Studios & Equipment

Studios & Equipment

MCBA’s studios are currently open for Studio Labs, Equipment Rentals, and in-person workshops, as well as to our Artist Collective members. Take a virtual tour below and learn how to take advantage of our spacious and well-stocked studios!


ulclassroom_vandercook
ulclassroom_wholestudio
ulws_hydraulicpress
ulws_reinabeater
ulws_restraintdryer
ulws_tables
ulws_wholestudio
bindery_boardshear
bindery_equipment
bindery_foilstampers
bindery_tables
letterpress_inkandtools
letterpress_sp25
letterpress_tabletoppresses
llclassroom_etchingpress
llclassroom_wholestudio
llws_hydraulicpress
llws_valleybeater
llws_washoutbooth
llws_wholestudio
paperprep_boardshear
paperprep_guillotine
paperprep_table
screen_inkandtools
screen_storage
typesetting_metaltype
typesetting_woodtype
ulclassroom_ironhandpresses
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About our Studios

Our studios are a haven for hobbyists and professional artists alike who practice bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, paper marbling, screen printing, and related arts. At 12,000 square feet, MCBA is the largest space dedicated to book arts in the nation and maintains one of the most impressive collections of printing presses in the world (17 and counting!). Our studios contain the following:

Providing studio access is central to MCBA’s mission. There are several ways our artist community can gain safe access to our space:

Studio Labs

Artists seeking occasional access to our studios can sign up for a scheduled Studio Lab in letterpress printing, papermaking, paper marbling, or screen printing. Adequate training is required to work independently.

Equipment Rental

Want to work with a particular piece of equipment for a finite period of time? Check out our list of specialized book arts equipment available for rent! For questions and to schedule a rental, fill out this form. Please allow 2–3 business days for a response.

Artist Collective Membership

Artist Collective members pay monthly dues to gain 24/7 independent studio and equipment access at MCBA. Additional perks include onsite storage, exhibition opportunities, workshop discounts, and participation in an eclectic community of fellow artists. Adequate training is required to work independently.

Need supplies? Forgot to bring yours? You can purchase many essential items in our Shop.

For training in a particular process, consider these programs:

In-person Workshops

One of the main ways the public gains access to our studios is through in-person workshops ranging from single sessions to in-depth explorations that span several weeks. Our teaching artists love sharing knowledge in their areas of expertise: bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, paper marbling, screen printing, and related arts. See all of our workshop offerings, including virtual workshops, here.

One-to-One Tutorials

For those seeking more individualized instruction (or help with a particular project), consider scheduling a one-to-one tutorial. This is also a great way to seek training on a specific piece of equipment, which is required for Artist Collective membership and Studio Lab sign-ups.


If you are working in MCBA’s studios during this time, you agree to read and follow MCBA’s Covid Safety Guidelines. Thank you for keeping yourselves and our community safe and creative!