Minnesota Center for Book Arts

10/12/2026

The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) has launched Daisy Lane: Print & Book Artist Residency, a new year-round residency for artists working in book arts, letterpress, silkscreen, Risograph, and related practices.

Selected artists will spend 2 to 4 weeks developing their work in a newly renovated studio on Bainbridge Island, Washington. All residents will receive a stipend, with housing provided for those traveling from outside the area.

Applications for the inaugural residency are open through December 1, 2026. Learn more and apply!

https://www.biartmuseum.org/daisy-lane/

10/09/2026

Our board shear is a giant hand-operated cutter used to cut binder’s board and paper, and it dates back to the mid-1800s. Recently, Warren from QES stopped by to sharpen the blade and help us reinstall it so it’s ready for many more cuts.

Keeping equipment like this in working order is one of the many behind-the-scenes tasks that keep our studios running. Thanks to Warren for sharing his expertise and giving this hardworking piece of MCBA equipment some care!

10/08/2026

A big thank you to the sponsors who help bring the MCBA Prize to life!

We’re grateful to partner with champions of the arts like Wet Paint, a longtime supporter of artists, hobbyists, and creative communities in the Twin Cities. For 50 years, Wet Paint has been helping people find the tools and materials to make their creative ideas happen. Whether you’re working on your next artist book or trying something new, stop by their Grand Avenue shop and tell them MCBA sent you!

10/07/2026

Try your hand at bookbinding, papermaking, and letterpress printing during Book Artist Badge Day on November 14.

Designed around the Girl Scouts’ Book Artist Badge, this hands-on day gives girls and non-binary youth ages 10–18 the chance to explore different ways books are made and create something of their own.

No previous book arts experience needed. Register today ⤵️

Join us in MCBA’s studios for a day of book arts and earn your Book Artist Badge!

10/05/2026

The 2026 MCBA Prize exhibition showcases work by 20 semi-finalists and 5 finalists from around the world, including this year’s prize-winning artist book, Small Patches of Land by Sarah Bryant and Katie Baldwin.

See the works in person in MCBA’s Main Gallery, on view through November 29.

August 29, 2026–November 29, 2026

10/01/2026

Ever wondered what it feels like to print on a Vandercook press?

Give it a try this Saturday from 1–2:30pm at MCBA! You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at our active studios, type library, and even a printing press dating back to the 1800s.

This event is free and open to the public (suggested ages 7+) and is part of Fall of Freedom, an artist-led weekend of action bringing together creative communities across the country.

https://mnbookarts.org/events/free-saturday-tours-october/

09/30/2026

Last week, artist Eliza Strong from the Bay Area spent a few days at MCBA working on an artist’s book and printing with Hebrew type from MCBA’s collection and a friend’s collection. Supported in part by a grant from CBAA, Eliza used MCBA’s letterpress studio to continue developing the project.

09/29/2026

Join us on November 14 from 1–4:30pm for Book Artist Badge Day, an afternoon of hands-on making in MCBA’s studios.

Rotate through three mini classes led by professional book artists to bind a book, make paper from natural fibers, and print on an antique letterpress while learning about the history and art of bookmaking.

Designed to meet and exceed the requirements of the Girl Scouts’ Book Artist Badge, the workshop is open to all girls and non-binary youth ages 10–18. No experience needed!

https://mnbookarts.org/events/book-artist-badge-day-november-2026

09/29/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 MCBA/Jerome Book Arts Mentorship recipients: Taylor Ngiri Seaberg (Tay Ngiri Seaberg), Daniel Acevedo (Daniel Acevedo / Mexican Artist Photographer), and Brenda Tran (.thuytien)!

The yearlong mentorship invites early career artists working in other disciplines to explore book arts as a new creative medium. Through hands-on learning, group critiques, and experimentation, each artist will develop new work that builds on and expands their existing practice.

The program culminates in an exhibition in MCBA’s Main Gallery.

Learn more about the artists: mnbookarts.org/news/announcing-our-2026-jerome-mentorship-recipients-9mgwl

09/28/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 MCBA/Jerome Book Arts Mentorship recipients: Taylor Ngiri Seaberg, Daniel Acevedo, and Brenda Tran!

The yearlong mentorship invites early career artists working in other disciplines to explore book arts as a new creative medium. Through hands-on learning, group critiques, and experimentation, each artist will develop new work that builds on and expands their existing practice.

The program culminates in an exhibition in MCBA’s Main Gallery.

Learn more about the artists: https://mnbookarts.org/news/announcing-our-2026-jerome-mentorship-recipients-9mgwl