The Center for Book Arts is dedicated to preserving the traditional crafts of book-making, as well as exploring and encouraging contemporary interpretations of the book as an art object. Founded by Richard Minsky  in 1974, it was the first non-profit organization of its kind in the nation, and has since become a model for others around the world. Its work is channeled through five program areas: exhibitions related to the arts of the book; lectures on topics of interest to book artists and craftspeople; a modest publication schedule; services to artists, both established and emerging and -- much the most prominent currently -- an extensive offering of classes. Each year the Center offers courses, workshops and seminars taught by experienced book artists, and provides hands-on training in all aspects of traditional and contemporary bookmaking, including bookbinding, letterpress printing, papermaking, and other associated arts. These classes are ideal for artists and craftspersons interested in producing works in the book format, as well as for teachers who want to develop skills to incorporate into the classroom experience. Librarians and book conservators also benefit from our classes. CBA courses are designed to offer the very best book arts instruction available, and to accommodate varying levels of skill and experience. Scheduled as weekday and weeknight sessions, weekend workshops, and week-long intensive courses, they provide: a teaching staff of experienced artists; limited class enrollment so as to allow extensive exchange between instructor and student and a fully-equipped bindery and letterpress printshop. Over the years, the Center has trained and educated thousands of people, as the faculty and facility have attracted artists and students from many backgrounds and all parts of the United States, as well as many other countries. The Center provides services to artists, including intern, artists-in-residence, and apprentice programs, and maintains an artists' slide registry, and its printshop and bindery are used by artists who create new works reflecting centuries of craft tradition. With the support of numerous benefactors—foundations, government agencies, corporations, individual contributors, and more than 700 members worldwide—The Center for Book Arts ensures that the ancient crafts of the book, that container which preserves and presents the knowledge and ideas of a culture, remains a viable and vital part of our civilization. The Center for Book Arts Gallery, a 900 square foot exhibition space, provides a venue specifically for the work of book artists. Each year the Center¹s  provides space, publicity and catalogs for up to six shows of work by both established and emerging book artists.