Since 1993, Telluride, Colorado has been home to the American Academy of Bookbinding. The historic Stone Building in downtown Telluride houses the bookbinding studio. Built in 1900 and constructed of native stone and indigenous red limestone mortar, it was first used as a livery stable and assay office, and then used by old Step-and-a-Half Adams, the local undertaker, for his trade. Renovated in 2000, the facility consists of a well lit, 1,400 square foot bookbinding studio and a comfortable student lounge, where books and videos are available for further study. Students have access to the studio and lounge 24-hours a day.
Telluride is a spectacular backdrop for this intensive program. In addition to being a designated national historic district, the town is surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. Out of class, students can hike in wilderness areas, watch top-notch theater and films, listen to visiting musicians, or fish the San Miguel River. With cool nights and warm days, nothing beats the Colorado Rocky Mountains as a perfect setting for the American Academy of Bookbinding.
Telluride Accommodations
In Telluride, students can choose to make their own housing arrangements or have the Academy do it for them. In arranged housing, students stay in condominiums within walking distance of the AAB studio, shops, galleries and hiking trails. Students stay in private rooms in a shared condominium or can stay in a private condominium at a higher rate. Usually there are enough students for pairing in two and three-bedroom single sex condos; occasionally a student will need to stay in a one-bedroom condo. The Academy is dedicated to finding accommodations for students of all economic levels, so please let us know your situation and we will try to find a creative housing solution. There is camping available for $15/night within walking distance of the Academy studio (though it doesn’t open until mid-May), and there are several National Forest campgrounds within 10 miles of Telluride. If you are making your own housing arrangements, please call the Academy for a list of preferred accommodations companies.
