On behalf of the Guild of Book Workers' Board of Directors, I am honored to welcome you to Formation. This exhibition is a testament to the talent of our members, and highlights a diverse array of binding styles and techniques.

In previous years, the Guild has published a standalone catalog to accompany the exhibition. This saddled the Exhibitions Committee with the enormous task of producing a catalog while simultaneously coordinating a traveling exhibit. In addition, the cost of producing the catalog necessitated a high sale price, making it less accessible to a wider audience. To combat both of these issues, the Guild has decided to produce the catalog for Formation as a special issue of the Guild of Book Workers Journal. This means that every member will receive a copy as a benefit of membership.

This exhibition would not have been possible without the hard work of a great many people. Exhibitions Committee Chair Jackie Scott was at the helm of these efforts, and I cannot thank her enough for everything she has done. Thanks also go to Journal editors Cara Schlesinger and Chris Ameduri for their willingness to take on the task of producing this special issue, and to catalog designer Rebecca Chamlee for her impeccable work. And finally, I'd like to thank our jurors Sarah Smith, Coleen Curry, and Graham Patten for curating such an amazing show.

Bexx Caswell-Olson
President, Guild of Book Workers