The International Book Art Picnic will be held in Osaka until Jan. 31.

According to event organizer NPO Osaka Arts-Aporia, book art is a concept that includes books with beautiful covers and artistic installations using books. Artists and curators will also give lectures on the topic at a seminar in Bungei Hall of Nakanoshima Library on Jan. 23.

One of the speakers is Martha Wilson, director of Franklin Furnace Archives in New York, which is known for its collection of artists' books.

Another speaker is Rossella Matamoros, an artist from Costa Rica. Matamoros has created a variety of art works including objects and installations that use books. Those talks will be in English (admission is ¥500).

Part of the collection of book art from Franklin Furnace Archives will be exhibited at Calo Bookshop & Cafe until Jan. 30. The bookshop is located close to Higobashi Station (admission is free).

Another exhibition titled "Artists and Books" will be held at Bungei Hall Jan. 25-30. It will feature old Japanese books with beautiful covers and art objects made of books by Japanese artists.

For more information, visit the Web site at bookartpic.exblog.jp