Carol Chase Bjerke
EDUCATION
1988 MFA in Photography, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1976 BA in Art, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1963-64 University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
1961-63 Bates College, Lewiston, ME
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 TOUCH/STONES, New Hampshire Institute of Art Sharon Arts Center Gallery, Peterborough, NH
2014 TOUCH/STONES: Cairns, Postcards & Other Marks from the Journey, The Cooler at Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI
2013 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, The Cooler at Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI
2011 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, Marion Gallery, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI
2009-10 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, The International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago, IL
2008 The "Tourist in Eden" Portfolio, The Steenbock Gallery, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, Madison, WI
2004 The Photo as Book, Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
2004 Life Boat/Life Savor, Aurora University Lake Geneva Campus, Williams Bay, WI
1995 CitiARTspace, Madison, WI
1993 After the Fall, Leah Ransburg Art Gallery, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
1988 Tourist in Eden, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1985 & '80 Saginaw Valley State College, Saginaw, MI
TWO & THREE-PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2021 Carol Chase Bjerke and Rick Hintze, Abel Contemporary Gallery, Stoughton, WI
2016-17 Whereupon Memory, with Sarah O’Farrell, Overture Galleries, Madison, WI
2012 Medium, Meditation, and Mu, with Patrick Nagatani, Common Wealth Gallery, Madison, WI
2010 Cancer Stories...Art, with Efrat Livny and Rebecca Sadler, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI
1995 The Mode Theatre, with Patricia Hable Zastrow and Shirley Seireg, Waterloo, WI
1990 Aquinas College, with Alec Barclay and Cathy Van Voorhis, Grand Rapids, MI
1989 Delta College Galleria, with Nedra Frodge and Dan Pohlman, University Center, MI
SELECTED GROUP & INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
2014-2022 Numerous group and invitational shows at Abel Contemporary Gallery, Paoli/Stoughton, WI, including Contemporary Landscape, Nocturne, Imagined Landscape, Grayscale, Sterling, Small Works, Collaboration (with Katherine Steichen Rosing), Horizon Line, Thaw, Herbarium, and Outlandish
2013-20 Ossuary: A Project by Laurie Beth Clark, Herron Gallery, Indiana University IUPUI Indianapolis, IN; University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery, Knoxville, TN; and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI
2019 Light Sensitive, Christoper James, juror, Art Intersection, Gilbert, AZ
2017 BUILT, Laura Russell, juror, 23 Sandy Gallery, Portland, OR
2014-15 Exquisite Corpse, Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI; and Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, IL
2014 Adaptations: Visual Artists, Profound Disease & Illness, SCA Contemporary, Albuquerque, NM
2013 Humans Being II, curated by Riva Lehrer, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
2012 How to Read a Book: an artists' books reading room, Lawton Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, WI
2009 Book as Sculpture, curated by Jean Clad, Brandstater Gallery, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
2008 The Art of Healing: Explorations of Women's Health, organized by the Feminist Art Project, the Women's Caucus for Art -Michigan, and The Therapy Center of Ann Arbor; The Gallery at the Duderstadt Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2008 Krappy Kamera Show, Jill Enfield juror, Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY
2007 Sculpture at the Edge, curated by Stephen Perkins, Lawton Gallery, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
2005 Wisconsin Book Artists, Edna Carlsten Gallery, UW Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
2005 4th International Book & Paper Triennial, Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts, Chicago, IL
2004 The Book As Art, Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
2001 Visual Icons, curated by Jean Clad, Furlong Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
2000 Water Show, curated by Michael Flanagan, Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI
1999 Wisconsin Artists Biennial,Joe Nicastri, juror, The Haggerty Museum, Milwaukee, WI
1998-2000 Art of the Book 98, a traveling exhibition sponsored by The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, Carol Barton, Robert Jekyll, and Michael Wilcox, jurors, Toronto, ON (exhibition catalog)
1998 ImageBox, curated by Deone Jahnke, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI
1998 Re: thinking Books, University Art Gallery, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1997 photograpHERs at A.R.C. Gallery, Chicago, IL
