Workshops & Events
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.
One-Section Hardcover Bindings
The one-section hard-cover binding is a terrific structure for bookbinding beginners and practicing book artists alike!
Introduction to Screen Printing: April
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (April)
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: April
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Box Building Magic
In this in-person workshop, learn how to build this unique and playful structure with an artist who has fine-tuned the box design.
Analog Zine Machine
Zines are a low-stakes way to share your story. In this virtual workshop, we will focus on the analog—or non-computer based—skills needed to write and lay out a multi-page zine.
Beaded Books
Interested in expanding your bookmaking abilities by adding surface texture with beads?!
Movable Metamorphs
Join Shawn in MCBA’s studios to build this 5-structure movable book using a pre-cut kit and a simple set of hand tools--all you'll do is fold and glue!
Slipcase Wildflowers
Celebrate Earth Day by creating a pocket-sized collection of pop-up spring wildflowers in MCBA’s studios.
Japanese Papermaking
Explore the tools and techniques of Japanese papermaking in this in-person workshop.
Mechanical Spine Binding
In this virtual workshop, learn how to create a simple, non-adhesive binding with a mechanical spine that collapses when the book is opened on a flat surface.
Storage-Folio Book
A storage-folio book is a sculptural book structure made up of a series of envelope-style enclosures that feature two-dimensional ephemera.
Modern Marbling 1
Take your marbling skills to a new level! In this in-person workshop, learn to make newly-designed, contemporary patterns.
Sewing Card Magic: One-, Two- & Three-Section Books
When making one-, two-, and three-section books, the sewing card is an awesome tool for mastering simple to advanced sewn bindings.
Introduction to Marbling: May
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
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.
Modern Victorian-Inspired Collage
Step into a world of Victorian charm and creativity in this virtual workshop.
Box Building for Beginners
Building boxes with high-density board, often called “book board,” is a time-honored tradition within book arts.
Tunnel Book and Its Variations
Tunnel books are diorama-like scenes that can include incredible detail and dimension.
Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (May)
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.
Screen Print Fabric
Refresh your skills and build confidence in MCBA’s screen printing studio in this workshop focused on fabric.
Book Repair: Spine Mount and Recase
This intermediate, in-person workshop will explore two related techniques for repairing hardcover, cloth books.
Suminagashi
Immerse yourself in the oldest form of marbling, Suminagashi 墨流し (“spilled or floating ink”).
Alphabet Books
Learn how to turn a street toy into an artist’s book with teaching artist Priya Pereira, who adapted this unique structure through experimentation and play.
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.”
Fun with Accordions
In this virtual workshop, explore two of Rosae’s favorite accordion-based structures—an accordion book featuring a non-adhesive cover, and an expandable, hardcover album.
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.
Introduction to Hand Bookbinding: Morning
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.
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.
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.
Box Building: Clamshell Boxes
Clamshell boxes are used to store and protect precious objects—anything from books to a collection of artworks to sheet music.
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.
Single-Page Book Extravaganza
Single-page books or flutter-fold books, as they are affectionately called, are extremely versatile for making small books, zines, short greetings, or an interesting format for a letter.
Rebus: Image as Riddle
Rebuses are messages or puzzles in which pictures, letters, or symbols represent sounds.
Woodcut Printmaking 1
Experience the process of relief printing while carving and printing your own design in this in-person workshop.
Digital Resources: Geometry and Illusion for Visual Artists
In this virtual workshop, we’ll dive into some cool tools—both digital and on paper—to create tessellations, anaglyphs, patterns, and origami templates.
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.
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.
Ideation Through Collage
In this in-person workshop, failure is celebrated, dialogue sparks innovation, and the goal is to disrupt typical ideation patterns.
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.
Introduction to Marbling: June
Experience the magic of marbling firsthand with this single-day, in-person workshop!
Laser-Cut Letterpress: Type and Imagery
Discover the powerful possibilities of combining laser-cutting and letterpress printing on the Vandercook press!
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.
Image Transfers with Gelatin Plates
Image transfers are a fun way to incorporate found imagery into your prints. Part collage and part print, image transfers offer an opportunity for unexpected results.
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.
Flag Book: Mixed Media Festival
Gather found type, numerals, tickets, and random images to create a paper festival!
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.
Screen Print Cards: March
Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and print your unique design on a set of cards!
Puzzle Books
As the name suggests, there’s no particular way in which to unfold a puzzle book. Open left to right, right to left, north to south or vice-versa.
Book Artist Badge Day
Join us in MCBA’s studios for a day of book arts and earn your Book Artist Badge!
Collage Artist Trading Cards: Let's Trade!
Let’s explore collage through Artist Trading Cards! Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are small two- dimensional works of art about the size of a playing card.
Box Building: Drawers & Dividers
Learn to create drawers that slide and divisions within the box in MCBA’s studios.
Marbling Focus: Bouquet Patterns
Step into the world of bouquet comb artistry with this immersive, in-person workshop!
And your very flesh shall be a great poem
Join us for a collaborative concrete poetry and low-fi printmaking workshop in MCBA’s studios, drawing on the history of concrete poetry, the work of screenprinter and text-combiner Corita Kent, and Walt Whitman's insistence that a just society is poetry's embodiment.
European Papermaking: March
Learn the tools, terminology, and procedures of European-style papermaking in this in-person studio workshop.
Letterpress 2: Setting Type (March)
This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press.