MISSION and VALUES
Staple + Stitch is an annual art book and print fair celebrating the intersection of art, text, print, and paper. We bring together artists, publishers, independent presses, book artists, zine makers, printmakers, and the broader community to foster creativity, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas through printed media.
Our mission is to create an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming space where artists and audiences can discover new work, engage in meaningful conversations, and experience the evolving practices of book arts and print culture. Through exhibitions, book signings, workshops, demonstrations, and educational programming for all ages, we support independent creators while strengthening connections across Chicago's cultural community.
Staple + Stitch is currently pursuing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is fiscally sponsored by Hive Center for the Book Arts. As we grow, we remain committed to building an enduring organization that values accessibility, artistic innovation, and community engagement, ensuring that our vibrant book and print ecosystem continues to thrive for years to come.
Jennifer Murray | Founder and Director
Jennifer Murray is an artist, educator, book and paper lover who lives and works in Chicago. As a long-time non-profit leader, she collaborates with artists and arts organizations to create diverse exhibitions and programming. She was the former Museum Manager at 21c Chicago, where she launched Staple + Stitch in 2024, and the Executive Director of Filter Photo, a nonprofit festival, exhibition, and educational space, where she organized programming for the Filter Photo Festival and directed its exhibition program for 8 years. She was an Instructor of Photography at Loyola University Chicago for fifteen years and consults and mentors artists on project development and exhibition preparation. She received an MFA in photography from Columbia College Chicago and was a featured Director/Curator in Newcity Magazine's Art 50: Chicago's Visual Vanguard 2024.
Maria Dunaevsky | Programming Director
Maria Dunaevsky is a Chicago-based artist and arts administrator specializing in artist books. She has exhibited in several art book fairs, including the Chicago Artist Book Fair and the Independent Art Book Fair. Since 2017, Maria has been serving as an arts administrator at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where she facilitates and organizes events for interdisciplinary studio departments. She has worked as an educator and lab assistant at LATITUDE Chicago and served on the Strategic Planning Advisory Committee. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from SAIC, where she focused on photography and bookmaking.