CUSTOM YOUTH WORKSHOPS

From a small series of workshops to a semester-long or multi-year program, custom workshops allow teachers to integrate their existing curriculum goals with the visual and literary excitement of the book arts. We are experienced at collaborating with teachers and staff of all grade levels and age groups to plan comprehensive book arts residencies. Experience the book arts at your school, in MCBA studios or through a combination of both.

MCBA works closely with teachers to develop a workshop or series of custom workshops to fit lesson plans, reinforce learning, and improve comprehension. We start with your curriculum goals and objectives and then work together to build a dynamic book arts project that strives to be motivating and meaningful for your students.

A custom workshop may include one or more of the following activities: traditional or sculptural bookmaking, papermaking, paper decoration or printmaking. An age and curriculum-appropriate introduction to book arts and instruction method is planned with classroom teachers. A teacher in-service can be included with each custom workshop.

For custom workshops, MCBA artist instructors spend anywhere from two to twenty hours working with students (pre-K through 12) and teachers in their classrooms. Once the planning is complete, the MCBA artist instructors take care of the details. If the workshops are to take place in the classroom, the artists will arrive at the classroom with all of the materials and tools required for the book arts activities.

WHY BOOK ARTS?
Adding book arts to your curriculum will help engage your students in:

• Hands-on learning through an artistic process
• Creative and personal expression
• Deeper understanding of a subject matter
• Pride in personal accomplishments
• Collaborations with other students and across subjects
• An understanding of the creative process
• Discovery of a new art form
• Critical and visual thinking skills

STUDENTS SUCCEED
The book arts dwell in the visual arts, yet students typically don't feel they need to be an artist in order to create their own book. The book form provides a familiar, accessible starting place for students. Our experienced artist-instructors take students through a step-by-step process leading to the successful completion of their own book arts project.

PLANNING A CUSTOM WORKSHOP
MCBA schedules residencies throughout the year. Please allow two to three months for the planning process. We encourage early registration -- our schedule fills quickly, especially for the spring. MCBA offers a 10% discount for custom workshops scheduled for the fall.

GRANTS
Grants are often available to schools for arts residencies. Research grant opportunities early in the year to be sure that you have adequate time to plan and implement the project if your proposal is accepted. MCBA can provide you with supporting information for writing your grant such as activity descriptions, background information about MCBA and artist(s), and a proposed budget.

HOW SCHOOLS HAVE INTEGRATED BOOKS ARTS INTO THEIR CURRICULUM GOALS
Click on the links below to find out how other teachers have integrated their existing curriculum goals with the visual and literary excitement of the book arts.

New Visions School, Minneapolis


To discuss ideas for a custom workshop, or for scheduling and pricing information, please contact Jill Weese, MCBA's Youth Programs Coordinator, at 612 215 2529.