1996 Turning the Page, International Book Arts Exhibition, juried by Hedi Kyle, Academy Art Center Gallery, Honolulu, HI (exhibition catalog)
1995 Wisconsin Women's Artist Book Exhibit, curated by Leslee Nelson, Wisconsin Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; and Bali, Indonesia
1995 The Medicine Show, Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts, Chicago, IL
1995 Place/Wisconsin, Tom Uttech, juror, Layton Gallery, Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, WI (Purchase Award)
1993-95 Milliseconds to Millennia: The Art of Time, curated by Carol Barton, The Hand Workshop, Richmond, VA (traveling exhibition and catalog)
1993 Crossings, Central Wisconsin Women's Caucus for Art at The Pump House, LaCrosse, WI
1992 All Michigan/All Media, Bret Waller, juror, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI
1989-91 Books and Bookends: Sculptural Approaches, curated by Carol Barton, Bethesda, MD (traveling exhibition with catalog)
1989 Photowork '89,Barbara Crane, curator, The New Gallery, Coral Gables, FL
1988 Bound in the U.S.A.: A National Sampling of Artists Books, curated by Barbara Lalzarus Met, Evanston Arts Center, Evanston, IL
1988 Michigan Art Competition, Dennis Alan Nawrocki, juror, Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, MI (Honorary Award)
1987 Toledo Friends of Photography Regional Exhibition, Kenneth Baird, juror, Toledo, OH
1987 All Area Photo Exhibition, Doug Aikenhead, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (Prize)
1987 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Judy Pfaff, juror, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, MI
1986 Focus '86 Biennial Photography Exhibition, John Ganis, juror, Battle Creek, MI
1986 Women's Art Registry of Minnesota National Exhibition of Contemporary Women Artists, Betsy Damon, juror, Minneapolis, MN (exhibition catalog)
1986 Mid-Michigan Exhibition, Elizabeth Neilson Armstrong, juror, Midland Center for the Arts, Midland, MI (Honorable mention)
1985-87 An American Album, Focus International: American Women in Art Exhibition, curated by Ellouise Schoettler, UN Conference on Women, Nairobi, Kenya (traveling exhibition now in the collection of The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, D.C.)
1984 The Art of the Print: 15 Michigan Printmakers,curated by Barron M. Hirsch, Saginaw Art Museum and Saginaw Valley State College, Saginaw, MI
1984 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Miriam Schapiro, juror, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, MI
1984 All Area Photo Exhibition, Carl Toth, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (Juror's commendation)
1983 Alma College Statewide Print Competition, Warrington Colescott, juror, Alma, MI (traveling exhibition)
1983 Michigan/Ontario Exhibition, Michigan Chapter of Artists Equity Association Detroit, MI and Windsor, ON (Juror's award)
1982 Contemporary Women Artists of Michigan Exhibit, curated by Linda O. Stanford, PhD, and Andrew Taubman, Freeman Gallery, E. Lansing, MI
1982 Lansing Art Gallery Prints Competition, Ruth Zachary, juror, Lansing, MI (Best of show)
1981 All Area Photo Exhibition, Kent Kirby, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (First prize)
1981 Ninth Annual Juried Exhibition of Prints and Drawings, Harmony Hammond, juror, Second Street Gallery, Charlottesville, VA
1981 All Area Artists Show, Central Michigan University Creative Arts Gallery, Mt. Pleasant, MI (First Prize Printmaking)
1980 Saginaw Woman's Club Regional Art Exhibit, Saginaw, MI (First prize)
COLLECTIONS (partial list)
Cofrin Library Artists' Books Collection, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
Golda Meir Library Special Collections, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace (Ribbon Room project to benefit Carbone Cancer Center), Madison, WI
Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI
The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, DC
The Robert Pope Foundation, Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Canada
The State of Wisconsin Collection, Washburn Observatory, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Women in Photography Archive, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Numerous private collections, nationwide and international
AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS
TWIN MOUNTAIN, co-authored with Carol S. Hinote, hardcover clothbound dos-a-dos format, digital printing, 2020.
LIFE BOAT, paperback digital printing, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2019.
WALLS, offset accordion book with self cover and envelope. Edition of 500 copies. 2014.
TOUCH/STONES, offset accordion book with self cover and envelope. Edition of 500 copies. 2014.
Hidden Agenda, Hardcover offset, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2008.
Untitled (2 Hills), handmade self cover accordion book, photocopy from hand-colored gelatin silver prints, with story text. Edition of 30 copies. 2002.
LIFE BOAT, hand-bound with text and tipped-in offset illustrations. Edition of 75 copies, 1998.
