Summer Book Arts Studio

The Printing Museum presents their Summer Book Arts Studio June 22 through August 7.

From making the paper to binding the book, Summer Book Artists participate in the hands-on and historical art of bookmaking at The Printing Museum's Summer Book Arts Studio.

On each successive day of the Studio, participants will create an element of the finished book.

SCHEDULE:

TUESDAY: PAPERMAKING
Book Artists learn about the history of this art – which dates back nearly two thousand years — by making their own sheets of paper. After immersing pure cotton fibers in a vat of water, they will learn to make a sheet by catching the pulp on a screen and frame, then will place it onto felts to dry. Artists explore their creativity by adding their choices of natural plant fibers, glitter, or paper confetti to the vat. Instructor: Kathy Gurwell

WEDNESDAY: PASTE PAPER
Book Artists learn the art of paste paper – decorated papers used to ornament books since the 16th century. Pigment will be added to transparent paste, creating a “paint” which is brushed onto paper. Artists then use a variety of tools, from brushes and sponges to combs, kitchen utensils, and, even, hands. The process offers the pleasure and free creativity of basic finger painting with the precision of complex designs, producing a decorated sheet of paper which can be used as a book cover, endsheets, or collage elements. Instructor: Anna Phillips

THURSDAY: PRINTMAKING
Book Artists are introduced to the art of stone lithography by Charles Criner, the Museum’s Artist-in-Residence. Artists learn about Charles’ creative process before beginning their own artwork, drawing on their past experiences to create meaningful images. As a group, the Artists create designs on a limestone block with a grease pencil and pull a print on the Museum’s 1830s star-wheel lithography press. Instructor: Charles Criner

FRIDAY: BOOKBINDING
Book Artists complete their Studio by learning a number of bookbinding techniques and structures. The paper and art created during the earlier sessions come together in at least three finished artist’s books: a pamphlet, a dos-à-dos (or back-to-back) book, or a chopstick book. Each Artist chooses which papers and prints to include in their masterworks and have surplus paper to complete more books at home. Instructor: Lee Steiner

2015 Sessions:

Tuesday, June 23-Friday, June 27, 2015
Session 1: 9:30am-12:00pm, Young Book Artists, Ages 6-8
Session 2: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Adult/Teacher Studio*

Tuesday, July 7-Friday, July 10, 2015
Session 3: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Young Book Artists, Ages 6-8
Session 4: 1:00pm- 3:30pm, Adult/Teacher Studio*

Tuesday, July 14-Friday, July 17, 2015
Session 5: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Pre-Teen Studio, Ages 9-12
Session 6: 1:00pm- 3:30pm, Adult/Teacher Studio*

Tuesday, July 21-Friday, July 24, 2015
Session 7: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Young Book Artists, Ages 6-8
Session 8: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Pre-Teen Studio, Ages 9-12

Tuesday, July 28-Friday, July 31, 2014
Session 9: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Family Studio
Become a family of book artists! One adult family member (age 18 or older) may participate in the Studio with one or two children, age(s) 6 or older. Three or more children require another adult family member.

Tuesday, August 4-Friday, August 7, 2015
Session 10: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Pre-Teen Studio, Ages 9-12
Session 11: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Adult/Teacher Studio*

*Adult/Teacher sessions focus on bookmaking techniques, which teachers may take back to their classrooms. The Adult/Teacher sessions are appropriate for public or home school teachers, or any adult interested in the art of the book. Teachers may receive a Certificate of Completion of 10 hours to receive Professional Development credit from HISD.