Workshops & Events
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Coptic Binding 1
Explore Coptic bindings, the most common form of link-stitch binding and possibly the oldest continuously used sewing pattern for books.
Marbling with Curves
Do you feel constrained by the forward-and-back motion of most traditional marbling patterns? With a few small tweaks to the combs you're using, clean circles, arcs, and more are all possible!
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
MCBA Prize 2026 Virtual Reveal
Join MCBA and Prize Juror, Inge Bruggeman, as we announce the winner of the 2026 MCBA Prize! All 20 semi-finalists and 5 finalists will be showcasing their work virtually over the course of the night. See you virtually!
Beaded Books
Interested in expanding your bookmaking abilities by adding surface texture with beads?! This in-person workshop focuses on how to create and adorn book cloth with size 10/0 seed beads.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Paper Beater Training
If you aren't already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity!
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Cutting Equipment Orientation
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity!
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (September)
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 Hand Bookbinding: Evening
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.
MCBA Prize 2026 Reception
Celebrate the MCBA Prize with an in-person toast and gallery reception.
Introduction to Marbling: September
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this in-person workshop!
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Creative Box Design
In book arts, boxes are created as containers to house books, paper, and other objects; they can also function as the artwork itself as the structure provides ample opportunities for creativity and experimentation to flourish.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Coptic Binding 1: September
Explore Coptic bindings, the most common form of link-stitch binding and possibly the oldest continuously used sewing pattern for books.
Coptic Binding 2
Take your Coptic binding skills further in this intermediate, in-person workshop focused on advanced techniques and project design.
Japanese Papermaking
Explore the tools and techniques of Japanese papermaking in this in-person workshop.
Introduction to Screen Printing: September
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Virtual
In this virtual 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.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Paper Beater Training
If you aren't already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity!
First Saturday Tour (October)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Collaborative Publishing as an Artistic Practice
Designed to demystify the often hidden administrative and social labor costs of making artists’ books, this virtual workshop will cover the how, why, and what of working with other artists and writers on collaborative publications.
Quick & Dirty Letterpress Posters: October
Learn about the history and power of the printing press as a tool for sharing information, and use a Vandercook printing press to print a message!
Suminagashi: October
Immerse yourself in the oldest form of marbling, suminagashi 墨流し (“spilled or floating ink”).
Plunge into Pop-Ups
Learn fundamental elements of constructing pop-ups--from design and construction to tools and materials!
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (October)
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: October
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this in-person workshop!
Book Repair: Broken Cloth & Paperback Books
In this in-person workshop, learn foundational techniques and methods to care for aged and damaged books.
Making Books and Pop-Ups with Kids
This virtual workshop is for any adult who would like to build a repertoire of cards and books to teach the children in their lives, regardless of the setting—school, home, community center, or after-school program.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Cutting Equipment Orientation
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity!
Intuition Lab: Ekphrastic Collage
In this generative virtual workshop, reach beyond text and image as illustration and description and learn how to respond to poetry or other written art with intuitive collage making.
Budgeting and Pricing Your Artist’s Books
In this virtual workshop, we’ll take a detailed look at the various financial parts of making and publishing artists’ books, including budgeting, tracking costs, pricing, and funding.
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.
Printing on the Handpress
250 years ago, printers composed and inked type to print the first copy of the Declaration of Independence on a handpress.
Woodcut Printmaking for Beginners: October
Experience the process of relief printing while carving and printing your own design in this in-person workshop.
Phežúta Mniȟúha: Medicine Paper
This in-person workshop explores the incorporation of traditional Indigenous plant material with papermaking processes.
Beyond the Book: Book Repair
Join us for Beyond the Book featuring Ethiopic codices from the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML).
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Hardcover Exposed Sewn Binding
In this virtual workshop, learn how to create a beautiful hardcover binding using leather or cloth for the spine, and paper for the cover boards.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Selling and Distributing Your Artist's Books
Designed to demystify the often hidden administrative and social labor costs of making artists’ books, this virtual workshop will take an in-depth look at the different aspects of selling and distributing artists’ books and zines: audience, promotion, book and zine fairs, working with stores, selling to libraries, etc.
Hand-Lettering 1: Art of Letters (October)
In this in-person workshop, you'll discover hand-lettering techniques through a guided approach to drawing letters and short words, and walk away with a poster featuring your own lettering alphabet or your favorite letter!
Drum Leaf Binding
The drum leaf binding—developed by Tim Ely—is a simple yet elegant design that uses folio pages printed on one side and not sewn through the fold.
Letterpress 2: Setting Type (October)
This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press.
Watermarks & Assemblage with Handmade Paper
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 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.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Image Transfers for Collage
Image transfers are a playful and versatile process to add to your collage toolbox. Part collage and part print, image transfers offer an opportunity for unexpected results.
Introduction to Screen Printing: Weeknight
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.
First Saturday Tour (November)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
Book Artist Badge Day
Join us in MCBA’s studios for a day of book arts and earn your Book Artist Badge!
First Saturday Tour (December)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
First Saturday Tour (January)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
First Saturday Tour (February)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
Beyond the Book: Ethiopian Books
Join us for Beyond the Book featuring Ethiopic codices from the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML). Visiting artist Islam Aly will also share his contemporary Ethiopian bindings for a rich and engaging experience.
Cutting Equipment Orientation
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity!
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
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 in-person workshop!
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.
Suminagashi
Immerse yourself in the oldest form of marbling, suminagashi 墨流し (“spilled or floating ink”).
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
First Saturday Tour (August)
Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a free tour of our studios.
Paper Beater Training
If you aren't already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity!
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Screen Print Lab
Prep screens and print in MCBA's darkroom and screen print studio while enjoying the fellowship of other artists.
Papermaking Lab
Beat fiber with MCBA’s Reina beater and two Valley beaters. Or, bring prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming.
Bookbinding Lab
Bookbinding Lab provides access to basic binding tools, hot foil stamping machines, buttonmaker, and large tables.
Cutting Equipment Orientation
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity!