Artist Book Club at Washington Printmakers Gallery
This fall, Washington Printmakers Gallery once again hosted the Artist Book Club, led by book artist and instructor Adele Ross. Building on earlier workshops organized by the Art Studio, the Book Club brought together a small group of artists and makers to deepen their practice in book arts—exploring bindings, folds, and experimental approaches that transformed paper into art. Running from September through November, Book Club offered 8 weeks of hands-on learning. Participants each created six handmade books, each reflecting both tradition and personal imagination.
A Journey Through Techniques
Under Ross’s guidance, the group practiced:
Belgian Stitch Binding for strength and decoration
Japanese Stab Binding for elegance and history
Spine Construction for classic durability
Maze and Fan Fold Books for playful interactivity
Alternative Materials Projects that encouraged risk-taking and innovation
Voices from the Club
Participants reflected on the experience with enthusiasm:
Adele brought a phenomenal variety of materials and encouraged us to experiment. Each book made was so different from the one before! By the end I had tried many different cutting, folding and gluing techniques and as many distinct kinds of paper and book styles!
Bookmaking became a meditation for me – our weekly ritual began as a rigorous mental workout and over the course of the season became a relaxing evening with friends!
I left with six books, but more importantly, the skill and confidence to keep making them on my own, and I know I will!
The small group made book club intimate; and we each got a lot of individualized instruction and coaching. Thanks, Adele!
Community and Resonance
Book Club is a recurring highlight at the Gallery, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where participants share discoveries and encourage one another. Each session extends the gallery’s mission beyond printmaking into the broader field of book arts, offering a tactile counterpoint to the digital age. By the end of the season, the worktable at the gallery was covered in handmade books—each one unique, each one a testament to patience, creativity, and community.
The Journey Continues.
In January, Ross will host the next Artist Book Club, introducing two additional Japanese-style stab bindings. These sessions will expand on the foundation built in past clubs, offering fresh techniques and deeper exploration for both returning participants and newcomers. Book Club will meet on Thursdays from January 15, 2026, through February 5, 2026, from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.
Classes and workshops make a wonderful gift for artists and makers alike. Consider gifting yourself or a loved one a spot at the next Book Club! Reserve your seat early, though, space is limited to six participants. Join us at Washington Printmakers Gallery and continue the adventure of transforming paper into art.
The Art Studio at Washington Printmakers Gallery is coordinated by WPG Member and past WPG President, photographer, Marie-B Cilia De Amicis. The Art Studio offers classes and workshops for children and adults throughout the year and employs member artists and contractors to deliver offerings. Proposals for classes are considered seasonally and workshops monthly. To submit your class or workshop proposal or get more information, email classes@washingtonprintmakersgallery.org