desert arroyos? Each of us has an answer, seen in the books we make, in our tastes and inspirations. We turn to making books: printing them, binding them, reinventing them, turning them into art—making books as art.

The California Chapter is one of ten chapters, revealing the national reach and scope of the Guild and its dedication to promoting interest and awareness in the tradition of book and paper arts. The members include hand bookbinders, design binders, conservators, calligraphers, makers of artist books, fine press printers, and papermakers. A fully illustrated catalogue with information about each artwork and biographical information about each artist is available to order.

The California Effect exhibition and related programming are graciously supported by The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, the Pasadena Art Alliance, and the Bess J. Hodges Foundation

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Host or Publisher Long Beach Museum of Art