Campus

Since 1993, Telluride, Colorado has been home to the American Academy of Bookbinding. The historic Old Stone Building in downtown Telluride houses the bookbinding studio. Built in 1909 and constructed of native stone and indigenous red limestone mortar, the building was first used as a livery stable and assay office, and then by old Step-and-a-Half Adams, the local undertaker, for his trade. The building experienced many business incarnations over the decades. Completely gutted and remodeled in 2009 and 2010, the beautifully renovated facility consists of a well-lit, 1,400 square foot bookbinding studio and a comfortable student lounge, where books are available for further study, and students may relax before and after class. Students have access to the building 24 hours a day.

Telluride is a spectacular backdrop for this intensive program. In addition to being a designated national historic district and Colorado creative arts district, the town is surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks . . . the sheer force of their beauty and solitude instills a level of peace that welcomes creativity. Out of class, students can hike trails in easily accessed wilderness areas, or amble along the San Miguel River. With cool nights and warm days, nothing beats the Colorado Rocky Mountains as a perfect setting for the American Academy of Bookbinding.

Travel – Arrival & Departure

When making travel arrangements to AAB, it is usually best to fly into the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and take the Telluride Express Shuttle service directly to AAB at 117 Willow St., Telluride, CO 81435. Arrange for the shuttle service to drop you off and pick you up at AAB.

Many of the courses offered at AAB begin with a Meet & Greet gathering to meet the other students and the instructor, become familiar with the studio, and spend some time preparing for the week ahead. Students are encouraged to arrive on the Tuesday before class or early on Wednesday to adjust to Telluride’s altitude. AAB student housing is available after 4 pm on Tuesday and all-day Wednesday. When you know your travel plans, please let us know, so we can be here to meet you.

Departures should be scheduled for the Tuesday after the course ends. The Telluride Express shuttle can pick you up at AAB if you travel by shuttle. If your flight departs later Tuesday, students can store their luggage at AAB until their shuttle arrives.

Schedule Information

Classes are generally held from 9 AM to 5 PM with an hour break for lunch. The time is divided between presentation of the information, demonstration, and hands-on work. Students have 24-hour access to the studio throughout the duration of the course and are often found working late, coming back in the evening or coming in early, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for two-week classes. Though this is not expected or required, most students find that they wish to make the most of their time at AAB and are encouraged to approach their learning experience in a serious and focused manner.

In addition to class time, AAB often schedules time for an instructor slideshow and a class party. The instructor presentation usually occurs one evening during the course and the class party is usually on the evening of the last class. These gatherings are not mandatory, but they can be a wonderful opportunity for deeper discussion and enhanced relationships within the bookbinding community.