Naturalism and Photography: a personal perspective, a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 1988.
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY, REVIEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Susan Gubar, “Dealing with an Ostomy,” Living with Cancer New York Times “WELL” blog, April 27, 2017. (image and reference to Hidden Agenda)
Aedric Donovan, “Staff Pick - After Shiko’s Hara, A Line at the Foot of Mt. Fuji,” Abel Contemporary Gallery blog, March 10, 2017. (images and review)
Richard Quinney, Mystery of the Marsh, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2016. (dust jacket and title page illustrations)
Susan Gubar, Reading and Writing Cancer: How Words Heal, W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2016. (pp.166-8, and bibliography references to Hidden Agenda)
Adaptations: Visual Artists Work with Profound Disease and Illness, exhibition catalogue, SCA Contemporary, Albuquerque, NM, June 20-August 24, 2014.
Laura Damon-Moore and Erinn Batykefer, The Artist’s Library: A Field Guide from the Library as Incubator Project, Coffee House Press, 2014. (a featured artist)
Richard Quinney, Ox Herding in Wisconsin, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2012. (cover and other illustrations)
Peggy Sue Dunigan, “Carol Chase Bjerke’s ‘Hidden Agenda’ at Marian Gallery, Shepherd Express, Milwaukee, WI, March 10, 2011.
Debra Illingworth Greene, “For Carol Chase Bjerke, art imitates life,” Wisconsin Woman, April 2010.
Lauren Weinberg, “Carol Chase Bjerke and Masako Onodera,” Time Out Chicago, Issue No. 256, January 21-27, 2010.
Ilona French, “Unique Inspiration: An artist’s journey through diagnosis, recovery and raising awareness,” The Phoenix magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 3, June, 2009. (feature article)
Cliff Kalibjian, “Hidden Agenda by Carol Chase Bjerke: An artist’s journey and inspiration from diagnosis and treatment,” a book review, The Phoenix magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 3, June 2009.
Judith Strasser, Facing Fear, Borderland Books, Madison, WI 2008. (cover art)
Linda Falkenstein, “Plastic Fantastic: Local photographers explore the artistic potential of cheap toy cameras,” Isthmus, Madison, WI, March 14, 2003.
Tom McInvaille, "Photofest 2002 Wrapup," CPM Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 2, Spring 2002.
Amanda Henry, "Five Views from a lens," Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, February 4, 2001.
Michael Flanagan, "De Rerum Natura, On the Nature of Things," exhibition catalogue for The Water Show, Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI, July 28 - September 2, 2000.
Debra Illingworth Greene, "Carol Chase Bjerke's Take on Photography," Wisconsin Woman, Vol. 2, No. 7, April, 2000.
Kristina M. Brett, “Water Street Gallery shows Bjerke’s retrospective,” The Sauk Prairie Eagle, Sauk Prairie, WI, August 28, 1997.
"Cover Artist Carol Chase Bjerke, Photographer, Book Artist," Art in Wisconsin, Vol. IV, No. 3, Madison, WI, June & July, 1996.
Jinx Davis, “The Three Alchemists,” The Mode Theatre newsletter, Waterloo, WI, Autumn 1995.
Kevin Lynch, "2 Area Artists Try New Twists with Photos," The Capital Times, Madison, WI, January 19, 1995.
"Two Surveys of Artists' Books: A Medium Comes of Age," by Judith Hoffberg in ARTSCENE: The Monthly Guide to Art in Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, December, 1991. (image)
A Salute to Women: Artists' Postcards and Albums from the International Festivals in Copenhagen and Nairobi, exhibition catalog, The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, D.C., 1991.
Carol Barton, Books and Bookends: Sculptural Approaches exhibition catalog, Popular Kinetics Press,1990.
“Marlene Pellerito and Carol Bjerke: Highlights from the MAC Faculty Exhibition,” ,Artscape, Vol. 33, Issue 6, Midland, MI, July/Aug. 1989.
Michael Bonesteel, “Between the covers there may be a book,” Evanston Review, Evanston, IL, 1988.
The Women's Art Registry of Minnesota, Women's Sensibilities: A National Juried Exhibition, catalog, Minneapolis, MN, 1986.
“Photo appears in Kenya exhibit,” The Clare Sentinel, Clare, MI, July 17, 1985.
