Workshops
At the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, we love sharing our knowledge of traditional arts like papermaking, printmaking, book binding, letterpress, creative writing, paper marbling, calligraphy and more. We like to think that our passion is contagious so give something new a try or refresh your own knowledge or come play at our open studio session.
Artists interested in teaching at the KBAC are invited to submit class proposals here.
Workshops & Classes:
Maybe you’re thinking of exploring some new ways to express yourself. Or, maybe you’d like to work on a skill that has proven difficult to master. Or, maybe you just need a day of fun (who doesn’t?) in downtown Kalamazoo. All skill levels may register for our workshops. See our workshop list below.
Private Workshops:
Would you and your friends enjoy a unique and creative social event? Are you thinking about a workshop in the book arts for your student group? The Kalamazoo Book Arts Center is perfect for group activities!
Open Workshops & Classes
Bookbinding:
Binding Post Book with Collage CoversOnline
Saturday, January 18, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
Print:
Haiku Illustration and Letterpress Printing: Collaboration With The Kalamazoo Institute of ArtsIn-person at the KIA and KBAC
Wednesdays, January 22 and 29, and February 5
6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Create:
Victorian Puzzle Purse ValentineIn-person
Saturday, January 25, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Calligraphy:
Brush Marker CalligraphyIn-person
Saturday, February 1, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Write:
Filling the Blank Spaces of Memory in Creative WritingOnline
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
Bookbinding:
Fun with Pamphlet Stitch BooksOnline
February 12, 2025
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST
Bookbinding, Scech:
Exploration of Accordion Book Structures for Artists and Educators (SCECH)In Person
Saturday, February 15
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
*Snow day Saturday, February 22
Bookbinding, Kids Class:
Teen Book Arts ProgramSave the dates! In-person
Tuesday, February 25, March 4, & March 11, 2025
6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Bookbinding:
Collage Book with Accordion/Surprise TunnelOnline
Saturday, March 1 & 8, 2025
12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST
Print:
Introduction to Letterpress, Metal TypeIn-person
Saturday, March 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Paper:
Handmade Paper Envelopes and NotecardsIn-person
Saturday, March 22, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Calligraphy:
Calligraphy Foundations: Beautiful BookhandIn-person
Saturday, April 5 & 12, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Print:
Infinite Pattern: Creating Repeating Patterns with Homemade Stamps (linocut prints)!In-person
Saturday, May 17, 2025
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Workshop Experience
In-Person Workshops: We offer a variety of workshops taught by guest artists or the KBAC staff. Our class sizes are small to facilitate individual instruction. For full-day classes please bring a lunch or purchase food at the nearby grocery store, bakery, or fast-food restaurant. Metered street parking is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends. Enter the building through the central door on Kalamazoo Ave., under the Park Trades Center sign, and the studio will be the first door on your right. We suggest wearing clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Bring your creative spirit and get ready to have fun!
Online Workshops: We offer workshops, with talented instructors from all over the United States, that you can participate in from your home studio or kitchen table. These classes use supplies that you might already have, may have to purchase ahead of time, or maybe have shipped to you from the KBAC. Instructions for these supplies are in the class descriptions. All class times are posted using the Eastern Time zone so please be sure to adjust for your own time zone, if necessary. Classes are recorded, if requested, but must be viewed within 7 days of the class. Online learning offers the creativity and fun but without the commute!
Cancellation and Refund policy for workshops: Participants must cancel their registration by contacting info@kalbookarts.org at least one month prior to the day of the workshop to receive a 75% tuition refund or a credit toward a future class. No refunds will be given after that time and will be considered a donation to the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center. Early enrollment helps ensure a class or workshop will run. If the KBAC must cancel a class due to low enrollment, all fees will be promptly refunded/credited.
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
or by appointment
The KBAC is committed to inclusion of all members of the community regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, age, or ability.
Thank You!
KBAC’s educational and artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of these organizations, other private funders, and people like you.
