Saturday, May 10, from 11 am to 6 pm (US EDT)

Introduction to Course & Faculty

“Examining Options: Small Press, Self-published, and Limited Edition Handmade Artists’ Books with Photography and Photo-Related Media” - Susan kae Grant (SkG) & Mary Virginia Swanson (MVS)

In Conversation: “Innovative Photobooks Today”
SkG & MVS share and discuss examples of books related to the topics of the day

Q&A with SkG & MVS

Close-up Views: "The Anatomy of the Book: Key Elements and Options for Binding Structures" - SkG
A thorough knowledge of the basic parts of a book, along with considerations for choosing an appropriate binding structure, is essential for understanding the visual book.

From accordion to pamphlet and cover to colophon, Susan kae will define and share examples of various binding styles and identify the key elements that constitute an artist’s book. By carefully considering these options, participants can begin to create books that are visually captivating and structurally sound.

Q&A with SkG

Special Guest Artist: Cig Harvey (See bio here)
“An Artist’s Journey into Bookmaking”

In this conversation, Cig Harvey offers insight into her creative process as both an artist and bookmaker. She will share her beginnings with handmade books and small press editions, expanding on "Blue Violet" and her latest release "Cake". Her process, often inspired by journaling, silence, and intuitive mind mapping, fosters a deep connection between imagery and narrative.

Throughout her career, Cig has embraced diverse book formats, from portfolios to fine press editions, thoughtfully weaving together color, form, sequence, and text. In this discussion, we’ll explore how Cig’s approach to bookmaking has become a vital part of her broader creative practice, revealing her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Q&A with Cig Harvey

Saturday, May 17, from 11 am to 6 pm (US EDT)

Welcome, Introduction

Special Guest Designer: Lewis Chaplin (Loose Joints Studio) (See bio here)
“Concepts through Design & Typography”

In this presentation, co-founder Lewis Chaplin will highlight their collaborative approach to design and production. He will explore the intricate relationship between design and storytelling in photobooks, offering case studies from various projects to provide insights into editorial and creative processes. By discussing design decisions, such as typography, layout, and material choices, he will emphasize the role of thoughtful design in enhancing a book’s narrative and emotional impact.

Through an in-depth look at book design, Lewis will demonstrate how design elements evolve within each project. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how collaboration with artists and the practical considerations of materials inform design choices. This session will demystify the bookmaking process, encouraging participants to embrace the creative possibilities that emerge when design and storytelling intersect.

Q&A with Lewis Chaplin

In Conversation: “Creative Book Design”
SkG & MVS share and discuss examples of books related to the topics of the day

Close-up Views: “Experimentation & Intentionality with Image & Text” - Susan kae Grant
When image and text interact, a creative language emerges, transforming an ordinary book page into a powerful visual experience for the reader.

In this presentation, Susan kae will share a variety of methods, from traditional to experimental, for physically incorporating images and text into an artist’s book. She will emphasize the importance of selecting methods that balance form and content to effectively communicate ideas and evoke emotion.

Q&A with Susan kae Grant

Special Guest Artist: Maureen Cummins (See bio here)
“Reframing History: the Archival Explorations of Maureen Cummins”

In this presentation, Maureen Cummins will describe how her practice, which began with searching around in flea markets, eventually led to her being an artist-in-residence in major research archives. Her work involves a rich and often unconscious relationship with images, materials, and voices from the past.

Maureen will page through a selection of artist’s books from her career, using them to illustrate aspects of her practice, such as working with experimental materials, entering the archive, and strategies for drawing out themes. She will also discuss how to develop a practice of recognizing and recording one’s own creative ideas.

Q&A with Maureen Cummins

Wrap Up &: Recap of first two classes

Saturday, May 31, from 11 am to 6 pm (US EDT)

Welcome, Introduction

Close-up Views:
“Designing & Materializing the Mock-up” - Susan kae Grant
Before delving into the structure, space, and rhythm of a book, we start by experimenting, designing, and testing materials using a mock-up—also known as a prototype, maquette, or book dummy. This initial phase is crucial for visualizing and refining the design.

In this presentation, Susan will share examples of photobook mock-ups, illustrating their role in the creative process. She will discuss their purpose in exploring layout, material choices, and binding options, and offer insights into best practices for creating them.

