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Waterwheel Bookbinding
Hands-on workshop introducing Masunaga’s Waterwheel Binding: build a simple model, explore variations, and spark ideas for artists.
What you’ll do
In partnership with Amu Arts, the Sonoma Community Center is pleased to offer three special workshops on February 14th, given by guest artists visiting from Japan. Register for more than one workshop and receive a 10% discount. Sign up for all three to make it a full day experience at 20% off!
In this workshop, participants will learn the structure of Masunaga’s original bookbinding technique “Waterwheel Binding” by creating a simple model. The session offers a hands-on introduction to the technique and invites participants to explore its unique creative potential. The structure lends itself to many variations, and it can serve as a source of new ideas for participants’ own artistic projects.
Waterwheel Binding is a bookbinding technique originally developed in 2011 for the work The Intersection. Instead of using glue, single-sheet pages are woven into an accordion-folded cover with narrow paper strips. The technique can be adapted in many ways by changing the materials or the scale, giving participants the freedom to develop their own creative ideas.
The workshop is intended for participants who have an interest in making things – such as artists or those with some bookbinding experience – rather than complete beginners.
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
About your Instructor
Kyoko Matsunaga
Kyoko Matsunaga is a Kyoto-based artist specializing in book arts. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from Kyoto Seika University and has trained in bookbinding with Yo Yamazaki. She is also involved in book conservation, working with both historical and contemporary structures. She has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area and Milan, and has presented her work both in Japan and internationally. Her works are held in museum and university library collections.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Waterwheel Bookbinding
Hands-on workshop introducing Masunaga’s Waterwheel Binding: build a simple model, explore variations, and spark ideas for artists.
Schedule
Saturday, February 14, 2026
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Experience Level
IntermediateAge(s)
18-over$80 – Registration Cost
$15 – Materials Fee
$95 – Total Registration Cost
