Explore your creativity and learn bookbinding techniques in this free workshop taught by Katie Gonzalez at Nashville Public Library Southeast Branch, presented in partnership with the First Art Museum and supported by the E. A. Michelson Philanthropy and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Participants will learn artistic bookbinding techniques to create unique journals and books. The class will learn new skills each week and gain tools for creative expression while developing community and engaging with the Frist’s exhibitions and programs. The workshop consists of eight ninety-minute art-making sessions, with a culminating reception and celebration on week nine. Participants also receive a complimentary one-year membership to the Frist Art Museum. All materials are provided, and there is no charge for the class.
Space is limited to 14 participants. This multiweek workshop is free, but slots are limited—please only sign up if you can attend all workshop dates. To register, contact Chinedu Amaefula at Chinedu.Amaefula@nashville.gov.
About the Instructor
Katie Gonzalez is a book artist who has been creating handbound books for more than 20 years. She first studied bookbinding in Cortona, Italy, where the tradition of the craft was instilled into her work. Katie established her own bindery, linenlaid&felt, in 2010, turning her passion for book arts, papermaking, and paper marbling into her full-time profession. Katie is interested in creating functional works of art that can be used as journals or sketchbooks, often with exposed spines to accentuate how the books are sewn together.
She holds a BFA in graphic design from the University of Georgia. Her handbound books are included in the special collection libraries at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee. She has exhibited her work in galleries and festivals around the Southeast, including at the Best of Tennessee Craft exhibition, the Handmade & Bound book arts festival, Porter Flea, and Artclectic. Katie is as passionate about teaching as she is about binding books. Over the past 15 years, Katie has taught book arts to hundreds of students.
