Mentoring, Future Workshops, Lectures & Past Workshops

 
 
 

History & Overview
As a lens-based artist, mentor and educator, Susan kae Grant has a long history of educational mentoring and presenting workshops & guest lectures at institutions throughout the United States, UK, Japan and China on her creative practice, book arts, photography and pedagogy.

Grant served as Head of Photography & Book Arts at Texas Woman’s University from 1981-2017, and named Cornaro Professor of Visual Art - Emerita in 2018.

Throughout her academic career she held a number of visiting faculty positions and received numerous teaching awards including the Society of Photographic Education’s Honored Educator Awards, 2014 (National) & 2007 (Regional); Santa Fe Center for Photo Excellence in PhotoTeaching, 2004; and the Freestyle Crystal Apple Award (SPE 2003 & 2005).

 
 

Grant currently teaches workshops for the International Center for Photography (ICP); La-Luz Workshops; Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP); Maine Media Workshops; and Santa Fe Workshops.

Each spring since 1993, she presents her 4-day workshop, The Art of Photographic Bookmaking, at the International Center of Photography (NYC) exclusively to the students in the Creative Practices One-Year Certificate Program.

 

 

Mentoring


 
 
 

Anna - Santa Fe 2023

Mentoring Information:
Susan kae Grant inspires and empowers photographers and book artists through one-on-one and small group mentoring both in person and virtually. Sessions are shaped around specific needs of each artist and project.

Grant’s unique style of mentoring focuses on the development and implementation of time-based project plans for bringing photography and book ideas into fruition from initial concept through production.

Mentoring sessions include discussion of photographic work, guided writing prompts that explore the relationship between form and content, material and sequence, as well as feedback on photobook mock-ups, book design strategies, fabrication approaches, and methods for presenting work to collections and publishers.

For scheduling:
Contact Susan kae Grant

 
 

Grant also serves as a mentor in the La Luz Workshops Mentorship Program, where artists receive individualized guidance and critical feedback through a series of six one-hour sessions.

If you are interested in working with Susan kae Grant through La Luz or have any questions about La Luz Mentorship Program, please reach out to: mentorships@laluzworkshops.com

 

 

Future Workshops

Click titles for info


 
 

2027 Workshops


 
 

January 9, 16, 23, & 30, 2027
Four-day Online workshop - La Luz Workshops
Inspired Design: Fabricating The Handmade
Photographic Artists’ Book 2027

Information coming soon!

 

 

2026 Workshops


 
 

April 25, 26 & May 2, 3, 2026 - NYC
International Center for Photography (ICP)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking

EXCLUSIVE to ICP Creative Practices Students
4-day hands-on workshop

 
 
 

Course Description:
The art of bookmaking can expand the way photographs are viewed and interpreted. This workshop surveys the methods of photographic bookmaking as well as the theoretical concerns that arise from interpreting images in sequence and in various presentations. Demonstrations and discussions address design, content, structure, imaging techniques, materials, and sources needed for production.

Students examine work by contemporary artists who draw inspiration from traditional book forms, but transcend or deviate from such structures. Through hands-on experience, students learn to create a bookwork that balances form with content in symbolic and provocative ways.

 

 
 

September 28 - October 2, 2026 - Rockport, ME
Media Media Workshops
Books, Boxes, and Wraps
5-day hands-on workshop

 
 

Workshop Details, Information & Registration:
https://www.mainemedia.edu/workshops/item/books-boxes-and-wraps/


 

Past Workshops, Symposium & Lectures

Click titles for info


 
 

February 26 - March 2, 2025 - Tucson, AZ
Photographic Works
Handmade Artist’s Book:
From Concept to Bound Mock-up

For intermediate and advanced bookmakers
5-day hands-on workshop

SOLD OUT

 

 

April 26, 27 & May 3, 4 , 2025 - NYC
International Center for Photography (ICP)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking

EXCLUSIVE to ICP Creative Practices Students
4-day hands-on workshop

 
 

 

May 10, 17, 31 & June 7, 2025
La Luz Workshops Online Symposium
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking

4-day On- Line Symposium

 
 

About the Symposium:
"The Art of Photographic Bookmaking”
In this four-day online symposium, led by Susan kae Grant with Mary Virginia Swanson, joined by eight special guests we explore the many options available to artists when considering the book form, including small press, fine art press, self-published, and handmade artists’ books.

