Classes at The Book Arts Institute To sign-up for a class, email bookarts@printmuseum.org for a current registration form.
Introduction to Linocut An introduction to printmaking beginning with Linoleum prints. We will explore relief printing and its place in book arts. There will be a demonstration of how to set up an image and some cutting and inking techniques. The students will be allowed to practice cuts before they cut their own block which we will ink up and print. This class will be taught by Sandra Cvar, an artist living and working in the Orange County area of Southern California. Sandra has won numerous awards for her art and received her BFA in Printmaking, cum laude from CSULB. Her work has been work shown in China, Spain and the USA. Instructor: Sandy Cvar Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 9:30-4:00 Fee: $100 plus $25 materials fee = $125 Level: Beginner, 18 and up
Vandercook Maintenance This half-day intensive will give you all the ins-and-outs of running your Vandercook Proofing Press. Well-known printer and machinist Bill Berkuta will teach how to properly run the press, adjust rollers, change packing, maintain and care for your equipment and more. Bring all your individual questions or email them to us ahead of time. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable printers in Los Angeles. Bill Berkuta is a Los Angeles-based letterpress printer with over thirty years of experience. He learned how to hand-set type as a junior higher and worked for Sheppard’s Conceptual Typesetting for 26 years. He is a machinist in great demand in both Northern and Southern California. At the International Printing Museum he casts type, runs the Linotype and Ludlow and can fix just about any press. Bill also works at Aardvark Letterpress which recently printed the Loteria series, a limited edition of fine art prints.
Instructor: Bill Berkuta
Introduction to the Book Arts This general course will introduce students to the field of Book Arts. Students will make samples of both sewn and non-sewn book structures and then choose one to complete into a finished piece. Various cover-making approaches will be developed using materials such as decorative or handmade papers, book cloth and paste-papers. Note: Letterpress will be mentioned but not in-depth. Focus of this course is on contemporary bookmaking techniques. Rachelle Chuang is a graphic designer, fine artist and educator with an MFA in Book Arts from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She has taught and exhibited her work on both coasts. Rachelle is the International Printing Museum’s Book Arts Institute Director. Instructor: Rachelle W. Chuang Dates & Time: Saturdays, September 20 & 27, 9:30-2:00 Fee: $175 plus $25 materials fee = $200 Level: Beginner, 18 and up
Letterpress Basics Immerse yourself in the traditional process of letterpress printing in this half-day introductory session. Students will take a brief tour of the Museum to become familiar with the various presses in our collection and then learn hand typesetting with metal type and an image. Basic letterpress printing skills on a Vandercook or Platen Press will be covered. Students will print two small projects. Designed for the beginner as an opportunity to experience the basics of letterpress printing. Instructors: Various Date & Time: October 11, 9:30-4:00 or Fee: $100 + $25 lab fee = $125 Level: Beginner, 18 and up
Platen Press Printing This evening intensive will give you all the ins-and-outs of running your Platen Press using the extensive collection at the Museum. This is the perfect class for those just starting out their own business or home-based printing. Bring all your individual questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the most knowledgeable printers in Los Angeles. Bill Berkuta is a Los Angeles-based letterpress printer with over thirty years of experience. He learned how to hand-set type as a junior higher and worked for Sheppard’s Conceptual Typesetting for 26 years. He is a machinist in great demand in both Northern and Southern California. At the International Printing Museum he casts type, runs the Linotype and Ludlow and can fix just about any press. Bill also works at Aardvark Letterpress which recently printed the Loteria series, a limited edition of fine art prints.
Instructor: Bill Berkuta
Making Clamshell Conservation Boxes In this hands-on class you will learn how to make museum-quality clamshell storage boxes, primarily intended for storing fragile rare books, but also for scientific specimens and ephemera as well. Each student will be provided materials to construct their own example, including detailed instructions on how to measure, cut material, and assemble the finished product. Merle R. Bobzien is a local antiquarian book collector, presently the senior cataloguer for Jeff Weber Rare Books in Glendale. Has been making conservation containers for his own collection for nearly 20 years, and provides conservation services to local rare book dealers and institutions. Instructor: Merle Bobzien Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 9:30-4:00 Fee: $100 plus $25 materials fee = $125 Level: Beginner, 18 and up
COMING SOON: Coptic Books with Jenny Yoshida on November 15 and a Calligraphy class this fall. Check this website regularly or email bookarts@printmuseum.org for more details.
Family Days Offered First Saturdays of the Month
Family Printmaking Day Saturday, September 6. Come anytime between 10:00-1:00 Discover printmaking using images and type. Print special keepsakes on our hand-presses. Guest printmaker Sandy Cvar will demonstrate her expert linocut techniques. Family Boxes & Packages Day Saturday, October 4. Come anytime between 10:00-1:00 Just in time for the holidays! Learn how to make simple boxes, envelopes and packages for your special treasures. Family Wood Type Poster Day Saturday, November 1. Come anytime between 10:00-1:00 Don’t miss this rare opportunity to print from the Museum’s fabulous collection of wood type. Design and print a Western-style poster as a family or as a group. Family Dickens Day Saturday, December 6. Come anytime between 10:00-1:00 You are invited to our second annual Charles Dickens day complete with the author himself, period ambiance and an opportunity to print holiday greeting cards. |
Bill Berkuta teaches a Vandercook Maintenance Class
Clamshell boxes by Merle Bobzien, senior cataloguer for Jeff Weber Rare Books
Letterpress Basics Class
Letterpress Printing (Tim Gould printing business cards on a Platen Press) |




