The Arts in Galena

Liz Mitchell

Liz, MS
Word and Paper Artist

31 Stony Point
Galena, IL 61036-9349
815/777-1165



Word and paper artist Liz Mitchell delights in creating altered books, collage objects and one-of-a-kind memory books and special occasion greeting cards. After a full career as an executive speechwriter, public speaking coach, editor, public relations professional and librarian, Liz is now a passionate creator of word and paper art items ranging from collage cards to objects such as boxes and trays. Her work often features quirky combinations of postal stamps, newspaper and magazine clippings, cartoons and hand-stamped words and sayings.

Recently Liz has become consumed by the medium called "altered books," which uses old volumes as a "canvas" for fashioning whole new art objects. As a former librarian and a lifelong writer, she loves turning books on every conceivable subject into an art form that, she feels, comments on complexity, captures the ephemeral and celebrates the playful aspects of life.

The editor of the Galena Artists Guild newsletter, Liz has long been active in arts promotion, book and film reviewing, women's issues and environmental protection activities. She attended Smith College and the University of Paris (Sorbonne) and is a graduate of Boston University and Simmons College. She and her husband have made their home in Galena since 1994.

Back to Arts page