DATES:
Saturdays - May 10, May 17, May 31 & June 7

Time & Location:
11 AM – 6:00 PM (EST) Online

 
 
 

Symposium Details, Information & Registration:
https://www.laluzworkshops.com/workshop/the-art-of-photographic-bookmaking-inspiration-creation-acquisition

Missed the Symposium? It’s not too late – sign up anytime.

Unlimited Access to Recordings:
The complete recordings to all 4-day classes, Q&A sessions and handouts are available 24/7 to all registrants to watch with unlimited access through September 7, 2025.

Information Session:
On December, 3 we hosted a 1-hour information session. If you were unable to attend please click here for a link to the recording.

 

 

June 14, 2025 | Online
The Intentional Journey
9:00 am-6:00 pm (MT)

 
 

Creating thoughtful art, embracing the unexpected, getting lost, and finding direction.

Join us for a day of ideas, images, and stories!

 
 

Ten speakers talk about their intentional journey, the downs and the ups, where ideas come from, and how to find your way. They walk the talk, they follow their hearts, they dig deep.

Info & Registration ($129.00)
https://anaturaleye.com
https://form.jotform.com/251185890591364

Be there live or stream it later - Pull up a chair and listen.
The live session will be recorded and made available for streaming on Vimeo, starting June 17, with access for three months. Zoom links will be emailed to all registrants on June 12.

 

 

September 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2025
La Luz Workshops
Inspired Design: Fabricating The Handmade
Photographic Artists’ Book


Four-day Online workshop - La Luz Workshops

 
 
 
 
 

Workshop Details, Information & Applications:
https://www.laluzworkshops.com/workshop/inspired-design-fabricating-the-handmade-photographic-artists-book
Exclusive to those who attended the "The Art of Photographic Bookmaking” symposium

Applications were due June 14
To sign-up for waiting list application click here

 

 

October 6 - 10, 2025 - Rockport, ME
Media Media Workshops
The Handmade Photographic Artist’s Book
5-day hands-on workshop

SOLD OUT

 

 

November 6 - 9, 2025 - Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP)
The Photo Book as Art with Susan kae Grant
3-day hands-on workshop

 
 
 
 
 

Workshop Information & Registration:
https://lacphoto.org/events/the-photo-book-as-art-with-susan-kae-grant/

 

 

2024 Workshops (Past)


 
 

April 27, 28 & May 4, 5, 2024 - NYC
International Center for Photography (ICP)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
Exclusive to ICP Creative Practices Students
4-day hands-on workshop

 
 

 

May 11, 2024: 11:00 - 1:00 (EST) Zoom
Griffin Museum of Photography
From Our Libraries: Extraordinary & Innovative Photobooks With Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant
Zoom Presentation for Photobook Month

 

 

July 15 - 19, 2024 - Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe Workshops
The Handmade Artist’s Book:
Envisioning Form & Content

5-day hands-on workshop

 

 

September 23 - 27, 2024 - Rockport, ME
Maine Media Workshops
To Be Published, Self-Publish, and Artists’ Books
5-day lecture/site-visit workshop co-taught with
Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant
5-day lecture/site-visit workshop

 

 

September 30 - October 4, 2024 - Rockport, ME
Media Media Workshops
The Handmade Photographic Artist’s Book:
A Synthesis of Form & Content

5-day hands-on workshop

 

 

2023 Workshops (Past)


 
 
 
 
 
 

Maine Media
To Be Published, Self-Publish, and Artists' Books: Choices for Photographic Artists Today
September 25, 2023 - September 29, 2023
This is a lecture/site-visit workshop co-taught by Susan kae Grant and Mary Virginia in Portland Maine.

