You know an event is beloved when it’s been going on for decades, which is exactly the case for the Grimsby Wayzgoose Book Arts Fair, which will be celebrating its 45th year at the end of this month. (If you haven’t had the pleasure of attending this annual event, you’re probably wondering—what in the heck is a wayzgoose? A wayzgoose is just a fancy term referring to a party for printers, or those generally involved in book making. )

What is it that makes this gathering of bookish folk so great? Well, it offers a great variety of printmakers, bookbinders, paper makers, artists, and publishers, all offering beautiful artisanal products to add to your collection. They also hold some great workshops for those wanting to learn more about the book arts. In general, it’s a fantastic way to learn, to socialize, and to procure works of bookish art!

Admission is free, so mark your calendars for Saturday, April 29, where we’ll be on hand with lots of great PQL books—and conversation, too, of course. Stop by the Grimsby Public Library and Art Gallery between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to experience the event for yourself!

In honour of this upcoming event, we’re celebrating by highlighting one of our recent books that embodies the spirit of wayzgoose—one that combines artisanal art forms such as wood engraving and printing with the literary style and flair we’re known for. That book is … Out of the Dark, by Wesley W. Bates!

Why You Want This Book

The art of wood engraving requires an artistic eye and a dedication to technique in order to imbue each image with its own visual narrative. Wesley W. Bates proves his skill in Out of the Dark, a collection of vibrant and lifelike images expertly coaxed from solid blocks of endgrain wood. The engravings depict a wide variety of subjects, and are the result of a rich career collaborating with literary writers and publishers, such as Bird & Bull Press, Wendell Berry, and even the Porcupine’s Quill.

Particularly enjoyable are the texts that accompany each illustration, providing lively anecdotes, insights and inspirations. It’s a wonderful peek inside the artist’s studio, and a piece of art in its own right. Printed on Zephyr Antique Laid, a beautiful premium paper, the book has strong, Smyth-sewn binding and features hand-tipped endpapers, making it a truly artisanal product.

Watch the Video Trailer

Meet Wesley in his studio and get a sense of his artistic philosophy in this video trailer.

Many thanks to Jenni Welsh for producing this video.

Win a Copy!

We’re giving away one free print copy of Out of the Dark in celebration of the upcoming 45th Annual Grimsby Wayzgoose. Here’s how to enter:

1. Log in to the form below using email, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

2. Earn up to five entries by visiting Facebook and Instagram, tweeting on Twitter or by signing up to our newsletter. (If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, an avid social media follower, or an avid social media avoider, the bonus entry method is for you!)

3. Log out of the form to submit your entry.

(Open to residents of the United States & Canada.)

Waiting for Wayzgoose Giveaway: Out of the Dark

The winner will be contacted by email after the event.

Best of luck to all who enter our giveaway. Don’t forget, if you don’t want to take any chances, the book is available for purchase in print or digital format.

We hope to see many of you at the wayzgoose on April 29th—be sure to stop by and say hello!

Cheers,