Ah, Chicago – we’ve got dozens of museums catering to any number of interests.  The Museum of Mexican Art, the Vietnam Veterans Art Museum, the Museum of Surgical Sciences…the list goes on! 

But one of the more intriguing collections in the city is tucked away, and a lot of folks may not know about it.  The Joan Flasch Artist’s Book Collection, located within the School of the Art Institute at 37 S. Wabash, features a fabulous range of hand-made artist’s books that will really challenge your notion of books. 

The collection is open to the public, but hours vary, so be sure to call ahead at 312-899-5098.  You can also access the collection online, but it’s so much more fun to read the books and flip through them by hand. 

I recently sold an artist’s book titled “Remember” to the collection.  The book features a hybrid prose poem/essay I wrote about memory, exploring both its physiological and its intangible elements.

So head over after work one day (or even on lunch break), or on a weekend if you don’t work downtown.  It’s a great resource in the city, and there’s plenty of tables for you to sit down and enjoy.