• 2026 MCBA Prize

    The MCBA Prize Exhibition featuring 21 semi-finalists and 5 finalists will be on view in the Main Gallery from August 29 - November 29.

    Find out who the winner is at the Virtual Prize Reveal on September 3rd at 6 pm CT. Register now!

  • Boundless Residency

    Applications are now open! Apply by August 23rd! Ask any questions at the virtual info session on August 11th.

  • Fall workshops are here!

    Get inspired, expand your skills, and connect with your community. This slate of workshops includes visiting artists and new workshops taught by incredible local artists.

  • Above, Below, and Beyond

    Outlook Gallery

    August 15–October 24, 2026

    This installation by Lexie Doerr brings the unseen to light...showcasing the complex tallgrass prairie ecosystem that goes unseen by many. Prairie grasses and soil microbes are captured as watermarks and are concealed or revealed based on light source and viewing position.

  • Who is America at 250? Artists’ Books on the State of Democracy

    Main Gallery
    June 13–August 16, 2026

    The exhibition Who is America at 250? Artists' Books on the State of Democracy explores the realities and perceptions of living in the United States today. Featuring artists' books and print work by artists from across the nation, the exhibition reflects on the current state of our American experiment.

  • Book a Private Workshop!

    Bring your group for a hands-on letterpress printing or suminagashi marbling workshop.

  • Become a Member

    Explore our new membership levels with better benefits, deeper community connections, and expanded access to book arts!

    As a member, you can support community access to the book arts through education, public programming, studio access for artists, and curated exhibitions.

  • The Shop at MCBA

    Shop small and support independent artists. Check out hand-printed greeting cards, prints, journals, zines, artists’ books, and more artful gifts!

Igniting creativity & community through the book arts.

Whether you’re pulling your first print or knotting your hundredth hand-bound book, we believe in your creative potential. As a nonprofit arts center with spacious studios, two galleries, and a book arts-themed shop, we provide access, educational opportunities, and room to explore.

Membership is More Than Perks

It’s connection and creative possibility.

Our freshly-updated membership program includes:

  • Digital wallet membership cards (coming this summer)

  • Member discounts

  • Early access to workshop registration

  • Invitations to behind-the-scenes events

  • Reciprocal access through NARM (Traveler’s and up)

  • And more ways to learn, make, and connect

When you join our family of supporters, you enjoy exclusive member perks! These include discounts, a head start on workshop sign-ups, invitations to a new annual Membership Mingle event, and more - all while championing our mission of making book arts accessible to all.

Upcoming Visiting Artist Workshops
Current Exhibitions
Upcoming Public Programs

Your support connects artists, students, and booklovers of all ages with programs that celebrate the art of the book.

Your generosity keeps our educational programs accessible, our studios world-class, and our exhibitions free to the public.