It's not often I find an exhibition catalog filled with as many striking images of the artists as of the artists' works. Actually, I don't believe I have ever come across a catalog quite like the one for Woven Forms. The imaginative layout consists only of centerfolds. Yes, I said centerfolds, but don't worry: It's not what you may think. When unfolded, the pages reveal exquisite black and white images of long, woven sculptures. Folded, these pages present detailed profiles of each artist featured in the exhibition, reminding us not to forget the maker behind what's made. By placing the artists' images prominently, the Museum of Contemporary Crafts confirmed these artists as pillars of the craft community.

Woven Forms made it's debut at the Museum of Contemporary Crafts of the American Craft Council from March 22 through May 12, 1963. The exhibition honored five artists: Lenore Tawney, Dorian Zachai, Claire Zeisler, Sheila Hicks, and Alice Adams. The common thread? Each wove three-dimensional objects from the loom and resurrected static stitching into new life forms. One of Claire Zeisler's pieces is in our library archives here at the ACC. Every now and again, I swear I see it move.

The popular exhibition travelled to Caracas, Venezuela after closing in New York City. And, speaking of objects on the move, soon this catalog and the rest in the ACC archives will be available in your home thanks to the magic of the Internet and the work underway to digitize the collection.

The Portable Library explores the American Craft Council Library and Archives Digital Collections, launching September 2011. This open-access online compendium will contain more than 8,000 unique images, documents, and media detailing the history of contemporary craft in America. From ACC newsletters and photographs to firsthand documentation of major national craft exhibitions, the digital collections offer makers, scholars, and craft appreciators a glimpse at some of the ACC library's most invaluable resources.