By Kevin Green
Published 4-7-2022 10:22Am PST

Visual art book lovers throughout Southern California were able to finally enjoy an art book fair. Print Pomona Art Book Fair took over the city of trees and PhDs last weekend, while other art book fairs and book markets did not open as usually scheduled this year within Los Angeles county. Book lovers were able to travel to East Los Angeles County to Claremont, CA, just on the border of the Inland Empire. There were four days of art books with lectures and book signings included. With the guidance of Justine Bea Bias, the communications and engagement manager at The Benton Museum at Pomona College, hosted its first artists’ book fair, which included zines and other forms of printed materials.

Founder Julian Lucas said, "This is not a reinvention of the wheel - there are book fairs throughout California and across the globe. However, I was able to recognize there was a need and I took initiative to create a platform for independent publishers, zine makers, and print artists right here. - It’s an opportunity to introduce something new, dope, and exciting right here."

Print Pomona Art Book Fair is sponsored by The Arts Area as a fiscal sponsor and has an open submissions call welcoming those who would like to apply for a table. PPABF will also look to expand in other ways by offering other types of book-related