The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation

In early May, I visited an internationally known arts center that is dedicated to papermaking, book arts, and letterpress printing. The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Morgan.

I visited during the Morgan’s annual spring open house, which also was a celebration of the 15th anniversary of this remarkable community gathering place, gallery, and working studio.

Located on 47th Street in downtown Cleveland, the Morgan attracts artists and students and people who are interested in all-things-paper (as I am!). At 15,000 square feet, its spaciousness is extended even more by a huge, garage-like door that opens onto a garden where kozo is grown and then turned into fiber for specialized papers. There are areas that are devoted to letterpress printing and a variety of paper- and book-making processes. There is a gallery where paper artwork has been hung. There is a small shop where paper lovers can purchase handmade paper as well as locally created jewelry and other interesting pieces. Charming, colorful paper lanterns—and decorative lights—hang from the ceiling.

Don’t get me wrong. The Morgan does not look like a polished museum. It is a home for professional and aspiring artists who are “dedicated to the ancient art of papermaking, book arts and letterpress printing.” It is a roll-up-your-sleeves working facility where papermakers get down and dirty as they create.

In short, it is amazing.

I am no artist; however, I can see myself signing up for one of the dozens of in-person or virtual workshops that they host each year. Impressions of a Garden: Nature Printing and Botanical Art...Solar Printing...Marbling...Papermaking with Common Milkweed...and many others. It’s mind boggling.

Cleveland has a lot going for it. The Morgan has just hit the top of my list of places that make this region interesting. Check it out:

https://www.morganconservatory.org/

The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory & Educational Foundation Mission Statement:

Through teaching historical and innovative papermaking and the art of the book; and producing handmade papers – The Morgan educates, men.