Fieldwork Book & Box Retreat | July 20-24, 2026

In-Person Book & Box Courses 
Date: July 20-24, 2026
Time: 10am - 5ish pm 
Fee: $875 (includes materials, local studio tour and some meals) 
Location: NE Portland (parking available) and more details available

TWO REGISTRATION OPTIONS: PAY A DEPOSIT OR HOLD A SPOT UNTIL 4/10/25

DESCRIPTION:
This 5-day retreat invites participants into a rich exploration of fieldwork—where natural discoveries meet the creative practice of artist books. Working with gathered materials, visual collections, and personal curiosities, students will develop a series of one-of-a-kind artist books that reflect their own approach to material storytelling.

Throughout the week, we’ll draw inspiration from historic illustrations and books, found objects, and natural artifacts. Students are welcome to work with their artwork and prints, writings, found narratives/imagery, and specimens from my collection, or bring their own. Guidance will be provided on materials that lend themselves beautifully to this process, including containers, papers, textiles, and organic findings.

COURSE DETAILS:
Each day is structured with a gentle rhythm: mornings focus on demonstrations and guided construction, while afternoons open into creative exploration. This includes an optional letterpress printing day, independent work time, and two thoughtfully planned field trips.

Over the course of the week, students will build a personalized, multi-level drawer structure designed to house their growing series of artist books and collected materials. This sculptural “matchbox” form will include compartments for organizing findings, along with an inset top panel that invites surface design or dimensional elements.

Together, we will create several distinct book structures, with plenty of room for experimentation, variation, and expansion. The retreat is designed as both a focused learning experience and a creative adventure—encouraging curiosity, play, and discovery.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
This course is best suited for those with basic bookbinding experience. Participants should feel comfortable cutting with an X-Acto knife, sewing simple book structures, and working with PVA adhesives and bookboard (or similar materials).

No prior boxmaking experience is required. Familiarity with artist book structures or collage processes is welcome but not necessary. If you’re unsure whether this course is a good fit, you’re encouraged to reach out.

FIELD TRIPS:
Two field trips will enrich our time together. We’ll visit a local special collections library, as well as an “open table” session—an abundant, hands-on presentation of artist books from across the U.S. that relate to our theme and materials.

This open exploration offers a rare opportunity to handle a wide range of structures, formats, and materials—inviting close looking, research, and inspiration that can directly inform your own work. Transportation will be provided, and full details will be shared in advance.

MATERIALS PROVIDED:
A basic toolkit (including cutting mat) can be provided if needed.

Course materials include pre-cut and experimental bookboard, a curated selection of bookcloth, handmade and machine-made papers, and a variety of specimens and natural materials. Thoughtful, high-quality materials are an essential part of the experience and are chosen to support both structure and experimentation.

Students are welcome to bring their own papers, bookcloth and collected findings as well or visit the many shops in Portland for inspiration. 

Please send me a message through the contact page if you would like more information or recommendations (accommodations nearby, transportation, studio and equipment, etc) and I'm happy to provide resources and details.