
What is By Design?
A life changer, a life saver, a life experience.
~Kellie Schweich, Teen Artist

By Design is an intensive teen artist development and mentoring program at Minnesota Center for Book Arts for beginning and advanced artists ages 15 to 18. The program starts with a ten-week introduction to book arts where students learn the basics of book arts through workshops on topics such as papermaking, marbling, printmaking, silk screenprinting, and zines. The session ends with an exhibit for both introductory and advanced By Design artists. After a student completes the introductory session, he or she is a member of the By Design Teen Co-op.
When does the introductory session meet?
Tuesdays: Open Studio from 3:30 to 6:30
Thursdays: Class from 4:00 to 6:30
Saturdays: Class from 12 to 4pm
What are the Dates?
Spring Session runs from February 21st through May 17th 2008.
SPRING SESSION EXHIBITION
May 16 – June 10, 2008
Opening reception Friday, May 16, 6-8pm
Artists’ presentations at 7pm
SUMMER SESSION EXHIBITION
August 9 – September 9, 2008
Opening reception Saturday, August 9,
6-8pm; artists’ presentations 7pm
When are applications due?
Completed applications for the Fall 2008 Introductory and the advanced mentoring session must be received at MCBA by September 20, 2008. To apply for By Design, contact Emma Allen for an application form or download the application forms now.
Application for the By Design Introductory Session
What are the benefits of the co-op?
- Access to studios 1-2 days a week on open studio days
- Use of By Design equipment and materials
- Invitations to attend workshops 2-4 times a month
- Opportunities to tour studios, galleries, museums and more
- Eligible to apply for advanced sessions
What Advanced opportunities are available?
Advanced Mentoring Session: Three times a year, graduates of the introductory session are encouraged to apply for a mentorship. To apply, students propose a book arts project and meet with the Teen Programs Coordinator for an interview. A maximum of eight students are chosen from the pool of applicants, based on the merit of their proposal and prior performance in the By Design program. Teens accepted into the mentoring session are then paired with a mentor artist based on the technical and/or conceptual components of their proposal. Students work one-on-one with their mentor to complete sophisticated book arts projects. As a culmination of the mentoring session, students work with the Teen Programs Coordinator to plan, curate and install an exhibition showcasing their accomplishments. Students also prepare an artist statement and a presentation for the opening reception.
MCBA Young Adult Advisory Board (Coming this summer, more information available soon!)
Teen Fellowship: After a student has completed two mentoring sessions, students can apply for a By Design Teen Fellowship. This program is designed for students who have a project they would like to make editions of or expand upon. Fellows are able to audit an adult class and receive a $100 stipend to spend on materials. While they don’t work directly with a mentor, students are encouraged to utilize the relationships they have built in By Design, and will take part in three critiques throughout the session.
Who can be in By Design?
By Design is for currently enrolled high school students in 9th through 12th grades. Seniors in high school are only accepted in the Fall Introductory Session, but are eligible to continue participating in the By Design Co-op and advanced sessions until three months after they graduate from high school.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to the support of organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, By Design Co-op membership is $200 for a calendar year of participation.
Are Scholarships Available?
MCBA has a scholarship nomination process, and can work with students to create a payment plan that fits their circumstances. Contact Emma Allen for more information.
How long can I remain in the Co-op?
Students can participate in By Design Co-op activities until three months after their graduation from high school. Many students stay involved with By Design for several years. Graduates from the program sometimes return to work internships at MCBA during their college years.
How do I sign up?
Introductory By Design is limited to ten students per session. This small class size keeps the experience personal and in depth for the teen artists. Students apply for a spot in the introductory session. Typically, we receive twice as many applications as we have spots to fill.
How are students chosen?
Students come in for an interview and applicants are chosen based on the student’s maturity, focus on the visual arts and/or writing, and ability to commit to the significant time commitment.
Who do I contact for more information?
Emma Allen is the program coordinator for By Design and your source for answers to any questions you have regarding the program. She can be reached at 612.215.2533 or via email.
By Design is supported in part by:

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