Laura Wagner, “Photographer balances images in exhibit,” Morning Sun, Mt. Pleasant, MI, March 15, 1985.
Tom Vranich, “Image Worker,” The Buyer’s Guide, Mt. Pleasant, MI, July 21, 1980.
HONORS
2009 Midwest Book Awards, Midwest Independent Publishers Association, Minneapolis, MN (Finalist for Hidden Agenda)
1988 Graduate Student Research Grant, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1964 Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society
EMPLOYMENT & RELATED EXPERIENCES
1976 - 2022 Self-employed artist
Gallery representation: http://www.abelcontemporary.com/carolcb
1981-2003 Academic Instruction
Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI
Upper Iowa University Madison Center, Madison, WI
Edgewood College, Madison, WI
Central Michigan university, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Delta College, University Center, MI
Mid Michigan Community College, Harrison, MI
1988-2010 Community Outreach Instruction
University of Wisconsin School of the Arts at Rhinelander, WI
Wisconsin Union Mini Courses, Madison, WI
The Center for Photography at Madison, WI
Madison Senior Center, Madison, WI
Valley Ridge Art Studio, Muscoda, WI
Peninsula Art School, Fish Creek, WI
Midland Center for the Arts Studio School, Midland, MI
Elderhostel programs: Aurora University Lake Geneva Campus, Williams Bay, WI; and Central Michigan University at St. Ignace, MI
Lectures & Workshops
2018 Sharon Arts Center Gallery, Peterborough, NH
2015 PhotoMidwest, Madison, WI
2012 University of Wisconsin Continuing Studies, "Art & Creative Writing Therapy: Follow the Image" workshop, Madison, WI
2011 Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
2010 Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
2008 Wisconsin Book Festival, Madison Public Library, Madison, WI
2007 The Center for Photography at Madison, Madison, WI
2004 Images Gallery, Chicago, IL
2000 LaFollette High School, Madison, WI
1999 University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, WI
1995 University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
1995 Edgewood College, Madison, WI
1989 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Administrative
2008-2013 Steenbock Gallery Committee, a partnership between The Center for Photography at Madison, and Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Madison, WI
2005-2008 UW School of the Arts at Rhinelander Advisory Team, Madison, WI
1997-2008 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI: Co-founder and Board of Directors. Served as President, Educational Programs Chair, and Gallery Coordinator
1976 - 1980 Co-founder of 203 First, a cooperative studio and gallery, Clare, MI
Artist-in-Residence
1991 Not Just Vanilla children's creativity program, Midland, MI
Graduate Teaching Assistant
1985 - 88 Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
CONTINUING EDUCATION & WORKSHOPS TAKEN
2006 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI with Deborah Riley
2004 Woodland Pattern, Milwaukee, WI with Susan E. King
2004 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI with Doug Beasley
2001 Valley Ridge Art Studio, Muscoda, WI with Marta Gomez
2001 Garage Annex School for Book Arts, Easthampton, MA with Hedi Kyle
1999 Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN with Wilber Schilling
1998 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI with Caren Heft
1998 The Duntog Foundation, Benguet, Philippines
1996 Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN with Daniel Kelm
1994 University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI with Walter Hamady
1992 Center for Photography at Woodstock, NY with Sally Gall
1992 Women's Studio Workshop, Rosendale, NY with Ruth Lingen
1992 Artists Book Works, Chicago, IL with Miles DeCoster
1987 Art in Scotland, Central Michigan University at The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland
1984 Kalamazoo, MI with Rosamond Wolff Purcell
1984 Alma College, Alma, MI with Kent Kirby
1982 Catskill Center for Photography, Woodstock, NY with Olivia Parker
1982 Alpena, MI with Misha Gordin
1979 Maine Photographic Workshop, Rockport, ME with Kate Carter
1978 Maine Photographic Workshop, Rockport, ME with Mark Wallack
1965 - 1966 The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
1988 MFA in Photography, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1976 BA in Art, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1963-64 University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
1961-63 Bates College, Lewiston, ME
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2018 TOUCH/STONES, New Hampshire Institute of Art Sharon Arts Center Gallery, Peterborough, NH
