Bonnie Bishop papers, 1996-2019

Full finding aid (pdf)

Collection Scope and Content

The papers include a sketchbook for No One Noticed Ralph, as well as draft materials for other smaller book arts projects. The finished artist books can be found in the MWWC catalogue. Many of the books include poems written by Bishop.

Biographical/Historical Note

Bishop received her BS in art from Skidmore College and her MFA from Syracuse University. For ten years she worked as an Art Director for Scholastic Books in New York City. After moving to Maine, Bishop became Director of Publications at Colby College and also began teaching there. In addition she has taught at Maine College of Art, Kennebec Valley Community College, and the University of Maine. Ever since she was a child, Bishop loved drawing, writing, and making books. After years as a graphic designer and teacher, she become a full-time book artist. Her love for paper and book art was rekindled at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts where she attended several summer sessions. Since then Bishop has produced a large body of work concentrating on and expanding the form of the book. Animals and female iconography comprise her usual subject matter. She illustrates her text using pastepaper collage or various printing methods. Bishop’s work has been shown nationally and in Canada.