Going to a mall and buying presents for friends and family can be expensive, so instead, go to the University Bookstore and attend the Stop-In Studios and learn to make a variety of handmade gifts.
The free Stop-In Studios are held on Saturdays in the basement of the bookstore and are open to anyone. Some of the Studio’s are hands-on activities while others are just demonstrations. Crafts range from pastels and watercolors to sketching. Attendance numbers vary depending on the Studio.
The bookstore held a Stop-In Studio Saturday where bookmaking and bookbinding were the subjects at hand. This studio was led by Robin Seloover, a 34-year-old Masters of Fine Arts student at the University.
Erica Schlicting, the store’s art supply buyer organizes the events using mostly MFA students. The students usually approach the bookstore themselves and if their Studio’s are successful, then the bookstore often asks them to return. The students, who lead the two or more hour-long Studio’s, do not get paid and they do not get school credit, instead receiving a gift certificate to the store.
But a paycheck or credit is not what draws students to lead a Stop-In Studio — it is the love of a particular art form that they wish to share with others.
Seloover came back to the University to get her master’s because she was “really looking for a focus.” She said the reason she was drawn to fibers and bookmaking as her area of study was because fibers give her the “opportunity to mix mediums” in her work. She leads the Studios because she said she enjoys teaching people about bookbinding.
“There is something about bookmaking that is empowering,” Seloover said.
This was Seloover’s third Studio. July 22 she led a Studio on making book-cloth, something that people could use this week to cover their new books.
Jessica Bollinger, 20, visiting from Ohio, said she came to the Studio because, “I just recently learned how to make my own paper and thought it would be a good idea to have something to do with it.”
A total of 16 people watched intently as Seloover effortlessly bound a book.
“I’ve had a lot of practice,” she told the crowd.
The bookstore staff supplied paper and pens for people to take notes on and almost everyone did just that, scribbling like mad to get all of the minute details. Most of the people watching had a look of fierce concentration on their faces for the nearly three-hour demonstration as Seloover showed how to do the complicated stitching pattern.
Seloover was teaching a traditional multi-signature on linen binding method where the book is hand-sewn and held together with thread and glue.
“I think with watching her, taking notes and reading a book, I should be able to do it,” said Ruth Beller.
Beller, like most people at the demonstration, was not a student but rather from the community. Beller is a local artist who has made books in the past, but was looking for a new method.
Most of the pupils said they heard about the Studio through a flyer they received from being on the bookstore mailing list. Others said they saw the posters in the bookstore announcing the event. To get on the mailing list, anyone can sign up at the bookstore.
Many of the people who attend the Stop-In Studio’s go on a frequent basis.
“They’re knowledgeable,” said Beller, referring to the Studio leaders. “I hope to continue to learn more.”