2014 TOUCH/STONES: Cairns, Postcards & Other Marks from the Journey, The Cooler at Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI
2013 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, The Cooler at Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI
2011 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, Marion Gallery, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee, WI
2009-10 Hidden Agenda: ARTiculating the Unspeakable, The International Museum of Surgical Science, Chicago, IL
2008 The "Tourist in Eden" Portfolio, The Steenbock Gallery, Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters, Madison, WI
2004 The Photo as Book, Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
2004 Life Boat/Life Savor, Aurora University Lake Geneva Campus, Williams Bay, WI
1995 CitiARTspace, Madison, WI
1993 After the Fall, Leah Ransburg Art Gallery, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN
1988 Tourist in Eden, MFA Thesis Exhibition, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1985 & '80 Saginaw Valley State College, Saginaw, MI
TWO & THREE-PERSON EXHIBITIONS
2021 Carol Chase Bjerke and Rick Hintze, Abel Contemporary Gallery, Stoughton, WI
2016-17 Whereupon Memory, with Sarah O’Farrell, Overture Galleries, Madison, WI
2012 Medium, Meditation, and Mu, with Patrick Nagatani, Common Wealth Gallery, Madison, WI
2010 Cancer Stories...Art, with Efrat Livny and Rebecca Sadler, Overture Center for the Arts, Madison, WI
1995 The Mode Theatre, with Patricia Hable Zastrow and Shirley Seireg, Waterloo, WI
1990 Aquinas College, with Alec Barclay and Cathy Van Voorhis, Grand Rapids, MI
1989 Delta College Galleria, with Nedra Frodge and Dan Pohlman, University Center, MI
SELECTED GROUP & INVITATIONAL EXHIBITIONS
2014-2022 Numerous group and invitational shows at Abel Contemporary Gallery, Paoli/Stoughton, WI, including Contemporary Landscape, Nocturne, Imagined Landscape, Grayscale, Sterling, Small Works, Collaboration (with Katherine Steichen Rosing), Horizon Line, Thaw, Herbarium, and Outlandish
2013-20 Ossuary: A Project by Laurie Beth Clark, Herron Gallery, Indiana University IUPUI Indianapolis, IN; University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery, Knoxville, TN; and Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI
2019 Light Sensitive, Christoper James, juror, Art Intersection, Gilbert, AZ
2017 BUILT, Laura Russell, juror, 23 Sandy Gallery, Portland, OR
2014-15 Exquisite Corpse, Artisan Gallery, Paoli, WI; and Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, IL
2014 Adaptations: Visual Artists, Profound Disease & Illness, SCA Contemporary, Albuquerque, NM
2013 Humans Being II, curated by Riva Lehrer, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago, IL
2012 How to Read a Book: an artists' books reading room, Lawton Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, WI
2009 Book as Sculpture, curated by Jean Clad, Brandstater Gallery, La Sierra University, Riverside, CA
2008 The Art of Healing: Explorations of Women's Health, organized by the Feminist Art Project, the Women's Caucus for Art -Michigan, and The Therapy Center of Ann Arbor; The Gallery at the Duderstadt Center, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2008 Krappy Kamera Show, Jill Enfield juror, Soho Photo Gallery, New York, NY
2007 Sculpture at the Edge, curated by Stephen Perkins, Lawton Gallery, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
2005 Wisconsin Book Artists, Edna Carlsten Gallery, UW Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
2005 4th International Book & Paper Triennial, Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts, Chicago, IL
2004 The Book As Art, Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
2001 Visual Icons, curated by Jean Clad, Furlong Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Menomonie, WI
2000 Water Show, curated by Michael Flanagan, Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI
1999 Wisconsin Artists Biennial,Joe Nicastri, juror, The Haggerty Museum, Milwaukee, WI
1998-2000 Art of the Book 98, a traveling exhibition sponsored by The Canadian Bookbinders and Book Artists Guild, Carol Barton, Robert Jekyll, and Michael Wilcox, jurors, Toronto, ON (exhibition catalog)
1998 ImageBox, curated by Deone Jahnke, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI
1998 Re: thinking Books, University Art Gallery, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1997 photograpHERs at A.R.C. Gallery, Chicago, IL
1996 Turning the Page, International Book Arts Exhibition, juried by Hedi Kyle, Academy Art Center Gallery, Honolulu, HI (exhibition catalog)
1995 Wisconsin Women's Artist Book Exhibit, curated by Leslee Nelson, Wisconsin Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; and Bali, Indonesia
