SCHOOL BY THE RIVER PRESS was founded in 2005 as a fine arts and limited edition press, affiliated with the Southwest School of Art.
Sale of the press’ works helps the school’s Paper and Book Arts Program continue to offer greater access to instruction and studio than any other similar program in the country.
Layout and printing are done by Rose Harms. Beck Whitehead produces handmade paper for the editions.
Books
Since 2003, the Press has produced books in collaboration with Gemini Ink, a San Antonio writing and literary nonprofit organization, to honor recipients of the Gemini Ink Award of Literary Excellence. These hand-bound chapbooks with handmade paper covers and original art cost $50 and feature the award-winning work of: Robert Flynn (2003); Sterling Houston (2004 — pictured above); David Liss (2005); and Abraham Verghese (2006).
In addition, the press has produced two quartos, both printed on handmade paper — the Barzun quarto (2006), and the Li-Young Lee quarto (2007). Also available is a handmade, collaborative book celebrating the history of the Southwest School of Art.
Broadsides
SCHOOL BY THE RIVER PRESS has produced two broadsides, both by poets awarded the Gemini Ink Award of Literary Excellence – one for Naomi Shihab Nye (2001) and one for Wendy Barker (2002). In addition, the Press offers a studio collaborative broadside.
Prints
The Press has printed images which were originally produced for three of the chapbooks which it offers as separate prints. A forth print, Hope, is an Emily Dickinson poem on handmade paper.
Note Cards
Blank single cards and Ursuline Campus Dormitory Door postcards are $4 each. The note cards are available on the Ursuline Campus at the Gallery Shop, as well as from the Book Arts Department.
Broadsides, chapbooks and prints are available from the Paper and Book Arts Department by contacting Department Chair Beck Whitehead at 210-224-1848.
