Melinda and Joseph Ostraff share a collaborative studio practice that brings together their distinct expertise and complementary ways of thinking. Melinda earned her PhD in Environmental Science and Human Geography from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, with a focus on ethnobotany. Joseph holds an MFA from the University of Washington in Seattle. Together, their work explores the intersection of human geography and the natural world, resulting in a unique and multifaceted artistic practice.

Over the past two decades, book arts have become a significant part of their creative process. In recent years, family members with diverse areas of expertise have joined them in forming Open Book Arts.

The collective includes:

Melinda Ostraff – BS, Mathematics and MS, Botany, Brigham Young University; PhD, Human Geography/Environmental Sciences, University of Victoria, BC

Joseph Ostraff – BFA, Studio Arts, Brigham Young University; MFA, Painting, University of Washington, Seattle

Josh Ostraff – BFA, Studio Arts, Brigham Young University; MFA, Painting, University of Minnesota

Jenny Ostraff Macfarlane – BFA, Printmaking and MPA, Tanner School of Business, Brigham Young University

Hannah (Ostraff) Russell – BFA, Graphic Design, Brigham Young University; MFA candidate, Graphic Design, Utah State University

Kaleb Ostraff – BA Art and MA in Art Education, Brigham Young University; PhD, Art Education, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign

Alexis (Fryer) Ostraff – BFA, Studio Arts, Brigham Young University

Zachary Ostraff – BS in English, Brigham Young University; MFA, Creative Writing, Eastern Washington University; PhD, Creative Writing, Texas Tech University

Elise (Boucher) Ostraff – BFA, Studio Arts, Brigham Young University; MFA candidate, Painting, University of Wisconsin–Madison


This website offers documentation of their individual projects as well as collaborations with other artists.