Colfax artist Tim Ely talks about earliest books

Colfax artist Tim Ely guided the large crowd through the history of how and why books were made at last Thursday’s Meet the Artist program in the meeting room of the Colfax branch of Whitman County Library.

Attendees were encouraged to handle samples of materials and some of Ely’s art books.

Ely described the use of vellum for making books from 500 AD through approximately 1500.

This sample would likely have made about eight pages and cost the life of one goat.

Ely’s work is now featured in a display at the Museum of Arts & Culture in Spokane through April 16.

Next session of Meet the Artist March 3 will feature entrants in the fourth annual Colfax street banner project.

The People’s Choice winner will be announced.