Workshops & Events
Studiomates: Creating in Shared Space Reception
Join us for a reception with Artist Collective members and staff.
Foraged Fibers
Join us for this hands-on, in-person workshop where you'll transform Minnesota’s flora into stunning handmade paper.
Letterpress 4: Guided Projects
Letterpress 4 focuses on planning and printing an edition (or a group of identical prints).
Introduction to Screen Printing: June
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.
Artist Talk: Material, Structure, and Narrative in Artists' Books
We're delighted to welcome Islam Aly back to MCBA’s studios for an artist talk and workshops!
Exploring Arabic Typography with Wood Type, Plates, and Letterpress
Explore Arabic typography's rich history and contemporary possibilities in this hands-on, in-person workshop using wood type, plates, and letterpress printing.
Stiff-Leaf Binding and Variations
The stiff-leaf binding is a non-sewn binding technique ideal for assembling printed sheets into a rigid, durable book.
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (June)
This in-person letterpress workshop offers an introduction to MCBA’s print studio—including key equipment, tools, and terminology—in addition to an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of printing a message through the hands-on process of letterpress printing.
Experimental Modern Marbling
Combine traditional marbling and painterly suminagashi techniques in this in-person marbling intensive.
Four-Flap Box
The four-flap box—sometimes called a "phase" box—is a fantastic structure used to protect a book from wear and tear.
Hand-Lettering 1: Art of Letters
In this in-person workshop, you'll discover hand-lettering techniques through a step-by-step approach to drawing letters and short words, and come away with a set of your own hand-lettered cards that you can give to friends and family.
Letterpress 2: Setting Type (July)
This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press.
Introduction to Screen Printing: July
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.
Hand-Lettering 2: Composition & Balance
Building on the fundamentals of drawing letters and short words in Hand Lettering 1: Art of Letters (previously called The Art of Hand Lettering), this follow-up workshop focuses on working with multiple words and phrases.
Color Theory for Book Artists
Learn how to mix any color imaginable using Pantone letterpress inks
Introduction to Marbling: July
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Collage Chapbooks at WIP and MCBA!
Join Workshop for Independent Publishing (WIP) founders, Aiden Bettine and India Johnson, for an in-person chapbook publishing workshop at WIP (Saturday 7/19) and MCBA (Sunday 7/20).
Screen Print Cards
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and print your unique design on a set of cards!
East Asian Stab Bindings
Stab bindings feature single sheets bound with decorative, exposed sewing at the spine.
Suminagashi
Immerse yourself in the oldest form of marbling, Suminagashi 墨流し (“spilled or floating ink”).
Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints (July)
Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints focuses on printing multiple layers and building printers’ confidence using Vandercook presses through practice.
Woodcut Printmaking 2
This in-person workshop builds on the skills learned in Woodcut Printmaking 1 (previously called Woodcut Printmaking). Build your skills and gain a deeper understanding of the reductive printmaking process.
Overbeaten Fibers Era
Join us for a deep dive into the transformative world of overbeaten fiber in papermaking!
Handmade Book: Materials & Techniques
Learn to sew a two-color silk headband, make custom book cloth from any fabric, and color a book edge with gouache.
Screen Print: Guided Projects
Join this unique in-person workshop designed for screen printers with introductory-level experience and a desire to create an independent project with guidance.
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (August)
This in-person letterpress workshop offers an introduction to MCBA’s print studio—including key equipment, tools, and terminology—in addition to an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of printing a message through the hands-on process of letterpress printing.
Introduction to Marbling: August
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Ultimate Portfolio
Have you ever wanted or needed a portfolio with a specific function? In this in-person workshop, learn how to make the ultimate portfolio.
Letterpress Cards with Hebrew Wood Type
Experience letterpress printing while making cards with MCBA's new collection of Hebrew wood type.
Pulp Painting
In this in-person workshop, participants will learn the art of creating pulp paintings from start to finish!
Japanese Papermaking
Explore the tools and techniques of Japanese papermaking in this in-person workshop.
Paper Marbling: Patterns 1
Designed for those with prior marbling experience, you'll explore classical patterns, including the get-gal nonpareil and its variations.
Paper Thread
Learn to make paper thread two ways, rooted in Korean and Japanese traditions in this in-person workshop with visiting artist Aimee Lee.
Artist Talk: In the Field
We're delighted to welcome Andrea Peterson to MCBA’s studios for a visit from northwest Indiana! Join us for an artist talk with Andrea Peterson, a papermaker who practices regenerative and sustainable methods on land that entwines her work and life.
In the Field: Papermaking
This in-person workshop is geared toward thinking sustainably in building a studio practice of papermaking with natural fibers.
Laser-Cut Letterpress: Type and Imagery
Discover the powerful possibilities of combining laser-cutting and letterpress printing on the Vandercook press!
Introduction to Marbling: June
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints (Weekday Intensive)
Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints focuses on printing multiple layers and building printers’ confidence using Vandercook presses through practice.
Ideation Through Collage
In this in-person workshop, failure is celebrated, dialogue sparks innovation, and the goal is to disrupt typical ideation patterns.
Letterpress 2: Setting Type (Weekday Intensive)
This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press.
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (Weekday Intensive)
This in-person letterpress workshop offers an introduction to MCBA’s print studio—including key equipment, tools, and terminology—in addition to an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of printing a message through the hands-on process of letterpress printing.
Artist Talk: Karen Wirth & Clifton Meador
Join us for an artist talk with 2024 McKnight Book Artist Fellow Karen Wirth!
Unfolding Narratives: Writing for Artists' Books
Learn techniques for generating text for artist's books through conceptual approaches: text as image, as narrative, and as lyrical expression.
Block Print Bandanas
In this in-person workshop, participants will learn how to create repeating patterns and carve a linoleum block to print on fabric.
The Art of Hand Lettering
In this in-person workshop, you'll discover hand-lettering techniques with step-by-step instructions and how to illustrate a word or quote of your choice.
Art Speaks • An Unfinished Project: Intersecting Quilting, Book Arts, and History to Celebrate a Mother’s Creative Legacy
An Unfinished Project presents a time capsule of sorts, stoking the mystery of history, honoring Mary and her work, celebrating her surrounding community, and combining and highlighting multiple art forms: textile arts, book arts, and letterpress printing.
Botanical Eco-Printing on Silk (Sunday)
Learn the magical process of eco-printing in this in-person workshop.
Botanical Eco-Printing on Silk
Learn the magical process of eco-printing in this in-person workshop.
Criss-Cross Binding (AKA Secret Belgian Binding)
Come learn this not-so-secret binding designed by Belgian bookbinder Anne Goy who named the structure “Criss-Cross Binding.”
Suminagashi
Immerse yourself in the oldest form of marbling, Suminagashi 墨流し (“spilled or floating ink”).
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Weekend
In this in-person workshop, learn foundational skills in bookbinding while making three book structures: pamphlet binding (single- and double-section), slotted tape binding, and a hardcover, flat-back book with three-piece case.
Introduction to Marbling: May
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Introduction to Marbling: April
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
The Art of Hand Lettering
In this in-person workshop, you'll discover hand-lettering techniques with step-by-step instructions and how to illustrate a word or quote of your choice.