What makes a story unforgettable? In this class, students will explore the art of short story writing by learning how to craft engaging narratives that capture a reader’s imagination. Unlike news or business writing, creative writing prioritizes storytelling over strict facts, allowing room for invention, personal experiences, and even reimagined fairy tales. Through guided exercises, students will practice key elements of storytelling—such as character development, setting, dialogue, and conflict—while experimenting with both real-life inspiration and pure fiction. By the end of the class, participants will have written their own short stories and discovered tools to continue their creative writing journey.

Saturday, October 4
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Em Tomeo
Ages: Adult (16+) | All Levels

Saturday: In this introductory class, student will gain a basic understanding of history, techniques, tools and styles of Western marbling. Students will get hands on experience of all aspects of marbling from paper priming and preparatory mixing of water medium and paints, to the creation of classic patterns. Specific attention will be given to learning how to obtain particular designs using a diverse array of rakes and combs. Students will have ample time for experimentation with guidance from the instructor.
 
Sunday: In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to create a cloth- or paper-covered case binding and attach it to an existing paperback book or blank journal. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to essential bookbinding tools and techniques—no prior experience required. Bring a paperback book you’d like to rebind or a blank journal along with your marbled paper from Saturday’s workshop to work with. All tools and materials will be provided.

Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28 
10 am – 4 pm

Instructors: Pietro Accardi and Bobby Lee
Adult (16+) | All levels:

A clamsehll box, is a type of protective packaging and storage solution typically used for valuable or delicate items such as books, documents, artwork, photographs or other valuable objects. The design of a clamshell box resembles the shape of a clamshell and consists of two hinged halves that open and close like a book. Students will work closely with the instructor to create a custom designed box and basic tips and tricks of box making will be shared during the construction of the box. All materials are provided.

Saturday, October 4
10 am – 5 pm

Instructor: Pietro Accardi
Adult: (16+) | All levels

Learn how to make your own books and journals in this hands-on introduction to bookbinding workshop. Starting with a brief introduction to the form of the book, students will learn how to identify different parts of the book and plan out materials and content. Using basic bookbinding tools and techniques, students will learn 3-4 different binding structures and leave with finished models that can be used as journals and sketchbooks or as reference models for creating your own at home. These skills will provide a foundation that can be built upon to create more advanced structures. All materials and tools will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience necessary!

Sunday, August 17
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Bobby Lee
Age: Adult ( 16+) | All Levels

In this workshop, we’ll be exploring several different accordion fold book structures, such as the Flag Book, Panorama Book, Tunnel Book, and more! Starting with the basic accordion fold, students will learn how to use the accordion fold as the basis for several different non-traditional and sculptural book structures, opening new creative possibilities in creating artist books. All materials and tools will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience necessary!

Sunday, July 13
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Bobby Lee
Age: Adult ( 16+) | All Levels

Writing can be a mindfulness practice; being mindful can enrich writing practice, too. Students in this workshop will explore both to deepen their writing experience through letter writing, which many feel is fast becoming a lost art. The workshop will include several mindfulness activities as well as writing insights and hacks, and participants will apply them to letter writing. Participants will leave the workshop with experiences, tools and reasons to mindfully write letters and more.

NOTE: This class will be held in the Redfield Learning Center on the 3rd floor for the Museum.

Saturday, May 31
10 am – 5 pm

Instructor: Dr. William J. Macauley, Jr.
Age: Adult (16+) | All Levels 

Learn how to make your own books and journals in this hands-on introduction to bookbinding workshop. Starting with a brief introduction to the form of the book, students will learn how to identify different parts of the book and plan out materials and content. Using basic bookbinding tools and techniques, students will learn 3-4 different binding structures and leave with finished models that can be used as journals and sketchbooks or as reference models for creating your own at home. These skills will provide a foundation that can be built upon to create more advanced structures. All materials and tools will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience necessary!

Sunday, June 1
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Bobby Lee
Age: Adult ( 16+) | All Levels

In this workshop, we’ll be exploring several different accordion fold book structures, such as the Flag Book, Panorama Book, Tunnel Book, and more! Starting with the basic accordion fold, students will learn how to use the accordion fold as the basis for several different non-traditional and sculptural book structures, opening new creative possibilities in creating artist books. All materials and tools will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience necessary!

Sunday, May 11 
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Bobby Lee
Age: Adult ( 16+) | All Levels

Learn how to make your own books and journals in this hands-on introduction to bookbinding workshop. Starting with a brief introduction to the form of the book, students will learn how to identify different parts of the book and plan out materials and content. Using basic bookbinding tools and techniques, students will learn 3-4 different binding structures and leave with finished models that can be used as journals and sketchbooks or as reference models for creating your own at home. These skills will provide a foundation that can be built upon to create more advanced structures. All materials and tools will be provided and no prior bookbinding experience necessary!

Sunday, April 27
10 am – 3 pm

Instructor: Bobby Lee
Age: Adult ( 16+) | All Levels

An indestructible cover, inspired by Italy’s 1970’s solution to the Yellow Pages in public phone booths, this 360-degree flexible binding offers many advantages because it bends and does not break! It offers visual and tactile delight, employing strips of articulated boards and marbled fabric. In this workshop, instructor Pietro Accardi will instruct students in the art of this rare binding technique. Students will create a large and small articulated blank journal that can beautifully withstand the ravages of time. All materials provided.

Sunday, April 20
10 am – 5 pm

Instructor: Pietro Accardi
Ages: Adults (16+) |  All levels: Some book arts experience is helpful but not required