Center for Book Arts promotes active explorations of artistic practices related to the book as an art object. We are committed to providing a nurturing environment for artists to grow and learn together, with access to the resources, equipment ,and skills needed for artists and writers to take book production into their own hands, and giving creative voices a tool to self amplify without the need to rely on the gallery model or commercial pressures.
As a space for research, education, exhibition, making, and community building, we offer opportunities to artists and writers through a variety of programs throughout the year. Current opportunities are listed below.
Center for Book Arts Certificate Program in Bookbinding is a comprehensive 94-hour course of study designed for artists, designers, writers, and makers committed to building a serious foundation in bookbinding while developing an individual studio practice. Over the course of one year, participants progress as a cohort through core technical training, elective specialization, and monthly project development sessions with artist and instructor Ben Denzer.
Because students learn alongside one another throughout the program, we select applicants who are at a similar stage of development. This application helps us understand your previous experience, your current skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. There are no right answers—we are looking to understand where you are beginning from so we can assemble a cohort of eight individuals who will progress well together.
Key Dates
- Applications open: June 1, 2026
- Application deadline: July 31, 2026
- Notification of decisions: by August 30, 2026
- Program begins: January 2027
Program at a Glance
- 94 total program hours: 60 hours of core bookbinding workshops, 24 hours of elective specialization, and 10 hours of monthly project development sessions with Ben Denzer
- One year duration, beginning January 2027
- 5 sessions of the bi-monthly Project Development Session w/ Ben Denzer ($250 value). Each additional session will cost $50 if you would like to attend more! These sessions are very popular and only available to certificate students.
- One year of artist membership ($60 value)
- Invitation to VIP events
- 6 studio hours + training ($165 value) + 20% discount on additional hours during the program
- Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of all required hours
Costs
- Application processing fee: $5.00 USD (submitted with application)
- Enrollment fee: $600 (due upon acceptance; includes Ben Denzer's project development sessions and a $100 discount on each of four core workshops)
- Program tuition: $3,000+ (depending on classes selected)
Program Structure
The curriculum balances technical skill with creative exploration through two complementary components:
Core Bookbinding Foundation (60 hours required)
Participants will develop fluency in fundamental binding structures that form the backbone of contemporary book arts practice. Core workshops cover essential skills including pamphlet stitch, case binding, and paper manipulation techniques. These foundational methods provide the technical skills needed to execute complex projects and understand how structure supports concept in artists' books.
Elective Specialization (24 hours)
With your core foundation established, you'll design an individualized learning track from CBA's workshop offerings in areas including specialized binding structures, paper engineering, box making, or conservation and repair techniques. This flexibility allows you to build expertise in the technical areas most relevant to your artistic practice. (See a list of included workshops below.)
Who Should Apply
This program serves artists, designers, writers, and makers at a range of experience levels who are committed to developing technical skills and a sustained studio practice in the book arts. Prior bookbinding experience is welcome but not required.
What You'll Need to Submit
- Completed application form, including responses to all required questions
- Three images of your previous work in any medium, with a preference for book arts–related projects. Each image should be captioned with medium, dimensions, and year completed.
- $5.00 USD non-refundable application processing fee
How We Review Applications
Applications are reviewed by CBA faculty and staff. We are not looking for right or wrong answers—we are looking to understand your starting point, your existing skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. Our goal is to assemble a cohort of eight individuals who can learn alongside one another effectively.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program or need assistance with the application, please contact education@centerforbookarts.org.
Center for Book Arts Virtual Certificate Program in Bookbinding is a comprehensive 64-hour virtual course of study designed for artists, designers, writers, and makers committed to building a serious foundation in bookbinding while developing an individual studio practice. Over the course of a year, participants progress as a cohort through core technical training, elective specialization, and monthly project development sessions with artist and instructor Ben Denzer.
Because students learn alongside one another throughout the program, we select applicants who are at a similar stage of development. This application helps us understand your previous experience, your current skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. There are no right answers—we are looking to understand where you are beginning from so we can assemble a cohort of eight individuals who will progress well together.
Key Dates
- Applications open: June 1, 2026
- Application deadline: July 31, 2026
- Notification of decisions: by August 30, 2026
- Program begins: January 2027
Cohort Size
The Certificate Program in Bookbinding is limited to eight students per cohort. Because students progress through the curriculum together, we select applicants who are at a similar stage of development.
Program at a Glance
- 64 total program hours: 30 hours of core bookbinding workshops, 24 hours of elective specialization, and 10 hours of monthly project development sessions with Ben Denzer
- One-year duration, beginning January 2027
- Certificate of Completion awarded upon successful completion of all required hours
Costs
- Application processing fee: $5.00 USD (submitted with application)
- Enrollment fee: $400 (due upon acceptance; includes Ben Denzer's project development sessions and a $100 discount on each of four core workshops)
- Program tuition: $1,500+ (depending on courses selected)
Who Should Apply
This program serves artists, designers, writers, and makers at a range of experience levels who are committed to developing technical skills and a sustained studio practice in the book arts. Prior bookbinding experience is welcome but not required.
What You'll Need to Submit
- Completed application form, including responses to all required questions
- Three images of your previous work in any medium, with a preference for book arts–related projects. Each image should be captioned with medium, dimensions, and year completed.
- $5.00 USD non-refundable application processing fee
How We Review Applications
Applications are reviewed by CBA faculty and staff. We are not looking for right or wrong answers—we are looking to understand your starting point, your existing skills, and how you think about bookbinding in relation to book art. Our goal is to assemble a cohort of eight individuals who can learn alongside one another effectively.
Questions?
If you have questions about the program or need assistance with the application, please contact education@centerforbookarts.org.