Nocturne 2024

Macro to Micro Bookbinding Blast!

What a wonderful idea.

Wow... I didn’t know these skills still existed!

What... you are cutting up a book? An encyclopedia?!

These were just a few comments from folk who dropped by the Nova Scotia Book Arts location during Halifax's Nocturne: Art at Night Festival 2024.

This year's theme was "Microcosm." Dozens of artists across the city responded with a wealth of illustrations and ideas about being part of the Microcosm that is Halifax/Kjipuktuk. Spaces were opened for conversations and connections about the microcosm to the cosmos and back.


The Nova Scotia Book Arts Group members completely dismantled a gigantic, 1000-page, illustrated Oxford Dictionary and using many of their skills, techniques and creativity, constructed hundreds of small books to give away to visitors. From the macro to micro volumes.

At peak production, there were eight people making books simultaneoulsy. By the end of the night, approximately 275 small books were made. Nearly all were claimed by Nocturne visitors.


There was all sorts of lively chat - the 'art' of the book; books vs devices; how/where we retain vessels of knowledge; repair and preservation... and... just what constitutes a book anyway?! How are these questions all 'bound' together?

Book enthusiasts, artists, a poet, parents and youngsters, a four-footed friend, the curious, the indifferent, potential future book binders. Each offered a unique take on 'all things bookish.' Visitors left carrying a mini volume as well as their own individual stories. All part of the microcosm.


If the exchanges and enthusiasm from the evening were any indication... the love of books is alive and well and a thriving component of the microcosm of Halifax/Kjipuktuk.


Thank you to everyone involved!

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Submitted by Sally Crawford