Special Guest Artist: Ann Fessler (See bio here)
“Undertold Stories: About Family — About History”

Ann Fessler combines images and text to address the gap between recorded history — the history we learn from authoritative sources — and that same history as understood by those who lived it. By collecting, disseminating, and preserving the stories of ordinary people’s lives she hopes to contribute to a more expansive and inclusive understanding of history.

In this session, Ann will discuss her current book in-progress, "The Things He Gave Me and The Things I Took", a photobook/memoir about her adoptive father, in the context of her earlier artist’s books. She will share concepts/structures from time-based mediums like film that have inspired her, and influenced her thinking about books.

Q&A with Ann Fessler

In Conversation: “Alternative Book Forms”
SkG & MVS share and discuss examples of books related to the topics of the day

Q&A with SkG & MVS

Special Guest Artist: María Verónica San Martín (See bio here)
“Reconstructing Memory and Resistance Through Artist Books, Installation and Performance”

In this presentation, Chilean-born, New York-based artist and educator María San Martín will address the role of artists’ books and printmaking as civic, historical, and political tools for reconstructing narratives and fostering social change. María will discuss her multidisciplinary trilogy composed of the following: "Moving Memorials", "Dignidad", and "The Javelin Project". María will further explain the use of mobile artists’ books, sculptures, archives, and installations to highlight issues of memory, human rights violations, and resistance in contemporary Chile and Latin America.

This lecture will also include a digital live performance, illustrating the interplay between a book’s form and its narrative power. As part of her series "Dignidad", María activates a kinetic metal artist’s book, transforming the act of reading and the physical elements of the book into a dynamic choreography.

Q&A with María Verónica San Martín

June 7, 2025, from 11 am to 6 pm (US EDT)

Welcome, Introduction

In Conversation: “Artists in Collaborations with Production Studios & Small Presses”
SkG & MVS share and discuss examples of books related to the topics of the day

Special Guest Publishers: Gianluca & Gianmarco Gamberini (L’Artiere Edizioni) (See bio here)
“Vision and Artistry in the Realm of Independent Publishing”

In this presentation, Gianluca and Gianmarco Gamberini of L'Artiere Edizioni will discuss their core philosophies and collaboration strategies that guide their independent publishing endeavors. They will share insights into the principles and considerations shaping their choices of projects, collaborators, and partnerships. Notable publications from L’Artiere will be highlighted, offering case studies and a glimpse into the memorable experiences involved in the creation of these books.

Additionally, Gianluca and Gianmarco will provide an overview of the current independent publishing landscape, examining contemporary trends, challenges, and how L'Artiere positions itself within the global context.

Q&A with Gianluca & Gianmarco Gamberini

Special Guest Librarian: Marieke Van Der Steenhoven (See bio here)
(Collections Education and Outreach, Bowdoin College)
“Missions, Collecting Strategies & Educational Initiatives”

In this presentation, Marieke Van Der Steenhoven will discuss her experience developing a vibrant and diverse collection of contemporary bookworks within an academic library as well as the innovative ways she activates these collections. Through student engagement, exhibitions, and public programs, Marieke utilizes artists' books, rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections as dynamic teaching tools.

In addition, Marieke will share strategies for targeted acquisitions and overall collecting approaches for academic libraries and explore how institutional collections support research, creative inquiry, and public engagement.

Q&A with Marieke Van Der Steenhoven

Close-up Views: “The Prospectus: Purpose, Design & Promotion” - Susan kae Grant
A well-designed, visually compelling book prospectus—with captivating photographs, whether printed or digital—that conveys the style and materiality of the book can significantly enhance awareness and interest among special collection curators, librarians, and private collectors.

In this presentation, Susan kae will discuss the purpose and best practices for creating a prospectus and will share examples to illustrate how to effectively announce the availability of an artist’s book to these audiences. Mary Virginia will contribute with valuable insights into securing consignments with independent bookstores.

Special Guest: Richard Klein (See bio here)

Richard Klein will join to emphasize the importance of documenting books to convey form and materiality. He will demonstrate techniques for depicting books as three-dimensional objects, using natural light to highlight texture and volume.

Richard will also cover methods for creating both still images and page-turning videos with minimal equipment, including tips on post-production.

Q&A with SkG, MVS & Richard Klein

Summary, Thank you and Goodbyes