School Programs
Learn with us! As part of our core educational mission, the Western New York Book Arts Center provides field trips that meet New York State standards and cross curricula to enrich each student’s learning experience.
Field Trips
The rapid growth of technology and digital media makes it essential that our future generations understand the place printed words and books have in our past, present & future. Printing and bookbinding are relevant to ELA, Social Studies, Science, Technology, and Math, as well as the Arts. If there is a specific aspect of your school or organization’s curriculum that you would like to focus on, please let us know and we will work with you to customize your students’ experience. Book arts are an incredible piece of living history we’d love for your students to experience!
All field trips include a tour of our cultural center including our letterpress and screen print studios, Shop of books, prints and other handmade goods by local artists, and our gallery showcasing the artwork of professional print & book artists.
Activity Options for Students K-12
Origami Book Making
Students will learn gain familiarity with basic bookbinding tools and learn methods of paper folding to create an origami or hand-stitched book. Methods may vary based on the age/level of the group, modified for all age and skill levels.
Letterpress Printing
Students learn the process of letterpress from type-setting to print pullin’, and the craft’s rich historical importance. Each student will operate an antique printing press to handprint a keepsake poster, with a quote customized for your group.
Screen Printing
Students will learn the basics of hand-printing from screen creation to pulling prints. Each student wil have the opportunity to print a predetermined custom design as a poster, or opt for fabric printing and create custom shirts or tote bags!
Origami Book Making
Students will learn gain familiarity with basic bookbinding tools and learn methods of paper folding to create an origami or hand-stitched book. Methods may vary based on the age/level of the group, modified for all age and skill levels.
Book Arts is a proud partner of Erie 1 BOCES and Arts Partners for Learning. Educators, find out more about partnering with these great organizations to help fund educational opportunities for your students at Book Arts.
College Level Groups
Many graphic design, art, typography, and printmaking classes choose to come to Book Arts for field trips in typesetting, analog design, screen printing, and bookbinding to enhance fine arts and design curricula. We offer single and multi-day visits to immerse students in print and/or book making processes and create high-quality artwork. Field Trips can be customized to your curriculum and desired project, including but not limited to collaboratively designed letterpress prints, screen prints, and custom journals. Most importantly, visiting our center exposes your students to real-world applications of artmaking in a collaborative community space.
Options and Pricing
Field trips at the Western New York Book Arts Center are customizable and affordable, with pricing starting at $15/student. Call Education Director, Rosemary Williams at 716-348-1430, or email [email protected] to plan for your visit to our cultural center!
Bring Book Arts to your School!
Though our 1000 pound presses never leave our Studio… we have a variety of small (lightweight!) presses ready for the road!
Invite the Western New York Book Arts Center to your classroom or school event! Our mobile Book Arts Unit offers on-site bookmaking, screen print or letterpress printmaking, with the opportunity to create custom shirts, cards, journals & more, all aligned to your event or class curriculum.
Rates for visiting instruction vary depending on the location, size of group, and time required. Please contact Rosemary to bring Book Arts to your school–we’d love to visit!