Each year the Miniature Book Society hosts an annual gathering of its members referred to as a Conclave. The Conclave - typically a three-day event - is held every autumn in a different city and is eagerly anticipated by the members. Recent Conclaves have been held in Princeton NJ, San Diego CA, Seattle WA, Ann Arbor MI, New Orleans LA and Dublin, Ireland. Attendees look forward to guest speakers, tours, workshops, book auctions, a book swap and an all-day book fair, but most of all, connecting with fellow miniature book enthusiasts and the camaraderie that miniature book lovers share.
The venue for the 30th Grand Conclave in 2012 is the charming and historic city of Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, with an outstanding array of unusual book shops, fine antique galleries, and a remarkable variety of fine dining experiences and sidewalk cafes. Our co-host for the Conclave will be Laurie Corral of the Asheville BookWorks.
Asheville boasts a vibrant literary history. Many contemporary authors and poets have made Asheville their home and are inspired by Asheville's history and beautiful natural setting. Thomas Wolfe (Look Homeward, Angel), O. Henry (The Gift of the Magi), and poet and author Carl Sandburg helped establish a literary tradition that continues to grow and expand.
HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS:
The Conclave will be based at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, the premier downtown hotel, in the heart of the city. We have secured an excellent group rate of $139 per night, with many available suite options. All group rates have been extended for 3 days before and 3 days after our event. To book your room, call the Renaissance directly at 1-800-266-9432 (toll-free) and be sure to identify yourself as a member of the Miniature Book Society. Reservations must be made by July 24, 2012, to be eligible for the special group rates.
CONCLAVE REGISTRATION:
Registration and Biltmore Estate Grand Tour fees will be determined by March 2012. Three breakfasts, two dinners, a dessert reception and a tour of the Thomas Wolfe House will be included in the registration fee. We are committed to making Grand Conclave XXX as affordable as possible.
A registration form will be posted here after the program details are determined.
For bookish visitors to Asheville, NC, Asheville BookWorks is a prime stop on the book arts path. Founded in 2004 by our co-host Laurie Corral, BookWorks is located in West Asheville. As a result of an ongoing schedule of classes, workshops, gallery exhibits, lectures, and annual events, Asheville BookWorks has become a gathering place for individuals interested in handmade books, papermaking, printmaking and letterpress. Asheville BookWorks provides studio space, equipment and technical support for artistic exploration, collaboration and the sharing of knowledge.
The Asheville BookWorks Co-op has been active in the area of miniature and small books. Each year the Co-op creates an edition with a selected theme as part of the BookOpolis exhibition held annually in September. One copy is presented for raffle in an elegantly constructed box with proceeds benefitting the BookWorks Artist-in-Residence Program.
The Asheville BookWorks Co-op, over 90 members strong, looks forward to welcoming the 2012 Miniature Book Society Conclave to Western North Carolina.
Immediately preceding the MBS conclave, BookWorks will offer a class taught by Chicago-based artist Shawn Sheehey. His class, Pop-ups & Mechanics of Movables for Miniature Books, will conveniently run August 23 & 24, Thursday and Friday prior to the start of 2012 MBS Conclave. Since this class is not part of the conclave itself, please contact Asheville BookWorks directly for more information and to register (828-255-8444). Or visit the website at www.ashevillebookworks.com.
CONCLAVE PROGRAM:
An exciting program is being planned and will be posted on this website as soon as possible.
POST-CONCLAVE TOUR:
An optional narrated Grand Tour of the Biltmore Estate will take place on Monday, August 27, and will include a self-guided tour of the house, gardens, winery, and farm village, a lunch buffet at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant, and transportation to and from our hotel.
Karen Nyman
2012 Conclave Host
karennyman2@cox.net
Laurie Corral
Asheville BookWorks
2012 Conclave Co-host
laurie@ashevilleBookworks.com
