Minnesota Center for Book Arts News

ABOUT MCBA

From the traditional crafts of papermaking, letterpress printing and bookbinding to experimental artmaking and self-publishing techniques, Minnesota Center for Book Arts is the place for you to feed your curiosity, stretch your creativity and get your hands dirty! Try a workshop... take in an exhibition... bring your kids to a free family day... opportunities abound!

HOW TO GET HERE
Minnesota Center for Book Arts is located on the first floor of the Open Book building at 1011 Washington Ave. S. in downtown Minneapolis, just northeast of the Metrodome.

By bus: We are located on Metro Transit bus routes 7 and 22. The nearest stop is right outside Open Book at Washington Ave. S. and 11th Ave. S.

By rail: We are located five blocks east of the Downtown East / Metrodome light rail station.

By car: Limited parking is available in the Open Book lot adjacent to the building. Events in the building may limit availability. Metered street parking, pay lots and public ramps are also available nearby. Handicapped spaces are available in the Open Book lots near the front and rear entrances. Note: Metrodome events can affect parking availability.

VOLUNTEERING
Art fairs and festivals, gallery openings, bookmaking projects... volunteers provide critical support for each of MCBA’s artistic, education and community programs. We welcome volunteers at any and all skill levels. MCBA announces volunteer opportunities via e-mail “Action Alerts”; if you would like to help, please visit www.mnbookarts.org/aboutmcba, then click on “e-mail newsletter” to sign up.

TOURS AND PRIVATE WORKSHOPS
Guided tours and private workshops make great outings for community organizations, Girl and Boy Scout troups, youth groups, college classes, and even corporate teams. Take a 30-minute guided tour or take part in a custom book art workshop in one of our studios! For information and pricing please call Emma Allen at 612.215.2533 (adult groups) or Jill Weese at 612.215.2529 (preschool through high school groups).

STUDIO ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES

Have you taken an intro workshop, but feel a little uncertain about working independently? Gain confidence by participating in open studio. Open studio sessions are not workshops; they are opportunities to work independently under the watchful eye of an experienced artist who can answer questions, share tips and tricks, and help you hone your skills. Dates and times are listed among the Adult Workshops schedule. Register online or by calling 612.215.2520.

BOOKBINDING OPEN STUDIO
Open Bindery provides access to tools and equipment, and also fellowship! Join fellow artists to work on projects in a friendly and supportive environment. Supply fee covers select text papers, select thread and PVA; supply your own bookboard, cloth, decorative papers and other needs. Experience and cutting equipment training required.

MARBLING OPEN STUDIO
Bring your own paint and paper. MCBA will supply brushes, cups, eyedroppers and 16” x 20” tanks of carragheenan. Marbling experience required.

PAPERMAKING OPEN STUDIO
Get into the vat and hone your technique pulling sheets. Each session will have a featured fiber beaten and ready to go; supply your own pigments, retention agent and/or inclusions if you wish to use them.

LETTERPRESS OPEN STUDIO
Register at least a week in advance to reserve a press. Reservations are first-come first-served, and students must have had an introductory course on the press they are requesting (Vandercook, platen, sign). Letterpress experience required.

VISUAL JOURNAL COLLECTIVE
Do you keep a visual journal? Do you wonder how others approach this art form? Would you like an opportunity to get to know peers and be inspired by their work? Are you interested in a forum for exchanging information on the newest pens, paints, and other supplies? Do you want to commit time to practice your drawing skills or find a sketching partner? Do you just want to touch base each month with people who understand journaling? Join facilator Roz Stendahl at MCBA's new Visual Journal Collective. This group is open to all visual journal artists of any skill level. We'll discuss methods, materials, and media. Group members will be encouraged to participate in round robin journals and theme projects. At every meeting we'll have discussion, share our work, and engage our minds with a fun journaling exercise.

EQUIPMENT / STUDIO RENTAL
MCBA’s equipment and studios are available to rent in half-hour increments. MCBA requires all renters to be trained specifically for the equipment they wish to use. After training, you can rent equipment by calling to reserve time, provided such use does not interfere with a scheduled workshop or event.

Fees depend on the equipment rented. MCBA members receive a 10% discount on hourly rental fees. Call 612.215.2520 to inquire about availability.

Equipment training sessions are included on the Adult Workshops schedule. An equipment training tutorial can also be scheduled to suit your needs. To inquire, contact Emma Allen at 612.215.2533.

WORKSHOPS AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

For complete listings of workshops, community programs and special events, follow the following shortcuts:

ADULT WORKSHOPS

YOUTH & FAMILY WORKSHOPS

TEACHER WORKSHOPS

BOOK ARTS ROUNDTABLES

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

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