Category: Design & Content

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Design & Content

MCBA’s in-person and virtual workshops in book arts are designed for adults looking to spark their creativity and professionals aiming to hone their practice. Our in-studio workshops offer hands-on experiences with specialized equipment and small class sizes, and often include a physical takeaway like a book, poster, or handmade paper. Virtual workshops feature processes that require easy-to-source materials and the opportunity to connect with artists from near and far. Our teaching artists—who bring a wide range of experience and education—thoughtfully balance lecture, demonstration, work time, and group sharing.

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Artist’s Books from Start to Finish

with Rosae Reeder
Wednesdays: July 31, August 7, 14, 21; 4:30–6:30pm CT

Want to make an artist’s book but don’t know how to start? Have you made artist’s books but want guidance on how to structure the process? This virtual workshop will take you through the process of making an artist’s book from start to finish. We’ll begin by demystifying and defining the book form. Then, we’ll dive into tips for ideation and idea mapping, connecting intention to execution. Instruction will cover ways to connect structure to content and how to approach the interactivity/passivity of the viewer. We’ll make models of simple structures and discuss more difficult ones. Discussion will include an overview of various mark-making and image-making methods and materials. At the end of the workshop, we’ll discuss how to plan and prepare for the final construction of your artist book. Depending on how much you’re able to work on your project outside of the workshop, you will come away with either a finished artist’s book or a working mock-up (or in-progress artist’s book) that you can use as a reference for completing your polished version after the workshop.  Continue reading “Artist’s Books from Start to Finish”

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Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)

with Cori Adams
con Cori Adams
Thursday, August 1; 1–4pm CT
el jueves 1 de agosto; 1–4pm CT

Join Cori Adams, Spanish immersion teacher and book artist, in a bilingual bookmaking bonanza! In this in-person workshop, unleash your imagination while creating unique books to cherish and share. Start by designing your own mini journal, where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and creativity through words, images, and mixed-media techniques. Then, create an origami star book, personalize a journal using recycled materials like calendars and magazines, or make a mini-book necklace. Through these engaging activities, students will develop their artistic skills by immersing themselves in a world of imagination, exploration, and endless possibilities! From cover to cover, this bookmaking workshop will have kids hanging on to every word (and page)!

¡Únase con Cori Adams, maestra de inmersión del español y artista, en una locura de libros! En esta sesión l@s niñ@s abrirán su imaginación mientras crean libros únicos y queridos. Empezarán por diseñar su propio mini diario, donde pueden expresar sus pensamientos, sentimientos y creatividad por palabras, imágenes y técnicas mixtas. De ahí, quizá escogen construir un libro de origami de estrellas, personalizar un diario con materiales reciclados tal como calendarios o revistas, o crear un librito para llevar como collar. A través de estas actividades fascinantes, l@s niñ@s podrán desarrollar sus habilidades artísticas al sumergirse en un mundo lleno de imaginación, exploración e infinitas posibilidades. ¡De principio a fin, este taller hará que l@s niñ@s se enganchen a cada palabra…y a cada página! Continue reading “Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)”

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Poetry in Watercolor

with grace (ge) gilbert
Wednesday, August 7; 6–8pm CT

Watercolor and poetry go hand in hand. Both are messy, whimsical, and a little outside the lines. In this virtual workshop, writers and artists alike will learn introductory watercolor techniques, poetry prompts, and the how (and why!) of creating mixed-media poetry. Using examples from writers and artists who work with watercolor, create your own watercolor poems and come away with a deeper understanding of the relationship among language, color, and mediums. This workshop will include readings, an introduction to mixed-media poetics, demos for how to illustrate a poem, and guided time for writing and painting. Continue reading “Poetry in Watercolor”

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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”

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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!”

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Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)

with Cori Adams
con Cori Adams
Saturday, August 17; 1–4pm CT
el sábado 17 de agosto; 1–4pm CT

Join Cori Adams, Spanish immersion teacher and book artist, in a bilingual bookmaking bonanza! In this in-person workshop, unleash your imagination while creating unique books to cherish and share. Start by designing your own mini journal, where you can express your thoughts, feelings, and creativity through words, images, and mixed-media techniques. Then, create an origami star book, personalize a journal using recycled materials like calendars and magazines, or make a mini-book necklace. Through these engaging activities, students will develop their artistic skills by immersing themselves in a world of imagination, exploration, and endless possibilities! From cover to cover, this bookmaking workshop will have kids hanging on to every word (and page)!

