Book Arts Events

Combat Papermakers in Buffalo

The Combat Paper Project is an ongoing art project based in Vermont with tours around the world making and discussing this powerful artwork. Combat Paper is project by, for and about war veterans and the creative process. The lectures include the history, intent and future objectives of CPP, followed by veterans who have worked with the project giving a testimony as to what it has been like to return from the wars and how the project has helped them reintegrate to civilian life with art and poetry.

Through papermaking workshops veterans use their uniforms worn in combat to create cathartic works of art. The uniforms are cut up, beat and formed into sheets of paper. Veterans use the transformative process of papermaking to reclaim their uniform as art and begin to embrace their experiences as a soldier in war. The Combat Paper Project is a collaboration initiated by Drew Matott and Drew Cameron, involving war veterans, activists and artists.

Free public events throughout Western New York during a weeklong residency at the WNY Book Arts Center include:

Monday March 15th 3:15-4:30pm (University of Buffalo Center for the Arts Amherst, NY)
Lecture/discussion is open to the public , room B37-38/ Printmedia, Dept. of Visual Studies, Center for the Arts, North Campus. Parking is unrestricted after 3PM.

Tuesday March 16th 10am-2pm (Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, NY)
Papermaking workshops, open to the public in the lobby, Arts & Media Building.

Wednesday March 17th 10am-2pm (Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, NY)
Papermaking workshops, open to the public in the lobby, Arts & Media Building.

Thursday March 18th 2pm (Niagara County Community College, Sanborn, NY)
Lecture about the Combat Paper Project and Art as Social Action. Arts & Media Building F108.

Thursday March 18th 7pm (WNY Book Arts Center Downtown Buffalo, NY)
Drew Matott and Jon Michael Turner will present an evening lecture about the Combat Paper Project and a reading of selected work as part of their week-long book arts residency at the WNY Book Arts Center, each creating a limited edition of a hand crafted book on handmade paper using the Center’s hand printing equipment.

For more information on Combat Papermakers, vist: http://www.combatpaper.org

Images from Combat Paper Project Gallery