Art of Paper Cutting Display Coming to Second Street Gallery

The art of paper cutting exhibit, “Animalibris,” will be on display from July 5 through July 27 at Camas Library’s Second Street Gallery. The exhibit showcases the hyper-detailed artwork of Muriel Wheatley and Levi Greenacres, who together are known as Lovebirds Paper. 

Both artists will be in the gallery at an opening reception on First Friday, July 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm, with music by Rob Lewis.  For the remainder of the month, the papercut art will be available for viewing during regular library hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.  To learn more, called 360-834-4692  or visit www.secondstorygallery.net

The Art of Paper Cutting

There is an art to paper cutting as demonstrated by July’s show at Second Story Gallery.  Their name, Lovebirds Paper, is a mash-up named for the subjects, mostly animals, and their surroundings.

The “Animalibris” show draws much of its focus from botanical and biological illustrations, capturing a number of creatures in their most playful environments, according to the artists.  The results are silhouettes, often layered with colors but with at least one of those layers carefully cut to reveal the others.

The two behind Lovebirds Paper have been collaborating on paper cuts since 2015.  They say they draw from a wide variety of modern and historic influences, including Art Nouveau, screenprinting and woodcarving styles.  Wheatley is a librarian and paper enthusiast who patiently cuts all of the designs by hand.  Greenacres, a Portland  tattooer and children’s book author, draws all of the Lovebirds designs. 

So, mark your calendars! “Anamalibris” opens with a First Friday reception for the artists from 5 to 8 p.m. July 5.  Live music will be provided by Lewis, who also has a whimsical talent, playing the electric marimba.