On Friday, April 19, Kelvin Smith Library will host the opening reception of Ediciones Vigía, an exhibit of the handmade books donated by the Ediciones Vigía publishing house as the result of a Case Western Reserve University study-abroad trip to Cuba. The event will feature a discussion, “Editing the Poverty: Book and Culture in Cuba,” led by featured guest and Ediciones Vigía founder, Alfredo Zaldívar.
In summer 2012, Damaris Punales-Alpizar, assistant professor of modern languages and literature, led five students on a study abroad experience to Cuba, during which they worked at Ediciones Vigía publishing house. Because of the students’ efforts, the publishing house donated 17 handmade books to Kelvin Smith Library. Since its beginnings in 1985, Ediciones Vigía has produced books of both literary and artistic significance, using the most basic printing techniques to highlight the importance of craftsmanship in bookmaking.
The books are a new addition to the library’s Special Collections and will be on display on the first floor of the library April 19 through May 19.
The opening event, which will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the first floor of the library, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, email ksladministration@case.edu or call 216.368.2992.
The event is sponsored by the Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities, the Speakers Committee from the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, the Ethnic Studies Program, the Office of Study Abroad and Kelvin Smith Library.