BAI Classes
The Book Arts Institute offers a wide-range of classes/workshops in letterpress printing, fine printmaking, book arts and papermaking. Classes change seasonally. To schedule a class/workshop, get more information about scheduled classes/workshops, or suggest a topic that you would like to see taught, please e-mail Gary Marc Remson, Museum manager. We can be reached directly at (310) 515-7166. You may also download the PDF registration form here, fill it out and email it back to either bookarts@printmuseum.org or gary@printmuseum.org. If you need to download Adobe Acrobat, go here.
All classes/workshops are $120, which includes basic materials and lab fee unless otherwise noted.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that if you cancel 14 days or more before your class/workshop, you will receive a credit that must be used within 90 days from the date of cancellation. If your class/workshop is canceled by the Book Arts Institute you will get a full refund. If you cancel less than 14 days before the class/workshop and we are able to fill your spot from a waiting list, you will receive a credit (less $25 administrative fee) that must be used within 90 days of your cancellation. If we are unable to fill the spot no refund or credit will be issued.
Vandercook Classes July 23 August 13 October 8 October 15
Windmill Press Classes December 3
Platen Press Classes July 30 August 6 September 3 September 10 October 22
Papermaking Classes August 20 November 5
Printmaking Classes September 10
Bindery Classes July 23 November 19 November 26
*All classes are on a Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.
Please be sure to check frequently for new classes being added.
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VANDERCOOK CLASSES
Vandercook Letterpress I: Introduction
July 23 October 8
Registration form
Learn the basics of hand setting metal type and working with images before printing two small projects on a Vandercook Proof Press. Course is designed for the beginner interested in learning the fundamentals of letterpress printing.
Vandercook Letterpress II: Advanced
August 13 October 15
Registration form
This course will take your basic skills with Vandercook Letterpress and advance them with projects complex registration of multiple colors; working with handset type, cuts and polymer plates; press adjustments; and problem-solving techniques to train your “printer’s eye” in order to achieve beautiful, high quality letterpress objects.
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WINDMILL PRESS CLASSES
Printing on a Windmill
December 3
Registration form
Spend the day learning to operate the fastest, most productive, and most complicated of all platen
presses —The Heidelberg Windmill. You’ll learn everything from oiling the press to setting up for a run and printing your cards. You will be taught by industrial trained professionals with years of experience.
Some letterpress experience advisable. Windmill manual required and are for sale at $20 for enrolled students.
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PLATEN PRESS CLASSES
Printing on a Platen Press I
July 30 September 3 Octotber 22
Registration form
Learn the basics of operating a floor model platen press. From locking up your form to simple press adjustments, you will learn ways of correcting for all the mishaps that can occur as you move through the process on the way to your final project run.
Printing on a Platen Press II
August 6 September 10
Registration form
After learning all about platen press printing in “Printing on a Platen Press I” you will find that there is a lot more to operating a platen press. In this class you will be shown how to correct for type that is not type high, easy techniques for multi-color registration jobs, what exactly is a work-and-turn or work-and-tumble, and other techniques to make your next letterpress project the talk of the printing world.
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PAPERMAKING CLASSES
Introduction to Papermaking
August 20 November 5
Registration form
Learn the basic techniques for making your own paper, along with the history of handmade paper in the Western tradition. You will make paper with inclusive elements and learn how to set it all up at home. Practical and portable papermaking will be emphasized. Prepare to get wet! A list of supplies will be emailed to you before class.
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PRINTMAKING CLASSES
Beginning Printmaking: Monotype/Collagraph
September 10
Registration form
Learn two printmaking techniques in one day! Explore the unlimited image and print possibilities with a variety of approaches to monotype and create low-relief plates to make unique collagraph prints.
Linoleum Blocks
Nothing scheduled
Registration form
You will be guided through the possibilities of working with linoleum blocks as both an artist and a printer. The activities include learning about the different materials involved, the tools that are required, and how to properly cut and print your linoleum block.
This technique of relief printing is a great introduction into making your own greeting cards, printing on textiles, or printing wherever you wish. Your instructor will show all the various techniques so that you will be able to move from the very basics to a level unseen before.
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BOOKBINDING CLASSES
Clam Shell Box Construction
November 26
Registration form
Learn how to properly construct one of the more beautiful styled boxes used to house your precious books and valuables. These boxes are one of the best ways to house your letterpress projects because they help seal out dirt and dust. A number of techniques will be shown in construction methods and how best to show off your designs for maximum effect.
Bookbinding Made Simple
July 23 November 19
Registration form
Learn the techniques of binding your books in the simplest of ways. There are a number of book binding techniques that you will be shown so that you can decide the best way of binding your precious volumes. Learn the nomenclature of book binding and the which method is best for your project.
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Meet Our Instructors . . .
Sandra (Sandy) Cvar is a working artist that received her Fine Arts Degree in Printmaking from California State University, Long Beach and has had her work shown in Europe, Asia and the United States. Her work has won numerous prizes and awards including Tijian Academy of Fine Arts in China. Her most recent one-man show was at Shorewood’s Malaga Cove Gallery Space.
Letterpress printing has captivated Madeleine Zygarewicz for over 12 years, cranking presses throughout the country and abroad. She received her BA in Book Arts at Mills College in 2000. Shortly after, she had a residency at the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany to print a collaborative artist book, Body of Text. Her work can be found in special collections around the country and has been exhibited internationally. Inspired by the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, she established her imprint Panorama Press, offering a wide survey of printed matter ranging from greeting cards, posters, invitations as well as limited edition prints and artist books. Her days at the print shop include feverishly hand cranking, boning, scoring and stuffing letterpress printed matter while her Jack Russell Terrier naps in the sun. She is also a letterpress printer at Two Piglets and an art teacher at Oakwood School.
Gary Marc Remson started with an exploratory class in junior high school that infected him with the printing “bug.” He took all the printing classes he could through junior high and high school and ended up with a Bachelors in Industrial Studies. His intention was to teach Graphic Arts in the LA Unified School District. Gary learned from Dr. Richard Hoffman that there are two halves to creating a printed piece: designing and the printing of a book or broadside. Gary chose to concentrate on the printing side.