What is an Altered Book?

Altered books use the printed page as both canvas and creative muse. Alterations can include painting, drawing, coloring, cutting, folding, and more. The results can vary as widely as the techniques applied to the book: for example, alterations can create poetry from prose, inject social commentary, provoke specific emotional reactions, explore ideas, or prompt new meanings to emerge from the original text. Altering books is not limited to "serious artists." Anyone can do it!

10th Annual Altered Book Contest

All Skidmore College students, staff, and faculty are warmly invited to roll up their creative sleeves and compete in the Altered Book Contest! Once the entries are in, come vote for your favorites. The winning entrant(s) will be presented with the coveted Lucy Scribner Trophy.

Contest details:

• Entrants may be individuals or teams. Limit one entry per person/team. To register, fill out this brief form.

• We can supply you with a book or you are welcome to use your own. Just ask at the Library Circulation Desk if you need a book to alter. (Rest assured that these books are not from our current collections!)
   
• Please drop off your completed book to the Library Circulation Desk by 12:00 p.m., Friday, April 11th, 2025. You can drop off your book earlier in the week as well.
   
• Entries will be on display from April 11th to April 25th in Scribner Library with voting from April 11th to April 18th. The winning book will be announced on Friday, April 18th.

Past Participants

2024 Entries

2023 Entries

2022 Entries

2021 Entries

2020 (Pandemic Hedgie Edition) Entries

2019 Entries

2018 Entries

2017 Entries

2016 Entries

Skidmore Resources

The IdeaLab provides a makerspace with 3D printers, electronics, sewing, and other tools if you're looking for some resources to help create your altered book.

Books About Altered Books