Vertical File documentations by Tsubasa Berg, courtesy of Franklin Furnace.
[March 31, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 PM EST]
Franklin Furnace invites the public to a special panel discussion marking the conclusion of the exhibition “Hidden in the Stacks: Digitizing Franklin Furnace Archive Artists’ Books Collection“ at Pratt Institute Library.
Since its founding in 1976, Franklin Furnace has actively collected and preserved artists’ books, housing these works—along with original materials donated by artists—within its Vertical Files collection.
This panel celebrates the milestone digitization of these Vertical Files, offering insight into the archival process, the relationship between artists and archives, and the challenges and possibilities of digitization.
Featured speakers include participating artists Ann Messner, Conrad Gleber, and Sur Rodney (Sur), who will discuss their experiences working with archival materials as part of their artistic practice. Exhibition curators and Franklin Furnace archivists Fang-Yu Liu and Nicole Rosengurt will share behind-the-scenes details of the digitization project, including photographic setup, database development, and cataloging methods.
Moderated by Kathy Carbone, Assistant Professor at Pratt Institute School of Information, this discussion offers a rare opportunity to explore how archival collections are preserved, activated, and reimagined in the digital era.
The event is hosted in person at Pratt Institute Library (200 Willoughby Ave, Brooklyn, 11205). A guided tour will take place at 4-4:45 pm, followed by the panel discussion at 5pm. Audience can also attend the event virtually via the FF LOFT – please RSVP above for the event link.