1995 The Medicine Show, Columbia College Chicago Center for Book & Paper Arts, Chicago, IL
1995 Place/Wisconsin, Tom Uttech, juror, Layton Gallery, Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, WI (Purchase Award)
1993-95 Milliseconds to Millennia: The Art of Time, curated by Carol Barton, The Hand Workshop, Richmond, VA (traveling exhibition and catalog)
1993 Crossings, Central Wisconsin Women's Caucus for Art at The Pump House, LaCrosse, WI
1992 All Michigan/All Media, Bret Waller, juror, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, MI
1989-91 Books and Bookends: Sculptural Approaches, curated by Carol Barton, Bethesda, MD (traveling exhibition with catalog)
1989 Photowork '89,Barbara Crane, curator, The New Gallery, Coral Gables, FL
1988 Bound in the U.S.A.: A National Sampling of Artists Books, curated by Barbara Lalzarus Met, Evanston Arts Center, Evanston, IL
1988 Michigan Art Competition, Dennis Alan Nawrocki, juror, Holland Area Arts Council, Holland, MI (Honorary Award)
1987 Toledo Friends of Photography Regional Exhibition, Kenneth Baird, juror, Toledo, OH
1987 All Area Photo Exhibition, Doug Aikenhead, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (Prize)
1987 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Judy Pfaff, juror, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, MI
1986 Focus '86 Biennial Photography Exhibition, John Ganis, juror, Battle Creek, MI
1986 Women's Art Registry of Minnesota National Exhibition of Contemporary Women Artists, Betsy Damon, juror, Minneapolis, MN (exhibition catalog)
1986 Mid-Michigan Exhibition, Elizabeth Neilson Armstrong, juror, Midland Center for the Arts, Midland, MI (Honorable mention)
1985-87 An American Album, Focus International: American Women in Art Exhibition, curated by Ellouise Schoettler, UN Conference on Women, Nairobi, Kenya (traveling exhibition now in the collection of The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, D.C.)
1984 The Art of the Print: 15 Michigan Printmakers,curated by Barron M. Hirsch, Saginaw Art Museum and Saginaw Valley State College, Saginaw, MI
1984 Michigan Fine Arts Competition, Miriam Schapiro, juror, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Association, Birmingham, MI
1984 All Area Photo Exhibition, Carl Toth, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (Juror's commendation)
1983 Alma College Statewide Print Competition, Warrington Colescott, juror, Alma, MI (traveling exhibition)
1983 Michigan/Ontario Exhibition, Michigan Chapter of Artists Equity Association Detroit, MI and Windsor, ON (Juror's award)
1982 Contemporary Women Artists of Michigan Exhibit, curated by Linda O. Stanford, PhD, and Andrew Taubman, Freeman Gallery, E. Lansing, MI
1982 Lansing Art Gallery Prints Competition, Ruth Zachary, juror, Lansing, MI (Best of show)
1981 All Area Photo Exhibition, Kent Kirby, juror, Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI (First prize)
1981 Ninth Annual Juried Exhibition of Prints and Drawings, Harmony Hammond, juror, Second Street Gallery, Charlottesville, VA
1981 All Area Artists Show, Central Michigan University Creative Arts Gallery, Mt. Pleasant, MI (First Prize Printmaking)
1980 Saginaw Woman's Club Regional Art Exhibit, Saginaw, MI (First prize)
COLLECTIONS (partial list)
Cofrin Library Artists' Books Collection, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Green Bay, WI
Golda Meir Library Special Collections, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Hilton Madison Monona Terrace (Ribbon Room project to benefit Carbone Cancer Center), Madison, WI
Kohler Art Library, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, WI
The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, DC
The Robert Pope Foundation, Hantsport, Nova Scotia, Canada
The State of Wisconsin Collection, Washburn Observatory, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Women in Photography Archive, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT
Numerous private collections, nationwide and international
AUTHORED PUBLICATIONS
TWIN MOUNTAIN, co-authored with Carol S. Hinote, hardcover clothbound dos-a-dos format, digital printing, 2020.
LIFE BOAT, paperback digital printing, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2019.
WALLS, offset accordion book with self cover and envelope. Edition of 500 copies. 2014.
TOUCH/STONES, offset accordion book with self cover and envelope. Edition of 500 copies. 2014.
Hidden Agenda, Hardcover offset, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2008.
Untitled (2 Hills), handmade self cover accordion book, photocopy from hand-colored gelatin silver prints, with story text. Edition of 30 copies. 2002.
