Print Pomona Art Book Fair’s Inaugural Returned to the Benton Museum After a Two Year Hiatus Due to the Global Issue

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

Garages Aren’t Just For Storage, Doing The laundry, Or Shitty Scream Metal Bands Anymore

Text & Photography Julian Lucas

When all events were forced to cancel and or postpone back in 2020, the art world has been taking things online for 2021. As we all brace ourselves and get closer to bringing the book and art scene back to real life, many have been taking baby steps to full-on public socializing. This past weekend there was a micro art event inside a garage and backyard, entitled “Garage Sell Book Fair.”  The book fair included artists’ books and out-of-print editions from about 12 exhibitors.

These Days, The Ice Plant, and &Pens Press were present and Dead Beat Club Press kept cups filled with Dead Beat Club Coffee as well as our eyes glued to their opulent collection of photo-books. As people sat out picnic style you can hear the conversations of what a joy it was to be able to meet in person again, and topics of what books to collect, what artists to keep a watch on and what projects indie publishers are working on. Enjoying the outside air was Hot Dog Energy Fruit, Either Way LA, Darrin Klein (Box of Books) Louis Schmidt and more.

Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, photojournalist, and creative strategist. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking homeless veterans to housing. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.