About Artists Book House
Who We Are
Artists Book House is an interdisciplinary arts education organization dedicated to teaching and promoting the literary and book arts and offering a non-credit arts education open to all. Through community, education, exhibitions, and events, we help people tell their stories and transform their worlds into books.
What Are Book Arts?
“Book Arts” includes all art forms and practices related to the creation of books and, these days, often refers to the handcrafts used to produce books before the modern era: hand bookbinding, making paper from plants, letterpress printing, calligraphy, typography, illustration, and more.
Who We Serve
Book lovers, makers, readers, and writers in the Chicagoland area. Adults and older teens interested in furthering their book arts and writerly skills. Working artists and writers eager to expand their professional portfolios. Populations traditionally underserved by formal arts education.
DEI Statement
Artists Book House is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and equitable artistic environment, an inclusive space where students, staff and the public can come together to create and appreciate works of art in welcoming surroundings that value a diverse array of voices and expressions.
A Tradition of Book Arts in Chicago
The book and paper arts movement has spread all over the world, with multiple centers dedicated to the art form. Unfortunately, Chicago’s centers no longer stand. Our vision for an independent and expanded book and paper center has persevered through the pandemic and endured as Artists Book House.
Partnering with Chicago’s literary and arts organizations, book artists, writers, and donors, we are rebuilding the structure that allows tomorrow’s artists and writers to acquire their skills, hone their craft, and pursue their path.
With the help of our growing ABH Founders Circle, we are recruiting Founding Members who contribute significantly to our emerging capital campaign, allowing us to:
Renovate our new permanent home
Roll out courses in our own studios, offering university-level instruction at community prices
Host exhibitions! Book launches! Salons!
Bring in world-class artists and writers to guest teach and lecture
Create a library filled with treasures and a bookstore filled with wonders
Establish a generous scholarship fund