Whether it’s through words printed on a page, a work of fine art or a photograph showing bygone days or exotic lands, paper provides the key to new worlds, ideas and emotions. For the ninth year, the Mercantile Library of the University of Missouri-St. Louis is bringing together some of the finest local and national book and art dealers in the region for its Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair, which takes place May 1 through 3 at the J.C. Penney Conference Center on UMSL’s North Campus.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Mercantile Library’s collection and conservation fund. Established in 1846 and affiliated with UMSL since 1998, the library is the oldest one west of the Mississippi, and has collections focusing on Western Expansion, the St. Louis region, and the history of American rail and river transport.
Fair attendees can expect to find a wide variety of paper treasures, including illustrated books, prints by George Caleb Bingham and John James Audubon, historical and contemporary photography, and even hand-crafted boxes. “We offer a broad variety of materials, including rare books, watercolor and fine prints—anything based in paper is welcome,” says Julie Dunn-Morton, the library’s endowed creator of fine art. “It’s broad, and that opens it up to a lot of interesting things.”
Now an established St. Louis tradition, the fair draws dealers from near and far. “Because of the economy, it was challenging the first few years, but we were fortunate to have good dealers who believed in us and stuck with us, and now we’ve really turned a corner,” Dunn-Morton says. “We’re being approached by dealers from around the country who have heard about our fair and want to be a part of it. We’re on the cultural radar now, and it’s a really fun event.”
Gathering a large number of dealers together in one place offers a valuable opportunity for local collectors, whether they’re seasoned or novice buyers, Dunn-Morton says. “Attendees can buy treasures without traveling to New York, Philadelphia or California,” she notes. “Beginners just getting started can talk to a variety of experts in their fields. And experienced collectors can compare, booth-bybooth, the works people are offering and make an informed decision right there on the spot. It’s also a great time for people who just want to browse and look around.”
On the last day of the fair, dealers will provide workshops and demonstrations in their areas of expertise. “This is included with admission, so you can just stop in and listen,” Dunn-Morton says. In the past, presentations have been on everything from watercolor painting to box-making, she notes. In addition, some of the dealers have been featured on the popular Antiques Roadshow, and this year’s fair also includes a two-hour appraisal event with Leslie Hindmann Auctioneers. “People like having their ‘Roadshow’ moment,” Dunn-Morton says. “We want the event to be both fun and educational, which is also part of the library’s mission.”
Pictured: Dealers at the 2014 St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair
Photo: Mercantile Library of UMSL
[The St. Louis Fine Print, Rare Book & Paper Arts Fair takes place May 1 through 3 at the J.C. Penney Conference Center on UMSL’s North Campus, with a benefit preview party and silent auction on May 1. For tickets or more information, call 314.516.7248 or visit printfair.umsl.edu.]
