Announcing the departure of long-time Executive Director, Jeff Rathermel

June 16, 2017

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) Board of Directors announces the departure of Jeff Rathermel, long-time Executive Director. Jeff will be assuming the role of Director and Curator of Carleton College’s Perlman Teaching Museum in Northfield, MN on July 1.

Jeff has had a number of roles over his past seventeen years at MCBA – first as Artist-in-Residence and instructor, Artistic Director from 2004-2010, and Executive and Artistic Director since 2010.

Over that time, he has contributed much to making MCBA the largest and most comprehensive book arts center of its kind. He has been instrumental in guiding MCBA’s vision of “a world where book art is created, cultivated, celebrated, and understood as a vital and lasting expression of culture.”

Among his many accomplishments, Jeff was the driving force behind founding the Book Art Biennial and MCBA Prize in 2009. The MCBA Prize is the first international book arts prize that showcases and honors excellence in new book art works from across the world, and encompasses exhibits, workshops, symposium, and gala event.

Jeff expressed thoughts on his departure with these words:
MCBA has been a major part of my life for over 17 years and I am proud of the work I have done to create an institution that is respected and admired around the world. I leave knowing that the organization is strong and vibrant but I will miss my daily interactions with MCBA’s wonderfully diverse and incredibly talented community. My move to Carleton College will allow me to share my experience with a new community and grow both professionally and personally. From time to time we all need new challenges in our lives. While I am leaving my leadership role at MCBA, I will always be a part of MCBA’s community.

We thank Jeff for his vision, and his unrelenting dedication and passion for making MCBA the leader in the field of book arts as it is recognized today. He will be greatly missed by staff, board, loyal friends and supporters.

The MCBA Board of Directors will announce an interim executive director shortly, and will be conducting a formal search for the next MCBA leader.