WE ARE A COMMUNITY!

December 20, 2023

Like most non-profits, the KBAC is an organization with a passion; we exist for the sheer love of book and paper arts. Our studios are structured around traditional bookbinding, papermaking, and printing, and our gallery features artists exploring these creative disciplines. Our Poets in Print series provides a platform for poets through readings and limited-edition books and broadsides, all printed and bound in-house.

At this time of year, we are mindful of the community of partners who support our vision in a multitude of ways and help keep us going strong. The KBAC operates with a small but committed part-time staff and interns from WMU and Kalamazoo College, some of whom graduated to become regular KBAC instructors. Our budget relies on income generated from workshops and sales, government, community, and foundation grants, and donations from folks like you. 

To all who supported the KBAC this past year by teaching or taking workshops, booking private events, commissioning projects, making purchases online or at our store, sending financial and supply donations, volunteering, attending our gallery events, supporting our Poets in Print program, and talking about us in the community, we offer a heartfelt "Thank You!" We are also thankful for our many partnerships with local schools, libraries, community groups, and park districts! 

Since starting my new role with the KBAC in June, I have witnessed school groups enter our unique studio space and experience the joy of creating things with their own hands. Where else can they turn the handle of a press to print letters on a page or put their hands into vats of squishy paper pulp? The dried results of colorful sheets of paper are magical: "I made this!"

Kids can see and experience things that are often taken for granted, learning about the historical innovations, materials, and processes of book arts. After a recent workshop by visiting artist Erica Rasmussen with elementary school students, several kids said they wanted to work at the KBAC when they grew up! They were thrilled to participate in our Make-a-Book-From-Scratch program. Often young adults say to us they remember their experience at the KBAC when they were younger, and sometimes they still have the books they made. Books are timeless!

Please consider helping us reach our $15,000 year-end fundraising goal. With your support, we will continue to offer engaging creative programming for adults and youth in 2024. We hope to see you at an upcoming workshop or event.

Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season! 

Cathy, Katie, and Jeff