Fieldwork Book & Box Retreat | May 3-7, 2027

In-Person Book & Box Courses 
Date: May 3-7, 2027
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm 
Fee: $950 (includes materials, 2 field trips and some meals) 
$100 Deposit required 
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 interpreting their interests in the natural world. Through a balance of studio work and local field trips, we will gather natural materials, document observations, and develop visual collections through a series of one-of-a-kind artist books and a box enclosure. Alongside a variety of bookbinding and boxmaking techniques, participants will investigate ways to creatively interpret, preserve, organize, and present their discoveries, transforming observations and collected materials into visual artwork that reflects their own curiosities and approaches to material storytelling.

COURSE DETAILS:
Each day follows a gentle rhythm, with mornings focused on demonstrations and guided construction and afternoons open for studio work, creative exploration, and developing each student’s growing body of work with individual guidance. Some materials will be pre-cut to allow us to accomplish several structures during the week, while leaving room for experimentation and expansion. More advanced students can customize their structures with additional elements such as magnets, insets, and interior containers.

Over the course of the week, students will construct three distinct books and a personalized, multi-level tray structure designed to house their growing collection of artist books and fieldwork materials. This wrapped magnetic form includes compartments for organizing findings and an inset top panel that invites surface design or dimensional elements.

An optional letterpress printing session will be offered one afternoon or evening for interested participants; details will be discussed by email before the course begins.

The retreat is designed as both a focused learning experience and a creative adventure, with plenty of room for curiosity, play, and discovery. The small class size allows for individual guidance and the time and space each student needs to develop their work.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Students should consider themselves advanced beginners or intermediate bookmakers, with experience working independently as well as in a class setting. Participants should feel comfortable covering bookboard with paper or bookcloth, cutting materials to specified measurements while paying attention to grain direction, sewing basic book structures, and constructing a simple box tray or clamshell box using bookboard.

Some 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 so we can create the best possible experience for everyone in the small class.

FIELD TRIPS:
A private visit to a local special collections library will offer an opportunity to handle and closely examine a wide range of artist books, structures, formats, and materials. The experience is intended to encourage close looking, research, and inspiration that can inform each student’s own work.

Additional opportunities to explore the natural landscape around Portland may be offered during the week, depending on interest and weather. Details available upon request. 

MATERIALS PROVIDED:
A basic toolkit is recommended and can be provided for students traveling to the class. The toolkit includes a cutting mat, scissors, awl, bone folders, rulers, paper knives, and other essential tools.

Course materials include pre-cut bookboard and experimental materials, a curated selection of bookcloth, handmade and machine-made papers, and a variety of specimens and natural materials for students to customize. 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, or visit the many shops in Portland for additional materials and inspiration.

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

Please note that deposit is not refundable after 3/1/27 unless another student can take your place.