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Book Arts Space: Workshops

The Book Arts Space supports letterpress printing, bookbinding, papermaking, and related activities related to historical and contemporary book arts. The following guide provides an overview of workshops available in the Book Arts Space.

Intro to Letterpress Printing: Context, Materials, and Print

Description

Students will be introduced to letterpress printing, including an introduction to the historical context of book history and printmaking through hands-on work with materials from Special Collections and University Archives, as well as an opportunity for students to operate a printing press. Each student will print an object to keep while being guided through the lock-up, inking, printing, and cleaning processes.

Learning Outcomes

  • Hands-On Experience: Students will actively engage in the letterpress printing process, gaining practical skills in lock-up, inking, printing, and cleaning under guided instruction.
  • Historical Context: Through exploration of historic book materials and a brief history of the book arts space, students will understand the evolution of printing techniques and their significance in the context of book history and printmaking.
  • Safety and Protocol: By signing waivers and receiving safety orientation, students will demonstrate an understanding of safety protocols associated with working in a book arts and letterpress printing space.
  • Critical Thinking: Through discussions on material relevance, students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the connections between historical context, printmaking techniques, and artistic expression.

 

Intro to Letterpress Printing: Typesetting + Print

Description

This workshop covers both typesetting and printing. Students will learn the basics of type setting and will explore movable type, job cases, and will set type on a composing stick. Students will also print a poem, poster or other ephemera, as selected and set by the printing technician in consultation with instructors. Each student will have an opportunity to to print a copy to keep while being guided through the lock-up, inking, printing and cleaning process.

Learning Outcomes

  • Hands-On Experience: Students will actively engage in setting type and letterpress printing, gaining practical skills in type setting, lock-up, inking, printing, and cleaning under guided instruction.
  • Safety and Protocol: By signing waivers and receiving safety orientation, students will demonstrate an understanding of safety protocols associated with working in a book arts and letterpress printing lab.
  • Critical Thinking: Through discussions on material relevance, students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the connections between historical context, printmaking techniques, and artistic expression.

 

 

Intro to Letterpress Printing and Book Arts

Description

Students will learn letterpress printing basics along side notebook binding in this zine and book-focused workshop. This workshop combines the tactile experience of letterpress printing with the practical skills of bookbinding, offering students a comprehensive and engaging learning experience within a condensed time-frame. Adjustments can be made based on available equipment, group size, and participant skill levels.

Learning Outcomes

  • Letterpress Printing: Familiarize students with the letterpress process through hands-on printing of covers for notebooks, integrating safety protocols and press operation techniques.
  • Bookbinding Skills: Students will learn basic bookbinding techniques such as folding, scoring, hole punching, and saddle stitching, using file folders as covers for small notebooks.
  • Creative Expression: Encourage artistic exploration and creativity through the design and printing of letterpressed covers, as well as the handmade assembly of notebooks.
  • Technical Proficiency: Students will develop skills in press setup, inking, printing, and bookbinding processes.

Intro to Bookbinding: Case Binding

Description

This watch-and-learn style workshop provides a comprehensive overview of case-binding processes while focusing on key elements such as case-making, signature creation, and stitching techniques. Students will gain insights into the craft of bookbinding. A technician will demonstrate the process of creating a mock hard cover book, complete with explanations of the components and function of bindings, along with the basic techniques and tools involved in bookbinding.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding Case Binding: Students will gain an understanding of the components and processes involved in case binding, including cover making, spine attachment, and book cloth application.
  • Signature Creation: Students will learn how to fold and stitch signatures, essential elements in creating book blocks for case binding.
  • Stitching Techniques: Students will observe and understand basic stitching techniques used in bookbinding, ensuring a strong and secure book structure.

 

Zine and Poster Making Workshop: DIY Aesthetics

Description

In this workshop creativity meets activism through cheap and accessible means. Students will work in groups to create unique zines that can also transform into posters, embodying the spirit of punk and DIY culture. This workshop aims to empower students to embrace low-fi culture, express their ideas creatively, and recognize the potential of zines and posters as powerful tools for social and artistic activism. Adjustments can be made based on available tools, materials, and students' skill levels.

Learning Outcomes

  • Creative Expression: Students will explore various methods of zine creation, from hand-drawn to digital designs, reflecting DIY aesthetics and punk culture.
  • Production Techniques: Students will learn scoring, cutting, trimming, and folding techniques to transform printed sheets into zines and posters.
  • Activism and Ideas: Students will understand the value of quick, simple, and cheap production methods for disseminating ideas and promoting activism through zines and posters.

 

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