Book Arts Certificate

Minnesota Center for Book Arts plays a leading role in training and supporting the next generation of book artists.

MCBA offers two Certificate programs of study, to recognize dedicated individuals who complete a significant number of workshops in book arts and demonstrate knowledge and experience across book arts disciplines.

The Core Certificate in Book Arts is designed to recognize the work of individuals who build skills and knowledge in fundamental book arts processes, as well as an in-depth understanding in one or more areas or techniques. Enrollees must complete a uniform Core Curriculum, as well as a number of elective workshops within defined categories.

After earning the Core Certificate, individuals may choose to pursue an Advanced Certificate in Book Arts. The Advanced Certificate is designed to recognize and support the work of individuals who engage in advanced-level workshops, independent projects, and professional practices in one or more areas of book arts.

Benefits of Participating

MCBA Core and Advanced Certificates recognize proficiency in book arts practices and earn individuals the following benefits:

Individuals enrolled in the certificate program will receive a 20% discount on workshop tuition.* This discount remains in place throughout participation in the program as long as enrollees maintain active MCBA membership (which accounts for 10% of the discount).
Opportunity to connect with other artists and makers in MCBA’s community through workshops and events
Core and Advanced Book Arts Certificate graduates are acknowledged in MCBA’s e-newsletter and receive letterpress printed certificates to honor their achievement.
Core Book Arts Certificate graduates continue to receive a 20% discount on tuition as long as they maintain active MCBA membership.
Advanced Book Arts Certificate graduates are invited to participate in MCBA’s Artist Collective at a temporarily reduced rate.

*Those registering for workshops with a scholarship are not eligible to receive the 20% discount on workshop tuition in addition to the scholarship.

Application Process

To enroll in the Core Certificate in Book Arts, individuals must have taken 25 hours of MCBA workshops (virtual and/or in person) and they must be active members of MCBA. Individuals who meet the above criteria may complete and submit a Certificate Enrollment form to MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator. Within 2–3 weeks, MCBA staff will verify enrollment and share next steps for workshop registration (using the 20% discount) and tracking participation on the Core Certificate Tracking form.

Graduates of the Core Certificate in Book Arts are automatically enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Book Arts.

Tracking Participation and Graduation

Individuals are expected to track their own progress toward their certificate using the Core Certificate Tracking form and/or the Advanced Certificate Tracking form. Credit hours and categories are listed with workshop descriptions for current workshops and both virtual and in-person workshops are eligible. Once an individual has completed the required workshop hours for a certificate, they may submit their tracking form to MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator.

Workshops taken toward these certificates must be completed over the span of no more than five years. New enrollees can receive up to 25 hours of retroactive credit for workshops taken no more than five years prior to the date of their certificate application. For support in determining past workshop participation and other questions about the Book Arts Certificate program that are not addressed here, please contact MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator.

Graduates will be recognized for their achievement with a letterpress printed certificate after their tracking form has been reviewed by staff (please allow one month for this process). Graduates are acknowledged publicly each fall in an e-newsletter featuring certificate graduates and their work.

Forms

Certificate Enrollment form
Download (PDF format)

Core Certificate Tracking form
Download (PDF format)

Advanced Certificate Tracking form
Download (PDF format)

If you have any trouble with the downloadable forms, or need hard copies mailed to you, please contact MCBA’s Workshop Coordinator.

Core Certificate graduates

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Advanced Certificate graduates

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Curriculum: MCBA Core Certificate in Book Arts

Show Core Certificate Curriculum

To complete this certificate, individuals must complete at least 140 hours of workshops in three categories: A (Introductory workshops and Core Curriculum), B (Intermediate-level workshops), and D (Electives).

Category A Workshops

These workshops, which include a core curriculum that acquaints individuals with the fundamental tools and techniques of book arts, are geared toward beginners. Individuals pursuing the Core Certificate in Book Arts must complete 60 hours of Category A Workshops, including at least one workshop each in design, papermaking, letterpress printing, and bookbinding.

Core Curriculum (required):
– Letterpress I: Printing Basics
– Introduction to Hand Bookbinding
– Japanese Papermaking or European Papermaking
– Introduction to Design (offered with varying focus)

Additional Sample Category A Workshops:
– Introduction to Screen Printing
– Introduction to Marbling
– Box Building for Beginners
– Alternative Printmaking at Home (virtual)
– Non-Linear Artist’s Books (virtual)
– DIY Papermaking at Home (virtual)

Category B Workshops

These workshops are geared toward deepening knowledge of the processes and materials introduced in Category A Workshops. Enrollment in these workshops often carries a prerequisite (usually a Category A workshop in the same discipline). Individuals pursuing the Core Certificate in Book Arts must complete 40 hours of Category B Workshops. In some cases (such as Letterpress 2: Setting Type), it may be permissible to repeat a workshop for credit toward the certificate.

Sample Category B Workshops
– Letterpress 2: Setting Type
– Letterpress 3: Two-Color Postcards
– Book Repair
– Screen Print: Guided Projects
– Marbling Focus: Stones & Moire
– Box Building: Drawers & Dividers
– Mechanical Spine Binding

Category D Workshops

These workshops generally deal with a specific technique, such as a single binding or printing process. Electives are usually open to individuals at all experience levels. Individuals pursuing the Core Certificate in Book Arts must complete 40 hours of Category D Workshops.

Sample Category D Workshops:
– Hot Foil Stamping on Kwikprint Machines
– Origami Lantern
– Screen Print Cards

Curriculum: MCBA Advanced Certificate in Book Arts

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To be a candidate for the MCBA Advanced Certificate in Book Arts, individuals must first earn the MCBA Core Certificate in Book Arts, and must be prepared to conceptualize and execute independent projects that require proficiency in one or more areas of book arts.

To complete this certificate, individuals must complete at least 120 hours of workshops in two categories: C (Advanced-level workshops and guided projects) and D (Electives), in addition to attendance at three MCBA-hosted artist talks, panels, or exhibition openings, where artists speak about their work (this includes both in-person and virtual events). Candidates of the Advanced Certificate must also display their book arts work publicly and submit documentation with the Tracking form once complete. This might be an in-person solo or group exhibition in a gallery, library, or coffee shop; or, a new website, blog, or active social media account that features the candidate’s artwork. Documentation may include a postcard, images, email marketing, or links to websites of the public exhibit or book arts workshop.

Category C Workshops

These workshops are designed for advanced participants, and are of two types: technique-based, which build skills and develop advanced techniques, and guided projects, which allow participants to work with the supervision of an experienced artist and community of peers on a project of the individual’s design. Individuals pursuing the Advanced Certificate in Book Arts must complete 100 hours of Category C Workshops.

Sample Category C Workshops
– Box Building: Drawers & Dividers
– Visual Poetry and Artist’s Books
– Developing Contemporary Marbling Patterns
– Cloud Paper: Reverse Pulp Painting
– Book Arts Project Planning
– Screen Print: Guided Projects

Category D Workshops

These workshops generally deal with a specific technique, such as a single binding or printing process. Electives are usually open to individuals of all experience levels. Individuals pursuing the Advanced Certificate in Book Arts must complete 20 hours of Category D Workshops.

Sample Category D Workshops:
– Hot Foil Stamping on Kwikprint Machines
– Origami Lantern
– Screen Print Cards