When I got back to Arizona from grad school in the summer of 2004, I kept hearing about a book and paper arts group in Tucson called Paperworks. I was teaching an artists book class the following spring and we went down to see the Bound and Unbound exhibition they had at the Tohono Chul Park in Tucson. I was so shocked and pleased to see book and paper arts thriving in Arizona! Paperworks is the Sonoran collective located in Tucson Arizona, for paper and book artists. They provide educational and creative opportunities for all who work with and on paper. Paperworks promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of the paper and book arts through regular and special events. I joined their organization later that year and am constantly delighted at the quality of the member’s work and the quality of the programs they have.

I think one of the amazing things about this group is that they are totally independent—a very successful grassroots organization that is not affiliated with a university, library or other institution. That in itself is an amazing & daunting task. With running the day-to-day operations of The Paper Studio, it is difficult for me to get down to Tucson for their meetings which is so sad for me because they have really interesting programs and great attendance at their meetings. But I have met many of the members when they have trekked up to The Paper Studio and they really are a super group. Have a look at their website—their member’s gallery is terrific!