Students, faculty and staff are invited to transform old books into art through an exciting artistic endeavor: “Old Books/New Lives.” A project of The Gallery at Penn College and Madigan Library, the effort offers used books for “upcycling” into works of art. A growing trend, upcycling is the practice of converting old or discarded items into useful or beautiful objects. The resulting creations will be displayed on the first floor of the library in January and February, a complement to a juried exhibition of altered books showcased in The Gallery at Penn College. That exhibit, “Books Undone,” will include works from artists around the country. To help support budding book artists, a series of workshops will be offered on campus this semester, and participants are also welcome to work on their projects independently. Books are available at an “Old Books/New Lives” display table on the second floor of the library. “We are pleased to invite the campus community to participate in this unique ‘upcycling’ challenge,” said Penny Griffin Lutz, gallery director. Lutz adds that a search of #Bookart will offer plenty of ideas, and a selection of inspirational books are on hold for viewing at the library’s Circulation Desk. Works can be handed in anytime during the Fall 2017 semester, but are due by Dec. 7. Questions can be emailed to the gallery.Photos by Rachel A. Eirmann, student photographer