This is a list of resources related to the book arts in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. It is not meant to be extensive, but we welcome any additions.
Book Arts Organizations
American Printing History Association
A national organization with a local chapter, the Chesapeake Chapter.
Baltimore Bibliophiles
A local group of book enthusiasts who meet five times a year. Most meetings are not book art related, but there is typically at least one relevent lecture or event every year or so.
Guild of Book Workers
A national organization with a local chapter, the Potomac Chapter.
Book Arts Organizations Offering Public Courses
Baltimore Print Studios
Offers workshops in letterpress printing and screen printing.
Cat Tail Run Hand Book Bindery
Offers workshops on book restoration, paper marbling, box making, and more throughout the year.
Frederick Book Arts Center
A non-profict located in Frederick, MD offering workshops on bookbinding, printmaking, photography, letterpress, and more throughout the year.
Pyramid Atlantic
A non-profit dedicated to printmaking, paper making and bookmaking, located in Silver Spring, MD. Offers workshops, lectures, residency programs, equipment rentals, and more.
Rare Book School at the University of Virginia
Offers courses related to the history of the book, printing, bibliography, illustration, artists’ books, and more. *Note: These are historical survey courses, not ‘how to’ classes and while they are open to the public, they do require an application.
Places to Purchase Book Arts Supplies
Artist & Craftsman Supply Baltimore
Bookmaking section features supplies for book artists.
Bookmakers, Inc.
Located in College Park, MD, the entire store is devoted to bookmaking supplies.
Plaza Art Materials & Picture Framing
Located in Baltimore, MD, the store has a bookmaking section.
Book Arts Fairs
Oak Knoll Book Fest
Hosted by Oak Knoll Books in Newcastle, DE and features private presses from around the country. It is held every other year in early October, with the next one in 2016.
Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Fair
Hosted by Pyramid Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD and features book artists from around the country. It is held every other year in November, with the next one in 2016.
Small Press Expo
A fair for independent cartooning and comic arts. It is held yearly in Bethesda, MD, in September.
Additional Resources
The Book Arts Web
Features links to book arts-related websites, including educational opportunities, tutorials, professional organizations, and more.
Smithsonian Libraries Artists’ Books
Collection of artists’ books available to researchers for study and inspiration. To view an artist’s book, make an appointment directly with the individual branch of the Smithsonian.