The Western New York Book Arts Center, located in Buffalo, New York, is a fantastic and unique opportunity to take an in-depth and interesting look into the world of print and the various different forms and works that come from the written word.
It’s a manual for the art of creating a physical property in a world that has progressively moved into more digital spheres.
Working primarily in the realms of conservation and education, the WNYBAC offers curriculum-specific field trips that hope to educate the next generation with an enriching experience that highlights the place that the written word has in our past, present, and future. The activities and learning on offer can be tailored to the needs or requirements of the trip and the main areas covered look at the various aspects of letterpress printing, bookmaking, and screen printing. They also offer on-site instruction in utilizing their mobile printing unit; for further details or for booking information you can visit the website.
The workshops offered by the talented instructors on the site vary but are open to all skill levels and interests and you can be sure to find something that will suit. Prices are dependent on the particular workshop, and you can find a full schedule of upcoming events on the WNYBAC website.
Throughout the year, the WNYBAC also offers a range of events and exhibitions that cover not only the production of new works but also champion and highlight fine pieces of art and literature that have inspired and impressed. The annual book fest is one such event, but there are plenty more, from kite flying to live music, so be sure to keep yourself up to date with their upcoming schedule.
There are also exhibitions throughout the year that showcase the work of members of the WNYBAC; these are free to attend and usually provide a wealth of talent from multiple disciplines, styles, and vocations. A large majority of the work exhibited has been curated from the workshops and education provided by the centre itself, and if you want an idea of what they can help you achieve, there’s no finer entry point.
Admission and Opening Hours
Admission to the centre is free of charge but as a non-profit educational institution, the Western New York Book Arts Center relies on membership as a means of funding their schedule of programs, events, and workshops. Membership offers many benefits, such as a 20% discount on workshop attendance, 10% off in the WNYBAC shop, an exhibition space for members’ own works, access to the WNYBAC studio equipment, invitation to member-only events, library access privileges, free Wi-Fi on site, a higher royalty rate for items sold in the shop and, most importantly, the knowledge that you are helping to support this cultural hub in the future.
The Western New York Book Arts Center is open from Wednesday to Saturday 12:00pm until 6:00pm. They are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays but do offer various events, workshops, and exhibitions that fall outside these hours at times; you can check out any forthcoming events on the website.
Address
468 Washington Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, Phone: 716-348-1430, website, Map