 
 

Join Mary Virginia Swanson and Susan kae Grant in this dynamic lecture/site visit workshop, where photographers will explore publishing options and gain insights on book design, editing, marketing, and distribution.

Information: Click Here

 
 

 
 
 

The Grace Museum
Making & Marketing Art:
Strategizing & Sustaining a Career in Photography

July 15, 2023 @ 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm

 
 

Photo Credit: The Grace Museum

In conjunction with her solo exhibition, Shadowing Grace, join Susan kae Grant and Mary Virgina Swanson for an afternoon on professional development for artists at The Grace Museum.

Discussions will address structures for making work and presenting it in the public arena, print sales, strategies for promotion of your work through print and social media today. Session concludes with a look at promotional materials and Q & A with the presenters.

Information: Click Here

 

 

March each year
Society For Photographic Education

Strategizing a Career in Photography

From 2003-2023, following their tenure on the SPE Board of Directors, Susan kae Grant along with Mary Virginia Swanson established and co-taught the workshop Strategizing a Career in Photography to student volunteers and scholarship winners at the SPE National Conferences.

Grant and Swanson were named SPE Honored Educators in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

In 2023 they celebrated their twentieth anniversary in presenting this workshop and continue to provide advice to the next generation of photographers through workshops, consulting and mentoring.

Strategizing a Career in Photography is available to programs of higher education and community groups.

Schedule Lecture or Workshop
Contact Susan kae Grant

 

 
 
 

Information: Click Here

 

 

Santa Fe Workshops
The Handmade Artist’s Book:
Envisioning Form & Content

July 31 - August 4, 2023.
5-day hands-on workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico

 
 
 
 

Join lens-based artist Susan kae Grant in the ambiance of Santa Fe to tap into your memory, personal insight and intuition to design and create a handmade book of your photographs that symbolically balances form and content.

Information: Click Here.

 

 
 
 

The International Center of Photography (NYC)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
(Exclusive to ICP Students Only)
April 28 - 29 & May 6 - 7, 2023

 
 

Course Description:
The art of bookmaking can expand the way photographs are viewed and interpreted. This workshop surveys the methods of photographic bookmaking as well as the theoretical concerns that arise from interpreting images in sequence and in various presentations. Demonstrations and discussions address design, content, structure, imaging techniques, materials, and sources needed for production.

Students examine work by contemporary artists who draw inspiration from traditional book forms, but transcend or deviate from such structures. Through hands-on experience, students learn to create a bookwork that balances form with content in symbolic and provocative ways.

 
 

 

2022 Workshops (Past)

 
 

 
 

Los Angeles Center of Photography
The Photo Book As Art With Susan kae Grant
April 2, 3 & 9, 10, 2022 (Online Learning)

 
 

Description Summary:
Blending traditional and contemporary practice, this virtual masterclass introduces participants to the art of handmade photographic artists’ books that are as diverse in style and direction as they are in technique. Through brainstorming techniques and guided writing exercises, we concentrate on memory, experience and imagination to inspire the content, design and execution of personal photo book-works.

Each class day includes lectures, hands-on demonstrations, writing exercises, guided studio time and a one-hour lunch break. Topics focus on the technical execution of three binding styles and an array of techniques to physically incorporate images and text into photobooks. Examples of original works are used to illustrate strategies for design, sequence and materials.

More Information: Contact LACP

Bookmaking Tools & Samples

 
 
 
 

The International Center of Photography (NYC)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
(Exclusive to ICP Students Only)
May 14, 15, & 21, 22, 2022

 
 

Course Description:
The art of bookmaking can expand the way photographs are viewed and interpreted. This workshop surveys the methods of photographic bookmaking as well as the theoretical concerns that arise from interpreting images in sequence and in various presentations. Demonstrations and discussions address design, content, structure, imaging techniques, materials, and sources needed for production.

Students examine work by contemporary artists who draw inspiration from traditional book forms, but transcend or deviate from such structures. Through hands-on experience, students learn to create a bookwork that balances form with content in a symbolic and provocative way.

