As part of our 35th anniversary celebration, Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) is proud to announce that the winner of the 2020 MCBA Prize is Sara Langworthy for her artist’s book, Sidereal. Acclaimed curator, writer, and historian Betty Bright selected Sidereal from an ever-narrowing pool of 158 submissions, 32 finalists and five finalists.
Continue reading “2020 MCBA Prize Winner Announcement”
Roll-Up/Pop-Up Books
with Shawn Sheehy
Wednesdays: January 27, February 3, 10, 17; 4:30–6:30pm CST
You have explored how-to books on making pop-ups. You’re ready to make your own pop-up project. You are stymied by the question: “How do I adapt these classic, foundational structures to make MY OWN structures?” This virtual workshop will help you think through that problem by exploring nine different structures at four levels: foundational, transitional, transformational, and personal. Continue reading “Roll-Up/Pop-Up Books”
New/Old Editions
with Mary Leikvold
Thursdays: January 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18; 7–9pm CST
Gain new insight into your vision and practice by transforming old, unfinished prints and abandoned editions into new work. In conversation and collaboration with other makers, explore printmaking and book arts techniques, delve into materials, and experiment with new ideas and ways of working. Continue reading “New/Old Editions”
Art Practice Circle: February
with Regula Russelle
Monday, February 1; 6–7:30pm CST
Art Practice Circle meets virtually and offers a friendly community space to listen and share about art making during this time of physical separation. Continue reading “Art Practice Circle: February”
Origami Valentines
with Kathleen Sheridan
Tuesday: February 2; 7–9pm CST
Gather (virtually!) with others and learn to fold a variety of origami valentines for friends and loved ones. The heart-shaped origami models taught in this virtual workshop will all be flat enough to send in the mail, just in time for Valentine’s Day (or anytime)! This workshop is for ages 18 and up. Continue reading “Origami Valentines”
Monotypes on Paper and Fabric
with Michelle Lee Lagerroos & Kirsten Olson
Thursdays: February 4, 11, 18; 5:30–7:30pm CST
Monotypes are one part printmaking, one part play–and they can be done at home without a press! The result is a set of prints that are fun, freeing, and truly unique. In this virtual workshop, participants will learn how to use gel-plate printing tools and everyday household materials to print one-of-a-kind prints, cards, quilt squares, and tea towels. Continue reading “Monotypes on Paper and Fabric”
Origami Valentines for Families
with Kathleen Sheridan
Saturday, February 6; 10–11:30am CST
For families with children ages 6 and up
Show your love by folding your valentines together! A variety of valentine-themed origami models will be taught, plus ideas for including notes and other personalizations. Your creations can be hung as decorations or sent in the mail. Continue reading “Origami Valentines for Families”
Family Workshop: Let’s Make Puppets!
with Michelle Lee Lagerroos & Kirsten Olson
Saturday, February 6; 1–2:30pm CST
For families with children ages 6 and up
The whole family will go head over heels for this playful paper craft! Start with simple shapes, use what you have around the house to add detail, then cut and assemble your one-of-a-kind creations. Articulated paper puppets are perfect for storytelling props, stop-motion animation, valentines, and more! Continue reading “Family Workshop: Let’s Make Puppets!”
Hardcover Book
with Anna Haglin
Tuesdays: February 9, 16, 23; 7–9pm CST
In this three-part virtual workshop, learn how to make a hardcover book at home. An introduction to basic tools and materials will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make this binding again in different sizes and with a variety of materials. Continue reading “Hardcover Book”
Charting an Art Practice
with Regula Russelle
Wednesdays: February 10 & 17; 7–8:30pm CST
Art making offers marvelous ways to relate and connect even during times of physical distancing and uninvited isolation. Professionals and amateurs alike grapple with: how to establish a daily practice, how to respect limitations and make peace with uncertainty, and how to create realistic goals and work toward them. Continue reading “Charting an Art Practice”
Generative Measures: Research and Writing for Artist’s Books
with Ellen Sheffield
Tuesdays: February 16, 23, March 2, 9, 16, 23; 6–8pm
This virtual workshop will focus on non-traditional approaches to developing original content for artist’s books. A wide range of research tools will first be demonstrated to jumpstart ideas for projects. From these research seeds, participants will respond to writing prompts and engage in experimental creative writing techniques to grow these ideas into prototypes for artist’s books. Continue reading “Generative Measures: Research and Writing for Artist’s Books”
Natural Indigo: Use & Preparation
with Radha Pandey
Sat–Sun, February 20 & 21; 10–11am CST
Learn how to set up and maintain the fruit vat—a type of natural indigo vat. Instruction will cover the history of indigo in India, how to be conscientious when sourcing this and other dyes, using natural indigo for projects on cloth, reviving the vat for re-use over a long period, as well as safe disposal of the vat after you are finished with it. Continue reading “Natural Indigo: Use & Preparation”
A Satisfaction of Movable Mechanisms
with Shawn Sheehy
Wednesdays: February 24, March 3, 17, 24; 7–9pm CST
Think back to the last time you picked up a movable card. You moved the mechanism back and forth, soothed and satisfied by the movement. You wished there was a collective noun for movable cards. Well, there is! Join seasoned paper engineer Shawn Sheehy in building A SATISFACTION of ten movable mechanisms that demonstrate a wide range of movement possibilities. Continue reading “A Satisfaction of Movable Mechanisms”
Print it Yourself: Totes and Tees
with Michelle Lee Lagerroos & Kirsten Olson
Wednesday, February 24; 4:30–6:30pm CST
Why shop for clever shirts and tote bags when you can make them yourself? Learn how to make one-of-a-kind T-shirts and tote bags using simple stencil methods. Instructions will cover optimal stencil design, cutting and printing stencils, and designing and printing multiple layers. Continue reading “Print it Yourself: Totes and Tees”
Single Signature Sampler
with Amanda D’Amico
Thursday, February 25; 6–9pm CST
Inspired by needlework samplers, this 3-hour workshop explores several decorative sewing patterns for single signature books. Building on a simple pamphlet stitch, participants will learn several stitches and execute them on a single, multi-signature book. Continue reading “Single Signature Sampler”