SMFA Special Collections

About the Collections

We build our collections to support the curriculum, research, and creative exploration of the SMFA community, and to reflect what’s happening in art today all over the world. Focusing on contemporary art and studio practice, our collections include exhibition catalogs, artist monographs, theoretical and art historical texts, technical manuals, comics and graphic novels, periodicals, media, artists' books, zines, and more. Collecting publications by and about artists of color, and other identities that are often underrepresented, is an ongoing part of our mission. 

We are always happy to consider recommendations of materials to add to our collection. Feel free to fill out our Purchase Request Form or send requests directly to Lauren (lauren.kimball_brown@tufts.edu).

 

Artists' Books

Our artists' books collection showcases a wide range of conceptual and structural approaches to book arts, from one-of-a-kind handmade books to print-on-demand editions. We collect artists’ books featuring a variety of techniques and mediums, such as screenprinting, letterpress, handmade paper, altered books, and photography books. The collection is in-library use only and viewable by appointment.

 

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Visionaire 53 Sound
Visionaire 53 - Sound, a set of five 12-inch double-sided vinyl records featuring multiple artists
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Light Verse Magazine v1-5 by Angela Lorenz
Light Verse Magazines vol 1-5 by Angela Lorenz
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Drop Dead by Peter & Donna Thomas
Drop Dead by Peter & Donna Thomas