My last summer in college I got to take an artist bookmaking class with the amazing Mary Claire Becker in Taos, New Mexico. I had no clue Oklahoma State University owned the Doel Reed Center in Taos and host summer classes there for art and english majors.

If you're an OSU student, look into it asap! They even have scholarships for this class. Unfortunately I did not sign up in time to get the scholarship, but it was still worth it!

Here's an Instagram reel from the Doel Reed Center, click here to watch. Being able to print in Reed's studio was an incredible experience. As a class, we also got to take hikes and create artist books, you can watch that here.

There were lots of time to explore Taos Plaza, art museums, local artist's studios, Taos Pueblo and more!

OSU booked a hotel stay where we all shared a room with 1 person, I shared a room with Maggie. The hotel was very close to the Doel Reed Center and had free breakfast. You do need a car for this trip—a lot of people carpooled from Stillwater.

During the class, we created a few different artist books. Professor Mary Claire gave different briefs for each trip we took. We used our travels to inspire each book. During class at the Doel Reed Center, there were loads of tutorials on how to create boxes, book covers, book binding, print making, and more.

As a graphic design student who did not take any studio art classes, it was the best feeling to get away from the computer and create with my hands. Watching the studio art majors who specialized in painting and print making was so inspiring.

Sophie Isaak, a visiting artist came to speak and teach us her unique process of printmaking. We got to practice her process in the Doel Reed Studio.

The Doel Reed Center was such a fun experience! I wish I could go on an artsy trip like this every year!