About the Kindred Spirits Exhibition

Happy Birthday, Maud!

— A message from Barbara Helander, Exhibition Coordinator —

This year (2024) marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lucy Maud Montgomery, one of Canada’s most renowned authors. Best known for her collection of novels about a spirited young girl named Anne, Montgomery’s complete body of work remains an essential part of the Canadian literary canon. Anne of Green Gables, the beloved children’s classic, has been in print for over a century.

Montgomery wrote at a time when it was uncommon for women to be published and acclaimed. Her perseverance in pursuing publication despite repeated rejections is a testimony to her grit and determination—she was a trailblazer.

Through her journals, we learn of her reaction when seeing Anne of Green Gables as a printed book for the first time: “…lovely cover design, well bound, well printed. Anne will not fail for lack of suitable garbing at all events.”¹ Montgomery recognized her book’s physical form would be important in how the world would receive her work – we at CBBAG love her for that!

I originally proposed this exhibition of handcrafted books and book-arts objects as a love note to Maud (her preferred name)—a collective statement on how her work shaped our lives, gave us hope, and made us laugh, cry, and, above all, feel human. As you will see from the artist’s statements, Maud’s words continue to resonate and inspire.  

I hope you enjoy the beautiful works created by our talented members. L.M. Montgomery and CBBAG genuinely are kindred spirits! ~Barbara

1. The Complete Journals of L.M. Montgomery, The PEI Years, 1901-1911 by Rubio & Waterston

— A message from Christine McNair, CBBAG President —

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.”  L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

As the current president of CBBAG, it is my honour to extend well wishes on behalf of the national board. CBBAG has been supporting bookbinding and book artistry exhibitions since 1983 as part of its mandate of promoting and inspiring participation in traditional bookbinding and contemporary book arts. The board would like to express its gratitude to all who have supported this exhibition and those who put forward their work for consideration. Thank you to the jurors who had such a challenging task in evaluating the pieces submitted and to exhibition coordinator Barbara Helander, who spearheaded this initiative. ~Christine

Lucy Maud Montgomery

— Barbara Helander —
Exhibition Coordinator

— Christine McNair —
CBBAG President