¡Únase con Cori Adams, maestra de inmersión del español y artista, en una locura de libros! En esta sesión l@s niñ@s abrirán su imaginación mientras crean libros únicos y queridos. Empezarán por diseñar su propio mini diario, donde pueden expresar sus pensamientos, sentimientos y creatividad por palabras, imágenes y técnicas mixtas. De ahí, quizá escogen construir un libro de origami de estrellas, personalizar un diario con materiales reciclados tal como calendarios o revistas, o crear un librito para llevar como collar. A través de estas actividades fascinantes, l@s niñ@s podrán desarrollar sus habilidades artísticas al sumergirse en un mundo lleno de imaginación, exploración e infinitas posibilidades. ¡De principio a fin, este taller hará que l@s niñ@s se enganchen a cada palabra…y a cada página! Continue reading “Bilingual Bookmaking Bonanza: Ages 8–12/Locura de libritos bilingüe (edades 8–12)”

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Introduction to Book Design for Visual Artists

with Sarah Stengle
Thursdays: September 12, 19, 26; 6–9pm CT

This introduction to book design is tailored to the needs of visual artists, with a focus on both traditional and experimental approaches to typography, layout, and book structure. During the first week, we’ll focus on typography, followed by designing page spreads and sequencing text and/or imagery in the second session. The third week, we’ll focus on supporting participants’ individual design goals. Each session will begin with a presentation followed by time working with materials related to the session’s topic with individual guidance from the teaching artist. During the last session, participants will learn how to attach a flexible paper (Kozo or Gampi) album-hinge onto watercolor paintings, drawings, or prints so that inflexible artwork can be bound together into a book format that opens fully even if the pages of artwork are inflexible. Continue reading “Introduction to Book Design for Visual Artists”

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Columns and Kaleidocycles

with Sarah Stengle
Saturdays: September 14 & 21; 1–4pm CT

Many dimensional paper objects can be made from a very simple triangular grid. In this in-person workshop, make two movable paper toys—a kaleidocycle and a hexaflexigon—paper columns, and three-dimensional folded paper structures that are particularly suited for artist’s books or sculpture. Instruction will include tips and tricks for precise folding and gluing. Continue reading “Columns and Kaleidocycles”

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Ultimate Portfolio

with Rachel Payne
Saturdays: September 21 & 28; 10am–4pm CT

Have you ever wanted or needed a portfolio with a specific function? In this in-person workshop, learn how to make the ultimate portfolio. This portfolio has all of the bells and whistles you can imagine: handles, an insert, pockets, an easel, straps, and more. Come away with the skills needed to make any number of customized portfolios to suit your needs. Continue reading “Ultimate Portfolio”

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Hardcover Accordion Book: Collage Spotlight

with Rosemary Rae
Tuesday, September 24; 5–8pm CT

Create a truly original book featuring painting, collage, and bookmaking techniques. This virtual workshop is designed for anyone interested in exploring collage, creating a small series of collage art pieces, and making a book to feature your work.

We’ll begin with an introduction to collage, followed by a demonstration of collage techniques, and strategies for finding inspiration. Then, learn how to create a 10-panel accordion book structure which will be housed in a hard cover (made with thick paper board). Create collages on each of the panels in a sequence and learn how to include a few pop-ups and die cut elements. Work can be based on a theme or a random exploration. Learn how to paint and assemble the hardcover panels, then how to ‘tip in’ or adhere your accordion to the finished hardcover book. Continue reading “Hardcover Accordion Book: Collage Spotlight”

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Art Share for MCBA Members

with Anika Schneider
Tuesday, September 24; 6:30–8:30pm CT

Art Share provides MCBA members an opportunity to connect and inspire each other’s creative practice. Join other MCBA members in MCBA’s studios and take turns sharing about your artwork and responding to others’ artwork in a safe and supportive space. MCBA’s Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs will facilitate and watch the time for each speaker, but it is up to each artist to direct the conversation during their designated time, when they can choose to share or ask questions and receive feedback from the group. Continue reading “Art Share for MCBA Members”

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Textile Bookmaking

with Teté Montero
Tuesdays: October 1, 8, 15, 22; 5–6:30pm CT

Join us for a sensory-rich virtual workshop and create a unique hand-sewn textile book. Use a variety of pre-used or new textiles and thread, chosen by you before the workshop, to construct a tactile and visually appealing soft book.

We’ll start with an overview of the materials, tools, techniques, and essential stitches in fabric bookmaking. Then, we will review the history of soft books, highlighting examples by artists and cultural influences. We’ll explore textile books as an art form with various compositions and design options to help develop a foundation for participants’ conceptual themes and designs. 

Participants will craft the fabric pages of their book during the workshop, design and construct the cover, assemble the book by hand sewing the spine, and embellish it with diverse materials. By the end, participants will have created a personalized experimental textile book art piece. Continue reading “Textile Bookmaking”

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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”

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Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques

with Camilo Aguirre
Saturdays: October 12, 19, 26; 10:30–11:30am CT

Explore organic and figurative patterns and how to make them using digital tools and analog techniques using a variety of tiles, motifs, and elements. In this virtual workshop, learn ways to understand and appreciate design patterns and how to implement different strategies to create your own patterns. Last, we’ll look at how to use graphic media to reflect on culture by creating image systems with the elements you choose to use and the way you build your pattern. Continue reading “Pattern Design: Digital and Analog Techniques”