Parisian Phoenix Publishing

Last week I got a message from fine artist and art book maker Maryann Riker of Justarip Press. She and I have known each other at least 20 years through my newspaper days in Phillpsburg, N.J. I heard about her art books and asked if I could do a piece of them for the paper and before long, I was in her home watching her unfold handmade books over her dryer and kitchen table.

Maryann was also a friend and creative partner of Nancy Scott. I originally met Nancy through the Greater Lehigh Valley Writers Group. Maryann and Nancy are the art-and-words combo similar to what Art Director Gayle and I have.

Maryann invited me, Eva Parry and photographer Joan Zachary to meet for a celebratory end-of-year-drink at Bosergeist Brewing at the Easton Silk Mill. (Where we also included Nancy by pranking her. Eva can send announcements through Nan’s Alexa. So we sat in BoserGeist, Maryann stealing my beer, making Nan’s Alexa tell her things.)

All of these women understand the Parisian Phoenix vision and our aim to build a supportive community among all artists. Maryann bought my first beer to thank me for all of my hard work throughout the year and my continued efforts to include and promote her in our books and events throughout the year.

She especially liked our display at Disability Pride Lehigh Valley. There’s some cool photos and details and perhaps even links to blog posts in this newsletter. Click here.