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

In-Person Book & Box Courses 
Date: July 20-24, 2026
Time: 10am - 4:30ish 
Fee: $775 (includes materials, local studio tour and some meals) 
Location: 1635 NE Fremont, NE Portland (parking available) and more details available

DESCRIPTION:
This 5-day bookmaking retreat invites participants to explore fieldwork as both a creative practice and a way of seeing. Through a balance of studio work and local field trips, we will gather natural materials, document observations, and create visual collections that inspire a series of one-of-a-kind artist books. Alongside a variety of bookbinding and boxmaking techniques, participants will investigate ways to preserve, organize, and present their discoveries, creating work that reflects their own curiosities and approach to material storytelling.

COURSE DETAILS:
Each day is structured with a gentle rhythm: mornings focus on demonstrations and guided construction, while afternoons will be open to creative exploration, studio time and planning for their final piece with guidance. This includes an optional letterpress printing session one afternoon, independent work time, and two thoughtfully planned field trips.

Over the course of the week, students will construct 3 books and a personalized, multi-level tray structure designed to house their growing series of artist books and collected materials. This wrapped magnetic form will include tray 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 for three of the days, 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. The small class size allows for the space and time to get what each student needs. 

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
 This course is best suited for those with basic bookbinding and boxmaking 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).

Bookmaking experience is require (having made folded books, sewn books and use of PVA/bookcloth is very helpful) but boxmaking experience is not 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.