Visiting Artists

Enrich your creative practice by participating in a visiting artist workshop! Learn new techniques, deepen and expand your skills, and connect with regional and national visiting artists working in the field of book arts. Visiting artists are invited to teach innovative processes and techniques in hands-on workshops that meet participants at a variety of skill levels. Connect with experts in the field and expand your creative knowledge through a visiting artist workshop!

MCBA’s Visiting Artist Program is generously supported by Cathy Ryan & Doris Engibous

Narrative World Building with Interactive Structures

with Yuka Petz and Julia Sarcone-Roach
Saturday, August 10; 12–4pm CT

How can simple book structures allow us to think with our brains and hands to expand our creative brainstorming process? In this combination skill-building and idea-generating workshop, we will make three tools to grow and develop character-based backstories. Projects will include the Character Caterpillar, World Building Pocketbook, and the Exquisite Twist Book. All structures are designed to be easily added to and made again independently. Continue reading “Narrative World Building with Interactive Structures”

Design-a-Character Volvelles for Kids & Their Grown-Ups!

with Yuka Petz and Clotilde Curry
Saturday, August 17; 9:30am–12pm CT

Let’s use simple paper tools to design fun characters in this workshop for kids and their grown-ups! Volvelles are types of spinnable wheel charts. First, we will make volvelles for faces and bodies. Then we’ll mix and match the faces, heads, and bodies to create unexpected and playful characters in a simple “stick bound” album. Characters will get names and descriptions like where they live, their special abilities, and more.

This in-person workshop will be led by a mother-and-daughter team, designed after activities that they regularly enjoy together. We will prioritize kids and their grown-ups working together on creative projects. Continue reading “Design-a-Character Volvelles for Kids & Their Grown-Ups!”

Artivism: How Art Can Change the World

with Nikkolas Smith
Thursday, October 3; 6–8pm CT

Join us in welcoming visiting #1 New York Times Bestselling artist Nikkolas Smith—an Artivist, picture book creator, and Hollywood film illustrator—for an in-person workshop featuring Nikkolas’ concept of Artivism and digital-painting techniques. As an illustrator of color, Nikkolas creates art that can spark important conversations around social justice in today’s world and inspire meaningful change. 

In this workshop, Nikkolas will share his Artivism journey, then help participants identify a topic on the theme of Artivism to address in their own artwork. Nikkolas will guide participants in creating a work of art while demonstrating his process, working alongside participants. Continue reading “Artivism: How Art Can Change the World”