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

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

TWO REGISTRATION OPTIONS: PAY A DEPOSIT OR HOLD A SPOT UNTIL 3/1/25

This 5-day retreat style course focuses on themes of Fieldwork, exploring the relationship between natural findings and the creative practice of making artist books. Students will create a unique series of artist books using a variety of visual collections and natural curiosities. The books and boxes each student produces will be truly one of a kind, reflecting their material storytelling interests.

Starting with a simple book and folded matchbox, students will explore a range of materials, techniques, and curiosities. Each day will introduce a new binding structure leading to a hardcover book with an inset panel and a two-layer box set with a specimen enclosure.

Throughout the course, students will learn to use an assemblage of historic illustrations, found objects, and natural artifacts to create small treasures. They will receive suggestions for curiosities that work well for the process, including containers, creative papers/cloths, natural materials, and findings.

By the end of the course, each student will have created a personalized multi-level drawer structure to house their series of artist books, complete with several compartments for found and collected pieces. The top of the matchbox will have an inset panel for creative decoration or sculptural elements. Overall, this course promises to be a creative adventure filled with exploration and experimentation.

While basic bookbinding skills are required, no prior experience is needed in boxmaking. Participants should be comfortable with cutting using an xacto, possess some book sewing skills, and have experience working with PVA and other adhesives and bookboard (or similar materials). If unsure of their experience level, students can email the instructor for further information.

There will be one day of field trips (to local special collections and artist studios), and transportation will be arranged for everyone and locations provided ahead of time. This is an opportunity for us to research, play and experience artist books that might inspire and inform our processes. 

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.