| Title | Information |
| Instructor | Susan Lowdermilk |
| Skill Level | All Levels |
| Length of Workshop | 2 days |
| Date(s) | Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25, 2026 |
| Cost | $175 per day x 2 days + $30 material fee |
| Total Price of Workshop | $380 |
Workshop Description
In this immersive workshop, participants will explore the sculptural and narrative potential of tunnel books: dimensional, layered book forms that create visual depth and storytelling through space. Each participant will create two books: a sample tunnel book to learn the mechanics of the structure, followed by a fully developed tunnel book incorporating photographic and/or photocopied imagery.
Text will be self-authored, emerging from a guided writing exercise centered on themes of travel and perspective—interpreted broadly to include physical journeys, emotional landscapes, or shifts in viewpoint. Lettering will be applied using rubber stamps or hand lettering, allowing for a personal, tactile typographic approach. The final book will be finished with a hard cover featuring an inset image.
Throughout the workshop, we will examine the essential integration of form, materials, and content, with attention to design principles, typographic layout, and creative problem-solving. Inspiration will be drawn from examples of artist’s books from the instructor’s personal collection, which will be shared and discussed to spark ideas and expand possibilities.
Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Students
- Mechanical pencil
- Eraser
- Notebook/sketchbook
- Glue stick
- Metal ruler with cork backing
- Right angle triangle (plastic or metal)
- X-Acto knife with extra blades
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Colored pencils and/or colored markers
- Bonefolder (or dull butter knife)
- Photographs, magazines, decorated papers, and other visual ephemera
See Materials Glossary for definitions and images
Materials/Equipment to be Provided by Instructor
- Colored paper and cardstock
- Photographs
- Magazines
- Decorated papers and other visual ephemera
- Bookcloth
- Book board
- Rubber stamp alphabets and stamp pads of various colors
- Stencil materials
- PVA glue and glue brushes
- Handouts outlining processes, resources, studio tips, etc.
Instructor Biography
Susan Lowdermilk is a visual artist specializing in artist books that merge traditional printmaking with sculptural paper engineering. Through pop-ups and interactive structures, she explores themes of climate change, wildfire, and our evolving relationship with nature. A retired professor from Lane Community College, she continues to create and exhibit nationally. Her work is held in more than 70 public collections and represented by galleries across the USA. Lowdermilk holds an MFA in Printmaking from the University of Oregon. Her practice blends craft and innovation, inviting reflection and wonder through tactile storytelling.
Instagram: @susan_lowdermilk
