UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

Boxmaking 101 (2-day workshop)
Monday, September 6th, 6-9pm and Wednesday, September 8th, 6-9pm
$120 ($108 for General Members) + $15 materials fee
Instructor: Rory Sparks
Prerequisites: none, but good hand skills are helpful

In this 2-day workshop, students will learn the basics of making boxes. Measuring, cutting, squaring-up and covering will b. We will construct three different structures and show variations on each, including a box with a fitted lid, a drop spine box and a secret compartment box.

Rory Sparks has been letterpress printing and binding books for 16 years. She learned through self-study, residency, apprenticeship and at various institutions including the American Academy of Bookbinding. Rory worked at Minnesota Center for Book Arts before coming to Portland.

Intro to Longstitch Binding: The “Everything Else” Book
Saturday, October 2^nd, 10am-3pm
$90 ($80 for General Members) + $10 materials fee
Instructor: Emily Garcia
Prerequisites: No previous experience is required

In this workshop, students will have the opportunity to create 2 blank longstich books. The first session will be devoted to making a small notebook from a single sheet paper, leather, and linen thread. We will cover the basics of book structure; folding, tearing, and cutting paper (and leather); making hole-punch templates; and sewing. The second session will be an open format where students will reinforce what they learned the first day by either making a second everything-else book or by experimenting with a different size and/or materials of their choosing.

Emily García made her first hand-bound book at age 10, and began a more formal education in book arts some years later, in 2002. Emily disguises herself as a professional graphic designer by day, and is the proprietor of Cathemeral Press. She has been a member of Em Space since fall 2008.

The Typographic Poem and the Broadside (2-day workshop)
Tuesday, October 19th, 6-9pm and Thursday, October 21^st, 6-9pm
$90 ($80 for General Members) + $10 materials fee
Instructor: Michael D’Alessandro
Prerequisites: letterpress printing experience helpful but not required

Explore the link between typography and poetry through study, writing and printing calligrammes, ideograms and other graphic poems that hone our use of ideation and syntax. Students will print a collaborative broadside of a poem on the Poster/Sign Press where they will edit and refine the poem, and work through the challenges and discoveries of printing their own words and ideas on paper utilizing innovative techniques.

Michael D’Alessandro is a writer, small press publisher and editor. He edits the semiannual literary journal swap/concessions, and is the founder of bedouin books.

Intro to Flatbed Letterpress Printing (2-day workshop)
Saturday, November 6^th and Sunday, November 7^th, 10am-5pm
$250 ($225 for General Members) + $15 materials fee
Instructor: Rory Sparks
Prerequisites: No previous experience is required

This workshop is designed as an introduction to letterpress printing on the flatbed press and hand typesetting. It also serves as a refresher for those who want to review and practice basic skills. Students will learn how to operate a Challenge Proof Press. Topics to be explored will be packing the press, making ready the form, locking up type, adjusting the form rollers, and fine inking and impression. Troubleshooting and solving printing problems will be a big part of the class. Each participant will print a broadside in a small edition to be shared with the other participants.

Fundamentals of Bookbinding
5 sessions:  Mondays, October 25-November 22^nd, 6-9pm
$300 ($270 for General Members) + $20 materials fee
Instructor: Rory Sparks
Prerequisites: No previous experience is required

A great class for those just getting started, or for those looking to strengthen basic practices and good work habits. Students will learn foundations of bookbinding in detail while making several invaluable structures to know, and variations on each. Topics covered will include selecting and sourcing materials and tools, paper grain and proper folding, terminology, shaping and covering boards with 5 different ways to construct a corner, lining and in-fills, adhesives and their properties, ergonomics, and a brief exploration of design.

To Register:

1. Email workshops@em-space.org and let us know that you would like a space in the workshop
2. Download and print out this registration form
3. Mail your completed registration form and payment to:
Em Space Book Arts Center
407 SE Ivon St.
Portland, OR 97202

After sending your registration form and payment, please note that your space is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.

If you would like to receive info regarding upcoming Em Space workshops and events, sign for our mailing list by sending an email to info@em-space.org with your name and email address. Thank you for your interest!

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