Get access to the artist studios at the Museum for your book arts projects! Available during museum operating hours on the first Fridays and third Thursdays (Risograph only) of each month, open studios offer artists and hobbyists supervised access to its resources and equipment at an affordable flat rate. Staff or instructors will be on hand for questions or assistance.

First Fridays: 12:00 – 5:00pm
Third Thursdays (Riso only): 5:30 – 8:30pm

Registration: $60. Members save 10%. Become a member today!

Reserve Open Studio Session

Bookbinding Equipment

Bookbinding equipment includes:

  • Board sheer
  • Paper guillotine
  • Kwik Print hot foil machine
  • Finishing tools
  • Sewing frames
  • Long-arm stapler
  • Corner rounder
  • Paper drill

Letterpress Equipment

Letterpress equipment includes:

  • Vandercook Universal I
  • Vandercook No. 4
  • Chandler & Price Pilot Platen Press
  • Chandler & Price New Style 10×15 Platen Press
  • Typesetting room with an extensive collection of wood and metal type, borders, and cuts

Papermaking Equipment

Papermaking equipment includes:

  • Molds and deckles (5.5×8.5, 8.5×11, 11×17),
  • Vats
  • Felts
  • Drying racks

Printmaking Equipment

Monotypes, etchings, and linocuts are just some of the editioned work you can print in the printmaking studio. Equipment includes:

  • Whelan Xpress 30×44 Etching Press (bed: 30×60)
  • Dickerson Litho Press (bed: 27×55)
  • 25 stones ranging in size: 10×10 up to 24x36in.
  • Risograph MZ790. Drum colors: blue, sunflower, fluorescent pink, and black.

Guidelines

Participants must:

  • Have more than 6 hours of group or 1:1 instruction in bookbinding, letterpress, or papermaking at the museum or equivalent experience.
  • Bring their own consummables. Letterpress: paper, specialty ink. Standard inks, gloves, cleaning agents, and basic tools are available for use. Bookbinding: all paper and most hand tools.

Studio protocols

Participants are responsible for cleaning tools, equipment, and surfaces after use.

Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the first class date, by calling (713) 522-4652. In the event that minimum enrollment is not met, the Museum reserves the right to cancel the class and will provide a full refund.