Summer Book Arts Studio

The Printing Museum presents their Summer Book Arts Studio June 28 through August 5.

From making the paper to binding the book, students will 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
Students will 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 will  explore their creativity by adding their choices of natural plant fibers, glitter, or paper confetti to the vat.

Instructor: Kathy Gurwell

Wednesday: Paste Paper
Students will learn the art of paste paper, decorations used to ornament books since the 16th century. Pigment will be added to transparent paste, creating a “paint” which is brushed onto paper. Students then use a variety of tools, from brushes and sponges to combs, kitchen utensils, and—of course—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: Janet Reynolds

Thursday: Printmaking

Participants will be introduced to the art of stone lithography by Charles Criner, the Museum’s Artist-in-Residence. Each student will learn about Charles’ creative process before beginning their own artwork, drawing on their past experiences to create meaningful images. They will then join together, creating designs on a limestone block with a grease pencil, and will learn how to pull the print on the Museum’s 1830’s star-wheel lithography press.

Instructor: Charles Criner

Friday: Bookbinding
The students will complete their Studio by learning a number of bookbinding techniques and structures. The paper and art created during the earlier sessions will 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 will choose which papers and prints to include in their masterworks and will have surplus paper to complete more books at home.

Instructor: Lee Steiner

SESSIONS

Tuesday, June 28-Friday, July 1, 2016 
Session 1: 9:30am-12:00pm, Adults* (18 and older)
Session 2: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Teens (13-17)

Tuesday, July 5-Friday, July 8, 2016 
Session 3: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Young Book Artists (6-8)
Session 4: 1:00pm- 3:30pm, Pre-Teens (9-12)

Tuesday, July 12-Friday, July 15, 2016
Session 5: 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.
Session 6: 1:00pm- 3:30pm, Adults* (18 and older)

Tuesday, July 19-Friday, July 22, 2016
Session 7: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Yound Book Artists (6-8)
Session 8: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Pre-Teens (9-12)

Tuesday, July 26-Friday, July 29, 2016
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.
Session 10: 1:00pm- 3:30pm, Adults* (18 and older)

Tuesday, August 2-Friday, August 5, 2016 
Session 10: 9:30am- 12:00pm, Young Book Artists (6-8)
Session 11: 1:00pm-3:30pm, Pre-Teens (9-12)

*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.

We accept cancellations of any registration with a three day notice. To secure a place in the Studio, payment must be received at the time of enrollment. Children must be accompanied by a guardian or parent to the Museum each day for class, and will not be released from the room until signed out by a listed adult. In addition, a guardian must sign a safety release form for each child involved in the Studio.