LIFE BOAT, hand-bound with text and tipped-in offset illustrations. Edition of 75 copies, 1998.
Naturalism and Photography: a personal perspective, a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 1988.
ADDITIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY, REVIEWS & PUBLICATIONS
Susan Gubar, “Dealing with an Ostomy,” Living with Cancer New York Times “WELL” blog, April 27, 2017. (image and reference to Hidden Agenda)
Aedric Donovan, “Staff Pick - After Shiko’s Hara, A Line at the Foot of Mt. Fuji,” Abel Contemporary Gallery blog, March 10, 2017. (images and review)
Richard Quinney, Mystery of the Marsh, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2016. (dust jacket and title page illustrations)
Susan Gubar, Reading and Writing Cancer: How Words Heal, W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2016. (pp.166-8, and bibliography references to Hidden Agenda)
Adaptations: Visual Artists Work with Profound Disease and Illness, exhibition catalogue, SCA Contemporary, Albuquerque, NM, June 20-August 24, 2014.
Laura Damon-Moore and Erinn Batykefer, The Artist’s Library: A Field Guide from the Library as Incubator Project, Coffee House Press, 2014. (a featured artist)
Richard Quinney, Ox Herding in Wisconsin, Borderland Books, Madison, WI, 2012. (cover and other illustrations)
Peggy Sue Dunigan, “Carol Chase Bjerke’s ‘Hidden Agenda’ at Marian Gallery, Shepherd Express, Milwaukee, WI, March 10, 2011.
Debra Illingworth Greene, “For Carol Chase Bjerke, art imitates life,” Wisconsin Woman, April 2010.
Lauren Weinberg, “Carol Chase Bjerke and Masako Onodera,” Time Out Chicago, Issue No. 256, January 21-27, 2010.
Ilona French, “Unique Inspiration: An artist’s journey through diagnosis, recovery and raising awareness,” The Phoenix magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 3, June, 2009. (feature article)
Cliff Kalibjian, “Hidden Agenda by Carol Chase Bjerke: An artist’s journey and inspiration from diagnosis and treatment,” a book review, The Phoenix magazine, Vol. 4, Issue 3, June 2009.
Judith Strasser, Facing Fear, Borderland Books, Madison, WI 2008. (cover art)
Linda Falkenstein, “Plastic Fantastic: Local photographers explore the artistic potential of cheap toy cameras,” Isthmus, Madison, WI, March 14, 2003.
Tom McInvaille, "Photofest 2002 Wrapup," CPM Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 2, Spring 2002.
Amanda Henry, "Five Views from a lens," Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, WI, February 4, 2001.
Michael Flanagan, "De Rerum Natura, On the Nature of Things," exhibition catalogue for The Water Show, Walker's Point Center for the Arts, Milwaukee, WI, July 28 - September 2, 2000.
Debra Illingworth Greene, "Carol Chase Bjerke's Take on Photography," Wisconsin Woman, Vol. 2, No. 7, April, 2000.
Kristina M. Brett, “Water Street Gallery shows Bjerke’s retrospective,” The Sauk Prairie Eagle, Sauk Prairie, WI, August 28, 1997.
"Cover Artist Carol Chase Bjerke, Photographer, Book Artist," Art in Wisconsin, Vol. IV, No. 3, Madison, WI, June & July, 1996.
Jinx Davis, “The Three Alchemists,” The Mode Theatre newsletter, Waterloo, WI, Autumn 1995.
Kevin Lynch, "2 Area Artists Try New Twists with Photos," The Capital Times, Madison, WI, January 19, 1995.
"Two Surveys of Artists' Books: A Medium Comes of Age," by Judith Hoffberg in ARTSCENE: The Monthly Guide to Art in Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, December, 1991. (image)
A Salute to Women: Artists' Postcards and Albums from the International Festivals in Copenhagen and Nairobi, exhibition catalog, The National Museum of Women in the Arts Library and Research Center, Washington, D.C., 1991.
Carol Barton, Books and Bookends: Sculptural Approaches exhibition catalog, Popular Kinetics Press,1990.
“Marlene Pellerito and Carol Bjerke: Highlights from the MAC Faculty Exhibition,” ,Artscape, Vol. 33, Issue 6, Midland, MI, July/Aug. 1989.
