Artist’s Talk + Fishbone Fold Workshop with Rachel Simmons
Book Arts Guild of Central Florida, June 18, 2026, 6-8 pm at the Winter Park Library
Learn about Rachel’s newest limited edition artist’s book about the Florida springs and try out the fishbone fold, designed by Hedi Kyle, a featured element in this new work.
Registration for this free event is available through the Winter Park Library.
Talk
Nymphaea: The Sacred Waters of the Florida Springs
Join Rachel Simmons for a presentation about the production of her newest limited edition artist's book, Nymphaea: Sacred Waters of the Florida Springs. Drawing on the University of Florida’s archive of Florida tourism ephemera and her own photographs of the springs, Simmons combines vintage and contemporary imagery through interactive book structures to reveal the deeper ecological, Indigenous, and cultural histories beneath the kitschy tourism attractions that grew up around the springs. The accompanying text weaves archival research together with Simmons's personal observations and experiences at the springs. This project was published by the Library Press at the University of Florida George A. Smathers Libraries and generously supported by the Coffey Residency for Book Arts.
WORKSHOP
In the workshop portion, participants will get a chance to try out the fishbone fold book, a structure created by Hedi Kyle and adapted by Simmons for the two sided Risograph prints in the Nymphaea book. We’ll follow instructions from “The Art of the Fold” to recreate Kyle’s original single-sheet structure.
How to prepare for the workshop
Gather these tools/materials:
Traingle
Ruler 24”
Cutting mat
Bonefolder
Craft knife
Pencil
Double-sided tape
Text-weight paper, no more than 70 lb weight, cut to 13” x 21”
(Note: sketchbook paper will be provided, but feel free to bring your own sheet)
About Rachel
Rachel Simmons is a queer artist and educator based in Orlando, Florida, specializing in book arts and printmaking. Driven by curiosity about creativity, astronomy, philosophy, and nature, she blends research with personal experience, addressing questions that resist easy answers through her work. Her artist's books are held in prestigious collections including the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City and the Newberry Library in Chicago. She founded and directs the Rollins Book Arts Collection and currently serves as President of CBAA The Association for Book Art Education. She also serves on the leadership team on the Book Arts Guild of Central Florida.