 

 

2021 Workshops (Past)


 
 
 
 

Wild Rice Retreat, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Mapping the Unconscious: Zen and the Art of Bookmaking
August 8-12, 2021

 
 

Description Summary:
Knowing the techniques and skills to make a book of your own is one thing—tapping into your creativity and subconscious to create a book is yet another. In this workshop, we concentrate on memory, experience and imagination to inspire the content, design and execution of personal handmade photo book-works.  

 Participants learn through lectures and discussions to develop methodologies for collecting and recording dreams and memories. Classes include guided meditations and written exercises designed to elicit creative insights to strengthen and combine writings and images for their books. 

Wild Rice Retreat: Sally & Christina

 

 
 
 

The International Center of Photography (NYC)
The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
(Exclusive to ICP Students Only)
May 8, 19, & 15, 16, 2021 (on-line)

Course Description:
The art of bookmaking can expand the way photographs are viewed and interpreted. This workshop surveys the methods of photographic bookmaking as well as the theoretical concerns that arise from interpreting images in sequence and in various presentations. Demonstrations and discussions address design, content, structure, imaging techniques, materials, and sources needed for production. Students examine work by contemporary artists who draw inspiration from traditional book forms, but transcend or deviate from such structures. Through hands-on experience, students learn to create a bookwork that balances form with content in a symbolic and provocative way.

 

ICP: Zoom Bookmaking Workshop 2021

 

 

2020 Workshops (Past)


 
 

ICP: Zoom Bookmaking Workshop 2020

  • The International Center of Photography
    The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
    (Exclusive to ICP Students Only)
    May 9, 10, & 16, 17, 2020 (on-line)

  • Santa Fe Photographic Workshops
    Myth, Metaphor & Memory: The Constructed Image
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    July 26-31, 2020 (Postponed due to COVID)

  • 20/20 Photo Festival Philadelphia
    The Photo Book as Art
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    September 26 & 27, 2020 (Postponed due to COVID)

 

 

2019 Workshops (Past)


 
 
 

LACP Workshop 2019: Photo by Patty Lemke

  • International Center of Photography (NYC)
    The Art of Photographic Bookmaking
    (
    Exclusive to ICP Students Only)
    New York City, New York
    May 11, 12, & 18, 19, 2019

  • Los Angeles Center of Photography
    The Photo Book as Art With Susan kae Grant
    Los Angeles, California
    November 1-3, 2019

 

 

Previous Workshop Venues

 
 
  • Anchorage Museum of Art

  • Anderson Ranch Arts Center

  • Arizona State University

  • Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

  • Center for Creative Studies

  • Center for Book & Paper Arts

  • Houston Center for Photography

  • International Center For Photography

  • La Luz Workshops

  • Los Angeles Center of Photography

  • The Art Institute of San Antonio

  • The Light Factory

  • Maine Media Workshops

  • Museum of Photographic Arts

  • Oklahoma Arts Institute

  • Ringling College of Art & Design

  • Ryerson University

  • Santa Fe Workshops

  • Southwest School of Art

  • University of Colorado Denver

  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne

  • University of New Mexico-Albuquerque

 

Bookbinding Tools & Sample Structures

 

 

Selected Teaching Awards

  • Cornaro Professor, 2016
    (Texas Woman’s University)

  • Honored Educator, 2014
    (National Society for Photographic Education)

  • Mentor of the Year Finalist, 2014
    (Women of Visionary Influence)

  • Honored Educator, 2007
    (South Central Regional SPE)

  • TWU Redbud Award, 2007 (Advisor to P.A.C. Organization)

  • Freestyle Crystal Apple Award
    (SPE 2003 & 2005)

  • Who’s Who in Fine Arts Higher Ed, 2005
    (Academic Keys)

  • Excellence in PhotoTeaching, 2004
    (Santa Fe Center for Photo)

  • Mary Mason Lyon Faculty Award, 1986
    (Texas Woman’s University)

Ringling College of Art & Design, Photo by Noelle McCleaf