In 2019, just before the world descended into Covid-19 lockdown, Audrey and a band of local artists, writers, and supporters of the book arts founded Artists Book House, a nonprofit community arts organization focused on the literary and book arts. Now based in Chicago, at 4207 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago IL 60641, Artists Book House is offering popup workshops and programming while it fundraises to renovate the interior of the building into a library, bookshop, and print, paper, and bookbinding studios. Below is a little more info about ABH from the website. To learn more about ABH, visit artistsbookhouse.org.
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.