During the pandemic MEG member Matt Leedham wrestled with conflicting feelings and channeled his emotions into exploring new forms for his photographic art. The result was RECTO / VERSO, an exhibition that appeared at MEG in the early fall in 2022. For the show, Leedham combined his passion for photography with a newfound love for paper and bookmaking to craft beautiful works reflecting the theme of “front and back” or a double-sided story.

This May, “Long Days / Long Nights",” an accordion book included in the RECTO / VERSO show, was awarded an Excellence in Book Arts Award by the Creative Crafts Council at the Council’s 34th Biennial Exhibition at the Strathmore Mansion in Bethesda, Maryland. Matt was in rare company — 580 works were entered, 170 pieces were selected for the exhibition, and only 32 received awards.

You can click on the video for a short clip of Matt describing his work, and then join us in congratulating him on this accomplishment!