The American Printing History Association has named Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. as the recipient of the APHA 2021 Individual Laureate and Mills College Book Art Program as the recipient of the APHA 2021 Institutional Award.  

Amos Kennedy has introduced thousands of people worldwide to the historic traditions of printing by sharing hands-on activities celebrating wood type and antique presses. Using these historic tools he has brought groups together to explore their aspirations utilizing the power of the press to print ideas and then distribute and display them in their communities as handmade posters. His remarkable work has helped build community while sharing the history of this essential technology.

Academic book art programs are important contributors to the study of historical printing methods. Founded ninety years ago, the Mills College Book Art Program has taken the lead in developing academic programming that became the model for other institutions. Renowned for developing undergraduate and MFA courses of study and hosting prominent practitioners and scholars in the field, Mills has been central to the establishment of this now respected area of study.

The Individual Laureate and the Institutional Award will be conferred at APHA’s annual meeting at 2 pm on Saturday, January 30, as part of Bibliography Week in New York City. Award winners will give presentations about their work at the meeting, which will be virtual. 

Kathleen Walkup, director of the Book Art Program, will accept the Institute Award on behalf of the program and provide a presentation. 

Virtual meeting connection information will be posted on the APHA website, with priority for member attendance. A recording of Kathleen Walkup’s presentation will be made publicly available after the annual meeting.