But the crowds lapped up the new Biblio: Artists Books exhibit at the annual Clunes Booktown Festival at the weekend. 

Ballarat and Melbourne based artist Deborah Klein said people of all ages were keen to have a read of her book-art. 

"If there is a story in the art, I like to keep it open-ended," Ms Klein said. 

"People bring their own arguments to the book." 

The book art movement involves artists telling stories through images, with minimal or no words. 

Some books will feature poems accompanied by art, others are just stand alone selections of illustrations. 

Ms Klein was one of the ten local artists showcasing their work inside the Wesley Bluestone building in Clunes. 

"This is my third year at Clunes, but the first time participating," she said.

Her art consists of a lino-cut and unique series, zines and a limited edition lino cut and rubber stamp books. 

"There was also a series of 13 original fairy tales written by myself, with the occasional feminist twist at the end," she said. 

Ms Klein said her stall had been very popular, with many people providing feedback. 

State Library of Victoria manager and collection interpretation Robert Heather also had a stall at the event. 

He was showcasing some of the ancient artist books, which will also feature in the gallery's Rome: Piranesi's Vision exhibition.

"We wanted to show the unusual examples of book art," Mr Heather said. 

He said book artists had traveled from Ballarat and Trentham for the event. 

The Victorian Bookbinders Guild and Federation University also had stalls in the Wesley Bluestone building.