Collaborate on A Folio of Poetry Broadsides

In this special two-day workshop, a small cohort of six collaborators will create a folio of original letterpress poetry broadsides—each pairing a poem with a hand-carved illustration.

Constraints in design guidelines for scale, method, and color gradients will make the collection harmonious while highlighting our individual creativity and poem selections. Before the workshop, you’ll select your poem and image; we’ll prepare polymer plates for the text and scale your image for transfer. During the workshop, you’ll carve your illustration, hand-set your title using lead or wood type, and print your edition on the Vandercook press.

Each participant will print at least eight copies of their broadside. At the end of the weekend, we’ll collate and exchange work so that everyone leaves with a complete folio featuring a full set of the group’s broadsides.

Get your hands on this historical practice of illustrating, printing, and sharing our most beloved poems.

Day 1 (Saturday): Image transfer, carving, and finalizing layout and design
Day 2 (Sunday): Printing on the Vandercook press, and folio collation

All materials provided, including a custom made VBA folder for taking home your collection.

Please note: This workshop is open to participants who have completed at least one prior class at Virginia Book Arts using the Vandercook press.

There will be occasions for meetings at the station before the weekend of the class for planning purposes, but attending these will not be required to participate.

The workshop will run from 10 am to 4 pm each day. The class fee includes $50 for material costs.

Instructor:  Jenny Mikulski