Center for Book Arts, art not-for-profit school in the United States
The Center for Book Arts is an art gallery and nonprofit organization in Manhattan dedicated to the artistic exploration of books as visual and conceptual media. The facility features a fully equipped printshop and bindery where visitors can view exhibitions and watch artists at work in real-time studios.
Founded in 1974, it was the first nonprofit organization in the country dedicated to promoting the artistic exploration of both modern and traditional bookmaking. Over decades, it developed into a leading institution supporting artists and collectors while keeping traditional book crafts alive.
The name reflects its mission to treat books as artistic objects rather than just reading material. Visitors witness how artists use printshop equipment and bindery tools to transform pages and covers into visual and tactile creations.
Located on the third floor of a building in the Flatiron area, the center features an elevator for easy access and accessible restrooms for all visitors. Subway stations nearby make it convenient to arrive by public transit, though the surrounding streets can be busy during the day.
The center showcases pioneering artists like Alison Knowles, who created Bean Rolls in 1963, one of the earliest works combining text and objects into a new artistic format. These early experiments with books as conceptual and performance-based art continue to shape the center's mission today.
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