These sessions cover a variety of basic book-binding techniques which are the springboard for further artistic creation. These books can become sketchbooks, journals, albums, collections, containers for all sorts of explorations. We will make use of simple materials (to keep costs down and to emphasize an art form that can be made in any studio, kitchen, living room, etc) to create unique and crafted book objects. Participants will be encouraged to integrate the new techniques with their own needs: journalists, photographers, graphic/interior designers, cooks, biologists, art historians, law students, you name it! Participants encouraged to bring in materials to possibly incorporate into book. No previous artistic coursework necessary.

Cristina Pinton, a studio artist and teacher, has received a BFA in Photography/Printmaking, an MSAE in Art Education, and has done graduate work in Printmaking/Book Arts at the Scuola di Grafica in Venice, Italy. Originally from Connecticut,  she moved from teaching high school art in Boston to Florence in 2004, to create a renewed familial, emotional, and artistic relationship with the Italian culture that her father, originally from the Veneto, first shared with her. Cristina taught photography, sculpture, book-making and drawing courses at a private study abroad program in Florence for over 2 years. Currently, she is multi-tasking in the world of wine and gastronomy, leads tours through Context Travel Florence, and photographs pregnant moms and newborns in black and white film (not digital!) She has exhibited her art work (mainly photographs and artist's books) in Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut, but also Venice, Rome and Florence. Her artwork is both inspired and challenged by her experiences abroad, especially with the idea of identity in relationship to travel, personal history, memory, childhood, and family culture.