The Virginia Arts of the Book Center, a program of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, exists to promote the values of the humanities through appreciation of the arts of the book, visual and verbal literacy, creativity, and the fostering of traditional and contemporary skills. To this end we operate a working studio and print shop to which community members may gain access and through which they can gain training in the art and crafts of printing, printmaking, and book arts. We strive to bring professional artists into contact with students, interns, and community members.

Our public hours are Saturday 1-5PM.

A member of the Press Group will be at VABC to show you around, introduce you to the programs and activities, and to provide additional information about access to our facilities.

Members and visitors are welcome during open hours; access to the equipment for type-setting and printing is reserved for those taking an organized class or for members who have earned a “drivers license” on the equipment. Open hours are valuable to absorb information on how the shop and equipment is run. Members are responsible for earning a “drivers license” after taking drop-in workshops and introductory courses.

The current licensing instructor is  Garrett Queen. Members are expected to keep in good standing by upholding the shop use guidelines.

Full membership guidelines here.

For more information please contact  Garrett Queen, VABC Printer in Residence, or call us at the shop on Saturdays (434) 296-3506

The VABC is located at:
977 Second Street, SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(Enter Second Street SE off of Elliot Ave.)

Find us on the map!