MCBA’s Open Studio programming is designed to provide artists with regular, low-cost access to our studios and equipment outside of workshops and classes. Work on your own projects in our well-equipped bindery, paper studios, print studio or composition room and enjoy the fellowship and camaraderie of fellow artists. Studio Monitors are available to answer questions or help with equipment, but participants must have adequate training to work independently in the area(s) they wish to utilize. Open Studio sessions are not eligible for Certificate credit.
Register for Open Studio Sessions
Open Studio 6/19
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, June 19; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: June 19, 2018
Open Studio 6/26
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, June 26; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: June 26, 2018
Open Studio: Marbling 7/7
Open Studio: Marbling
Saturday, July 7; 10am-4pm
Marbling experience required
Open Studio provides access to marbling tools and equipment, as well as fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers use of 16×20″ tanks of carrageenan*, alum, brushes, cups and eyedroppers; supply your own paints* and paper. Participants must register at least three days in advance.
*Carrageenan is used for western-style marbling only. If you plan to practice suminagashi, please call the Shop to let a staff member know so carrageenan is not prepared for you unnecessarily.
*Paint: While many different kinds of inks, paints, and watercolors may be used in the marbling process, we recommend using Golden Fluid Acrylics with our equipment.
$45 ($40 members)
Registration for this class is now closed.
Price: $40.00
Date: July 7, 2018
Available Spaces: 0
Open Studio 7/10
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, July 10; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: July 10, 2018
Paper Beater Training 7/10
Training: Paper Beater
Tuesday, July 10; 6-7pm
Papermaking experience required
If you aren't already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
$20 ($15 members)
Price: $15.00
Date: July 10, 2018
Open Studio: Papermaking 7/14
Open Studio: Papermaking
Saturday, July 14; 10am-4pm
Papermaking experience required
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day. Participants must register two days in advance to allow studio monitors to prep materials or the session will be subject to cancellation. Beater availability is limited.
$25 ($20 members)
Price: $20.00
Date: July 14, 2018
Open Studio 7/17
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, July 17; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: July 17, 2018
Cutting Equipment Training 7/17
Cutting Equipment Training
Tuesday, July 17; 6-7pm
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA's bindery cutting equipment, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
$20 ($15 members)
Price: $15.00
Date: July 17, 2018
Open Studio 7/24
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, July 24; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: July 24, 2018
Open Studio 7/31
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, July 31; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: July 31, 2018
Open Studio: Marbling 8/4
Open Studio: Marbling
Saturday, August 4; 10am-4pm
Marbling experience required
Open Studio provides access to marbling tools and equipment, as well as fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers use of 16×20″ tanks of carrageenan*, alum, brushes, cups and eyedroppers; supply your own paints* and paper. Participants must register at least three days in advance.
*Carrageenan is used for western-style marbling only. If you plan to practice suminagashi, please call the Shop to let a staff member know so carrageenan is not prepared for you unnecessarily.
*Paint: While many different kinds of inks, paints, and watercolors may be used in the marbling process, we recommend using Golden Fluid Acrylics with our equipment.
$45 ($40 members)
Registration for this class is now closed.
Price: $40.00
Date: August 4, 2018
Available Spaces: 0
Open Studio 8/7
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, August 7; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: August 7, 2018
Paper Beater Training 8/7
Training: Paper Beater
Tuesday, August 7; 6-7pm
Papermaking experience required
If you aren't already trained to use our paper beaters, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
$20 ($15 members)
Price: $15.00
Date: August 7, 2018
Open Studio 8/14
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, August 14; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: August 14, 2018
Cutting Equipment Training 8/14
Cutting Equipment Training
Tuesday, August 14; 6-7pm
If you aren't already trained to use our cutting equipment, here is your opportunity! Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each piece of MCBA's bindery cutting equipment, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
$20 ($15 members)
Price: $15.00
Date: August 14, 2018
Open Studio 8/21
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, August 21; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: August 21, 2018
Open Studio 8/28
Open Studio: Letterpress, Screenprinting, Bookbinding, Papermaking, Paper Beater
Tuesday, August 28; 6-9pm
Experience and training required
Letterpress: $35 ($30 members)
Set type, make polymer plates, print on MCBA's presses and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Reservations are first-come-first-served, and participants must have completed an introductory course on the press they are reserving (Vandercook, platen, sign). Fee covers inks and solvents; supply your own paper.
Screenprinting: $25 ($20 members)
Prep screens, expose and print in MCBA's darkroom and printing studio, and enjoy the fellowship of other artists. Fee covers screen use and emulsions; supply your own inks and paper.
Binding: $20 ($15 members)
Open Studio provides access to binding tools, cutting equipment, and fellowship! Work on your own projects in the company of other artists in a friendly and supportive environment. Fee covers tool use plus some consumables (thread and PVA); supply your own bookboard, cloth, paper and other needs.
Paper Beater: $20 ($15 members)
Beat fiber for paper for future sheet-forming. The studio's two Valley beaters can each hold approximately .75lb.(dry) of fiber (rag or half-stuff), and the Reina beater can hold up to 2lb.(dry) of fiber (half-stuff only). When you register, please specify which beater you'd like to reserve. Pre-weigh and pre-soak all fibers to be beaten. If you have taken a papermaking course but are not familiar with our paper beaters, Paper Beater trainings are offered every month. Through hands-on training you will learn the capabilities of each of MCBA's paper beaters, and how to use them correctly and safely. Completion of this training will allow you to rent this equipment and use it independently.
Papermaking (B.Y.O. Fibers): $20 ($15 members)
Bring your prepared paper fiber for sheet-forming. The paper studio has a variety of western-style and eastern-style moulds and deckles for making sheets, two hydraulic presses, plenty of vats and felts with air-drying racks and restraint dryers. Attendees should schedule a time to pick up their paper the following day.
Price: $20.00
Date: August 28, 2018
The paper studio is also available for rental by-the-hour for sheet-forming during many of MCBA’s regular business hours; reserve your studio time at the Shop desk or by calling 612-215-2520. All renters must check-in and check-out with MCBA staff to ensure that the studio, equipment and beater are left clean.