In 2025, our thematic focus was the art of the movable book. Renowned paper engineer Shawn Sheehy came to St. John’s and led two workshops and an artist talk showcasing his passion and skill for creating motion on the page with paper and glue.

Participants at his workshop on Animated Pop-ups learned how to assemble and examine a variety of structures—both pop-ups (fold-enacted dimensional designs) and movables (flat designs with tabs or wheels creating motion). Shawn brought pre-cut kits which participants used to make otters kick, fish swim, and bats fly. The day culminated with participants assembling a bound book out of their kits.

At Pop-Up Puffins + More, a drop-in workshop in Mount Pearl, kids and adults alike dropped by to learn about and trying out some basic pop-up structures, which they could then colour and decorate.

Shawn’s artist talk introduced how he uses paper-engineered structures to examine environmental issues. With copies of his award-winning books Welcome to the Neighborwood and Beyond the Sixth Extinction on hand, those in attendance got up up-close look at the alluring and enduring power of the pop-up.

During his visit, Shawn also had the chance to visit a book fair the St. John’s Farmer’s Market to sell some signed books.

You can find Shawn’s bio and see more of his work on his website.