The Pacific Center for the Book Arts
Never before has there been such a wide-spread interest in all the fields that today constitute the book arts: printing, bookbinding, calligraphy, typography, paper making, conservation, book design, and illustration.

This resurgence has its base in a remarkable layer of talent, nowhere more in evidence than on the Pacific Coast. From San Diego to Sitka, book artists are creating work that is not only technically excellent, but expands the traditional boundaries of the crafts into the realm of art.

The Pacific Center for the Book Arts strives to support and promote this work by informing old audiences and enticing new ones. PCBA was formed by a group of San Francisco Bay Area professional book artists, book workers, and educators in 1980 to foster and support the new directions of their various disciplines, providing a vehicle and focus for education, experimentation, and communication.

Activities
PCBA programs include lectures and workshops, study groups, informal presentations, members' exhibitions, a biennial auction, and an annual summer picnic. The PCBA publishes a lively journal Ampersand, and a bimonthly book arts calendar, &c.

Publications
The Ampersand, the quarterly journal of the PCBA, has articles about all aspects of the book arts, from historical commentary to profiles of working artists to practical how-to tutorials. The informative articles are generously illustrated with photographs. Articles have ranged from the oldest book ever found to interviews with type designers and book artists to an in-depth discussion of printing press rollers. In &c, you will find notices of new publications, calls for exhibition entries, lecture and exhibition dates, instruction and resources, plus goods and services for sale. &c publicizes the book arts events of many organizations, both local and far-flung. PCBA prints members' notices free of charge.

Hands On
Study groups and workshops have focused on traditional and experimental book structures, marbling, and polymer platemaking. Because PCBA members usually lead the workshops and study groups, not only can you learn from other book artists, you can also share your knowledge and expertise.

Membership
The Pacific Center for the Book Arts, a non-profit organization, has tax-deductible membership available in several categories. Sustaining members—those who can support the organization more generously—receive a book arts gift as a premium.

Regular membership is open to all who are interested in the book arts. Students and seniors can join at reduced rates. All members receive the journal, calendar, and notification of PCBA events and activities.

To join, download the application, fill it out and return with a check made out to PCBA, to
PCBA
300 DeHaro Street
San Francisco, CA 94103