A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts is supporting free workshops to the community through the Book Arts Program at the University of Utah’s J. Willard Marriott Library. Workshops include classes in encaustics, paper decoration, letterpress printing, leather binding and much more. There are drop-in sessions and well as workshops that require pre-registration.

Part of the J. Willard Marriott Library since 1995, the Book Arts Program champions wide-ranging explorations of the book. In the fully equipped studio, bookbinders, printers and book artists utilize type, letterpress, photo engravings and bookbinding equipment as they combine traditional techniques with modern aesthetics and technology.

“We seek to serve a diverse representation of local and national communities by providing access to high-quality art experiences to the public, including those who would otherwise be unable to afford such a class,” said Marnie Powers-Torrey, managing director of the Book Arts Program.

Guest instructors include both local and national artists: Julianna Christie, Karen Hanmer, Allyn Hart, Michelle Macfarlane, Stacy Phillips, Louona Tanner, Keiji Shinohara, Pamela Smith, Claire Taylor and Becky Thomas.

Partners in the 2016 community program include the College Book Art Association, Salt Lake City Arts Council, University of Utah Department of Art and Art History, University of Utah Department of English and Creative Writing Program, Utah Center for the Book, Utah Division of Arts and Museums and Utah Humanities Council.

The drop-in workshops are free and open to the public and registration isn’t required. However, individuals must apply in advance for the other available workshops. All of the details can be found at  bookartsprogram.org.

For questions regarding application or registration, please contact Allison Milham, bookartsprogram@utah.edu

Workshops – All Book Arts Workshops are held in the Book Arts Studio on Level 4.

This news release and images can be found here.