Michael Bonesteel, “Between the covers there may be a book,” Evanston Review, Evanston, IL, 1988.
The Women's Art Registry of Minnesota, Women's Sensibilities: A National Juried Exhibition, catalog, Minneapolis, MN, 1986.
“Photo appears in Kenya exhibit,” The Clare Sentinel, Clare, MI, July 17, 1985.
Laura Wagner, “Photographer balances images in exhibit,” Morning Sun, Mt. Pleasant, MI, March 15, 1985.
Tom Vranich, “Image Worker,” The Buyer’s Guide, Mt. Pleasant, MI, July 21, 1980.
HONORS
2009 Midwest Book Awards, Midwest Independent Publishers Association, Minneapolis, MN (Finalist for Hidden Agenda)
1988 Graduate Student Research Grant, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
1964 Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society
EMPLOYMENT & RELATED EXPERIENCES
1976 - 2022 Self-employed artist
Gallery representation: http://www.abelcontemporary.com/carolcb
1981-2003 Academic Instruction
Madison Area Technical College, Madison, WI
Upper Iowa University Madison Center, Madison, WI
Edgewood College, Madison, WI
Central Michigan university, Mt. Pleasant, MI
Delta College, University Center, MI
Mid Michigan Community College, Harrison, MI
1988-2010 Community Outreach Instruction
University of Wisconsin School of the Arts at Rhinelander, WI
Wisconsin Union Mini Courses, Madison, WI
The Center for Photography at Madison, WI
Madison Senior Center, Madison, WI
Valley Ridge Art Studio, Muscoda, WI
Peninsula Art School, Fish Creek, WI
Midland Center for the Arts Studio School, Midland, MI
Elderhostel programs: Aurora University Lake Geneva Campus, Williams Bay, WI; and Central Michigan University at St. Ignace, MI
Lectures & Workshops
2018 Sharon Arts Center Gallery, Peterborough, NH
2015 PhotoMidwest, Madison, WI
2012 University of Wisconsin Continuing Studies, "Art & Creative Writing Therapy: Follow the Image" workshop, Madison, WI
2011 Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
2010 Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL
2008 Wisconsin Book Festival, Madison Public Library, Madison, WI
2007 The Center for Photography at Madison, Madison, WI
2004 Images Gallery, Chicago, IL
2000 LaFollette High School, Madison, WI
1999 University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, WI
1995 University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
1995 Edgewood College, Madison, WI
1989 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Administrative
2008-2013 Steenbock Gallery Committee, a partnership between The Center for Photography at Madison, and Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters, Madison, WI
2005-2008 UW School of the Arts at Rhinelander Advisory Team, Madison, WI
1997-2008 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI: Co-founder and Board of Directors. Served as President, Educational Programs Chair, and Gallery Coordinator
1976 - 1980 Co-founder of 203 First, a cooperative studio and gallery, Clare, MI
Artist-in-Residence
1991 Not Just Vanilla children's creativity program, Midland, MI
Graduate Teaching Assistant
1985 - 88 Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI
CONTINUING EDUCATION & WORKSHOPS TAKEN
2006 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI with Deborah Riley
2004 Woodland Pattern, Milwaukee, WI with Susan E. King
2004 The Center for Photography at Madison, WI with Doug Beasley
2001 Valley Ridge Art Studio, Muscoda, WI with Marta Gomez
2001 Garage Annex School for Book Arts, Easthampton, MA with Hedi Kyle
1999 Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN with Wilber Schilling
1998 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Milwaukee, WI with Caren Heft
1998 The Duntog Foundation, Benguet, Philippines
1996 Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Minneapolis, MN with Daniel Kelm
1994 University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI with Walter Hamady
1992 Center for Photography at Woodstock, NY with Sally Gall
1992 Women's Studio Workshop, Rosendale, NY with Ruth Lingen
1992 Artists Book Works, Chicago, IL with Miles DeCoster
1987 Art in Scotland, Central Michigan University at The Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, Scotland
1984 Kalamazoo, MI with Rosamond Wolff Purcell
1984 Alma College, Alma, MI with Kent Kirby
1982 Catskill Center for Photography, Woodstock, NY with Olivia Parker
1982 Alpena, MI with Misha Gordin
1979 Maine Photographic Workshop, Rockport, ME with Kate Carter
1978 Maine Photographic Workshop, Rockport, ME with Mark Wallack
1965 - 1966 The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
