Handwork Week 2026 | Special Event, Print & Book Arts
Speak your Piece: Artist’s Books with Meaning
Create an artist’s book centered around a theme of personal relevance.
Member$1,275.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Guest$1,405.00 (any noted materials fee included) |
Cancellation, Tuition Assistance, and Other Policies
Meeting Times
- Mon, 4/27/2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tue, 4/28/2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wed, 4/29/2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thur, 4/30/2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Fri, 5/1/2026 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mon, 4/27/2026 - Fri, 5/1/2026
Registration does not include lunches or the May 1 Celebration Dinner. Purchase lunch tickets or purchase Celebration Dinner tickets.
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
Handwork Week at BARN
Join us for an extraordinary exploration of American craft as BARN participates in Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026, a national initiative led by PBS's Craft in America and the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery.
About This Workshop
This five-day workshop is ideal for those who are interested in creating an artist’s book centered around a theme of personal relevance. Emphasis will be placed on building book structures that complement the chosen theme.
You'll be guided through writing, brainstorming, and project planning exercises in order to develop content for your book and receive personal feedback daily. A variety of options for generating image and text will be discussed, and low-tech methods such as monotype and collagraphy will be demonstrated. Book structures covered include accordion and pamphlet bindings.
At the end of the workshop, you'll have developed original content and completed a unique artist’s book or a prototype for an edition of books centered around your chosen theme. Strategies for completing your edition or expanding upon concepts developed during the class also will be discussed.
Techniques and activities:
- Bookbinding (accordion, pamphlet).
- Frottage/collagraphy.
- Monotype.
- Book cloth making.
- Creative writing.
- Project planning.
Details
- A basic familiarity with bookbinding is recommended.
- Bring a theme or concept you're excited about, along with any materials or ephemera you feel drawn to use.
- All necessary materials are included in the price of this workshop. Tools are provided by BARN.
Class Policies
Handwork Week Schedule
This preliminary schedule is subject to change.
Sunday, April 26
- 2 PM: BARN tour for new students and visitors
- 4 PM: Studio-specific orientations (TBD)
Monday, April 27 - Thursday, April 30
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 - 4 or 5 PM: Classes
- 5 or 6 PM - 10 PM: Open Studios (unstructured work time for Handwork students and community)
- 7 - 9 PM: Community events (TBD)
Friday, May 1
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Classes
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
- 1 PM - 4 PM: Classes
- 3 PM: Optional item dropoff for Silent Auction participants
- 4 - 6 PM: Studio walkthrough, Silent Auction, drinks and appetizers (open to community)
- 6 - 8 PM: Celebration Dinner (not included in course registration; tickets required).
Handwork Week Dining Options
Class registration does not include catered lunches or tickets to the May 1 Celebration Dinner.
Lunch Options
Join us for lunches catered each day by Fig & Spice! View the menu and purchase lunch tickets.
If you'd prefer to explore Bainbridge Island during lunch, check out restaurant options.
You're also welcome to bring a packed lunch. BARN's lower level has a refrigerator and microwave for community use.
Dinner Options
Dinners are on your own during Handwork Week. We hope you'll join us for our Celebration Dinner on May 1 (purchase tickets here)! During Handwork Week, explore delicious food options a short distance from BARN and across the Agate Pass Bridge in Poulsbo.
Evening Activities
We're planning community art events during the evenings of Handwork Week. Stay tuned!
Silent Auction
Handwork Week participants are invited to submit work to our Silent Auction, happening Friday, May 1 at 4:30 PM. Proceeds benefit BARN programs. More details coming soon!
BARN Handwork 2026 Policies
- Cancellation Policies for Handwork Classes: We understand schedules can be unpredictable. Because there is a lot of planning for this event, BARN is implementing a special Handwork 2026 cancellation and refund policy.
- Cancellations requested prior to Feb. 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 85% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested between Feb. 13 and March 13, 2026, will be eligible for a refund of 50% of all class fees.
- Cancellations requested on March 14, 2026, or later will not be eligible for refunds.
- To request a cancellation, click the link in your profile or email registrar@bainbridgebarn.org.
- We strongly encourage out-of-town visitors to make refundable reservations.
- Tuition Assistance is available. We will prioritize Handwork 2026 tuition assistance for local students, who are eligible to apply at any time. Out-of-town applications will be processed after Jan. 1, 2026. Fill out the application before registering.
- BARN is committed to accessibility. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Fill out the Accommodation Request Form before any class for which you require an accommodation. Email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org if you have any questions.
- Sensory Statement: Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. BARN is not an allergen-free facility. If you have concerns, please email info@bainbridgebarn.org.
Instructors or Guides
Alisa Banks
Handwork Week is made possible with support from:
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