Artist and librarian Megan Lotts will lead you through the process of making a zine (pronounced "zeen," short for “magazine”). Zines are small, handmade booklets that combine words, images, collage, drawing, and storytelling to share ideas and experiences in a creative way. You'll get to explore the galleries at Krannert Art Museum, draw inspiration from artworks and exhibitions, and transform your observations, reflections, and creative responses into a personal publication. No artistic experience is necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to experiment! All materials provided. (20 participants)
Megan Lotts is an Artist-in-Residence at Allerton Park and Retreat Center.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Megan Lotts is an artist, educator, and visionary academic librarian whose work re imagines the library as a dynamic space for creativity, connection, and play. As the Art Librarian at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, she brings an interdisciplinary approach to librarianship—one that merges research and art, scholarship and imagination, to foster inclusive and inspiring learning environments.
At Rutgers, Lotts collaborates across the visual arts, humanities, with art historians, and the landscape architecture programs, supporting faculty and students through research instruction, creative programming, and dynamic collection development. Her approach emphasizes the library as a site of engagement rather than quiet consumption—an active, participatory space where ideas are exchanged, art is made, and community thrives. Through projects that blend artistry, curiosity, and academic rigor, Lotts challenges traditional notions of what libraries are and what they can become.
Lotts is widely recognized for her pioneering work advancing creativity and play in academic libraries. Her scholarship explores how maker culture, experiential learning, and hands-on exploration can transform information spaces into living laboratories for innovation. Lotts invites users to engage with art in unexpected and participatory was which reflect her belief that libraries are not only repositories of knowledge, but catalysts for collaboration, experimentation, and joy.
ABOUT ZINES
Want to learn more about zines? Check out ABZ: Artists' Books & Zines: Collections, Ricker Library's guide to the artist's books and zines in their collections, plus materials across the University library system, notable makers of interest, and further related resources.
Krannert Art Museum acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.
