24 Mar 2025 UCA welcomes Artist in Residence Kerri Miki-Lani Schroeder

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas will proudly host book artist Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder as an Artist in Residence on March 31-April 4. 

Schroeder is a book artist based in San Antonio, Texas. She holds an MFA in book art and creative writing from Mills College. Schroeder produces limited-edition artist’s books and teaches, in addition to producing the Books in the Wild Podcast and co-owning and designing enamel pins under the pseudonym The Paper Carnival. Her works incorporate sculptural book structures and found objects, combining traditional and contemporary bookbinding and fine letterpress printing techniques. Reoccurring themes include ecology and environmental concerns, memory and mourning, relics and artifacts, and the anomalous and paranormal. Her books are held in prominent collections including those at Bainbridge Island Art Museum, The British Library and UCLA. 

Shroeder’s residency will include these events: 

• April 1: Artist Talk with Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder (free and open to the public) — 7 p.m., Windgate Center 167
• April 4: Pop-Up Exhibit by Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder in conjunction with Conway Art Walk (5-8 p.m.) Schroeder will give two 20-minute Artist Talks at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Espresso at Evergreen in Conway (1022 Oak Street). These events are free and open to the public. 

“This is the first time the creative writing program is bringing in a book artist, and we are incredibly excited to be able to introduce UCA students to the book arts through Keri Schroeder’s visit,” says faculty sponsor Dr. Jennifer Case. “In creative writing, we often think primarily about the text — the poem, short story, essay, or script — but artists such as Shroeder show us how to experience and approach ‘the book’ in entirely new ways. In her hands, the book becomes an art form in and of itself, and she teaches us to expand our understanding of what the book can do. I encourage anyone who enjoys reading or is fascinated with bookbinding and papermaking to attend her talk and view her exhibit at the Windgate. I also hope everyone attends the Conway First Friday Artwalk on April 4, where Schroeder will display and discuss a few of her pieces. The whole week will be a celebration of the book arts, and I’m thankful we have the chance to bring such inspiring, interdisciplinary programming to UCA and Conway.”

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024-25, UCA Artists in Residence events are free to UCA students and open to the public. No tickets are required. Events are located on the UCA campus, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035. For more information about the UCA Artist in Residence program, visit uca.edu/cahss/artists-in-residence/ or contact Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at 501.450.3293 or email gayles@uca.edu.