Membership Events Exhibitions Workshops About HBC

BOUND WITH PRIDE: A Panel Discussion

Join us on Saturday, June 21 at 11:00am for a virtual panel discussion exploring the intersections of book art, identity, and material resistance.

As part of the Hand Bookbinders of California’s 53rd Annual Members’ Exhibition, HBC members were invited to transform pieces of a historic Gilbert Baker Rainbow Flag—one that once flew proudly over Harvey Milk Plaza—into original book works. The material was far from easy to work with: slippery, synthetic, and unruly. It frayed, warped, and defied control—mirroring the complexity, resilience, and beauty of queer lives.

In this special panel, artists Amanda Andonian, Bridget McGraw, Erica Taketa, and Paloma Lucas join moderator Insiya Dhatt to share their journey. The event will begin with a short video showcasing all 14 books in the project, followed by a candid discussion about the artistic process, personal reflections, and the many challenges of working with a material as charged and unyielding as the flag itself.

Discover how each artist approached the task of honoring the flag’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of book art.

This webinar is $15 to attend. A Zoom link will be sent out after registration. Sign up today!

HBC53: The Hand Bookbinders of California 53rd Annual Members' Exhibition is open and available for viewing until August 23 at the American Bookbinders Museum located at 355 Clementina St, San Francisco, CA.  

There are several events associated with the exhibition that will be both enjoyable and enlightening. Mark your calendars and make plans to participate.

• HBC53 Opening Event, Saturday June 7 from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. Enjoy the exhibition with fellow bookbinders and friends while partaking in some light refreshments. This is a unique opportunity to discuss the books with their makers for insights about the process and inspiration, renew acquaintances, and meet new people. The catalog will be distributed to all members who are present.

• Between the Covers: An opportunity to view selected books outside the cases, Saturday, August 23, 4:30 – 6:00 pm. A vitrine allows a book to be displayed for public viewing, but stands in opposition to the nature of a book. It limits your view to one perspective of a complex object. Held in person at the American Bookbinders Museum, at this closing event, we will examine the hidden content/details of selected books.

Call for volunteers: We need two volunteers for the HBC53 opening event. It will involve helping with set up and break down of the event, passing out catalogs to members, and simple food preparation. If you can help, please email exhibitions@handbookbinders.org.

SAVE THE DATE: HBC SUMMER PICNIC

It’s almost that time of year again! The HBC Potluck Picnic will be held on Sunday, August 24. One of our members has generously offered to host at her home in San Anselmo. Mark your calendars now.

When: Sunday, August 24, 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Where: San Anselmo, California

RSVP registration opens July 14. Once you RSVP, the address for the picnic location, and details for what to bring to the potluck, will be sent via email. Hope to see you there!

SUMMER DATES FOR HBC BINDERY NIGHTS

Come for inspiration or motivation, or to use the equipment at SFCB. Open to all HBC members, from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Summer dates are:

• Wednesday, June 18

• Wednesday, July 2

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Our Programs Coordinator, Lloyd Parker Hall, has decided to step down from the HBC Board. Thank you so much for your time and hard work over the last year, Lloyd!

We are now looking for a new Programs/Events Coordinator to join the Board. This role involves planning and executing in-person events for HBC members at book-related venues and organizations around the Bay Area. It includes:

• Scheduling and implementing recurring and one-time events.

• Reaching out to potential program partners to plan events.

• Coordinate event logistics, such as venue selection, catering, and setup/breakdown.

Other board members will be available to offer guidance and assistance in transitioning to this role. Contact us at board@handbookbinders.org for more information!

Speaking of volunteering, we are also looking for someone to take over the position of Workshops Chair on the HBC Board. The Workshops Chair is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of workshops, including:

• Reach out to potential instructors to plan and schedule workshops, coordinating with them through all steps of the process.

• Manage logistics, including venue booking, instructor travel, equipment setup, and sourcing materials.

• Oversee setup and breakdown of workshops.

• Manage communication with registered students before, during, and after the class.

If you’re interested in taking a more active role in the HBC guild, please contact us at board@handbookbinders.org! As with the Programs position mentioned above, other board members will also be available to offer guidance and assistance in transitioning to this role.

Do you have something you’d like to advertise? Please email us at editor@handbookbinders.org!

Upcoming events from around the Bay Area and beyond!

• From the Bench of Eleanore Edwards Ramsey, a free virtual event hosted by the San Francisco Center for the Book, June 5 at 12:30pm.

• Collections Tour: Arabic Calligraphy and Font Development with Sabiha Basrai at the Letterform Archive, June 13 from 1:30pm - 3pm.

• Small Plates Publication Party 2025, in-person at SFCB, June 13 from 6pm - 8pm.

• The 20th Annual Rose City Book & Paper Fair presented by the Cascade Booksellers Association in Portland, OR, June 14-15.

• 2025 Dallas Antiquarian Book Fair presented by the Texas Booksellers Association in Dallas, TX, June 20-22.

If you would like to add events to our website, please fill out the event submission form.