For Immediate Release

Contacts: Kathy Barr, (415) 565-0545 ext 13

San Francisco, Calif.—June 28, 2005—The San Francisco Center for the Book hosts "Multiplicity for Millions: the Art and History of Rubber Stamps," an exhibit featuring more than 80 vintage and contemporary rubber stamp sets from the private collections of L. Scott Helmes and Picasso Gaglione. Beginning August 12 through October 28, 2005, the free exhibit will examine the art and history of this deceptively simple form of printmaking. In addition, the center will host a reception for the fabulous exhibit on August 19th, 2005, 6-8pm.

The inspiring event will take a look at the imaginative manifestations of a simple technology used by many educators, merchants and artists. Rubber stamp artwork, exemplars, and an activity station will be featured in the exhibit.

About L. Scott Helmes
Helmes, a visual poet, began collecting rubber stamp sets in 1974. With more than 650 sets that number approximately 35,000 stamps, Helmes' collections are categorized into three major groups: marking sets (used in advertising), children's sets and educational sets. In addition, Helmes' essay, "Collecting Antique Rubber Stamp Sets," details his adventures in amassing the largest such collection in the country.

About Piccaso Gaglione
Known as the original owner of "Stamp Francisco," Gaglione has been involved with rubber stamp art and manufacturing of rubber stamps for more than 20 years. Plus, he is co-proprietor of Chicago's Stampland. His artistic influence on the world of rubber stamping has been documented extensively in art shows, books and magazine articles.

About San Francisco Center for the Book
The San Francisco Center for the Book is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring and encouraging contemporary interpretations of the book as an art object, as well as preserving the traditional art of book-making. The center provides both a home for Bay Area book artists and a place where the wider community can discover book arts. Our scores of workshops foster learning at all levels: from introductory classes to year long courses, from traditional bookbinding to cutting-edge printing techniques to experimental book art forms. In addition, the center's youth program provides a forum for artistic expression and discovery of emerging literacy among the young. Plus, there's always an exhibition up at the Center, designed to inform and delight visitors. Free public programs abound, too, from poetry readings, to book signings to gallery talks. Visit our Website at www.sfcb.org.

The San Francisco Center for the Book is a 501(C)3 nonprofit educational organization that depends on the involvement and generosity of individuals and on contributions from foundations and government agencies including the National Endowment for the Arts to provide many of its education initiatives, public events and book-arts programming.