Papercraft: Book Arts
This all-level studio class explores the art of paper and bookmaking through the lens of Modern & Contemporary Art as well as cross-cultural traditions. Students will learn hands-on techniques in papercraft and book arts—ranging from folded and stitched book structures to sculptural paper forms—while drawing inspiration from African, Asian, Ancient American, and Latin American artistic practices.
Throughout the course, students will engage with select works from the Denver Art Museum’s Collections and exhibitions, using these as catalysts for creative exploration. By studying pattern, symbolism, and material traditions across cultures, students will discover how book arts can become a vessel for storytelling, cultural exchange, and personal expression.
The class emphasizes experimentation with media such as handmade and recycled papers, collage and mixed media. Students will leave with a series of unique artist books and paper-based projects that reflect both technical skill and imaginative interpretation.
No prior experience is required, only curiosity and a willingness to explore the possibilities of paper.
Photo by Leo Peterson.
About the Educator
Jasmine Abena Colgan is a Denver-based artist, educator, and entrepreneur whose work blends contemporary design with cultural storytelling. Her practice spans photography, handcrafting, book arts, and material exploration, often drawing inspiration from her Ghanaian and Irish heritage. Colgan’s art has been exhibited in spaces such as the Denver Art Museum, Emmanuel Gallery, and the BRDG Project, as well as through community-based fashion and cultural events. In addition to her studio practice, she is the founder of by abena, a skincare and lifestyle brand rooted in natural materials and traditional craft, and Tough Skin, an empowerment-driven project celebrating resilience and identity. Her work has reached diverse audiences through museum collections, fashion collaborations, and public workshops, where she emphasizes creativity as a tool for connection and self-expression.
