OPEN • SET is a triennial competition and exhibition featuring finely crafted design bindings sponsored by the American Academy of Bookbinding. It is designed to encourage new and professional binders from around the world to participate.

The title reflects the two categories in which the binders compete.

❦ Open: artists choose which textblock to bind
❦ Set: artists bind the same textblock

The American Bookbinders Museum is proud to exhibit the Set book category featuring The Helen Fragments by Editions Koch.

The Open category on exhibition at San Francisco Center for the Book.

OPEN • SET is a fine binding competition. All entries were blind juried by professional binders. Fine Bindings are exemplars of exquisite design, expertly crafted, using high quality materials. Submissions include traditional design techniques such as onlay & inlay, gold tooling, titling, and edge treatments—but, you will also see contemporary treatments, materials and techniques that will or broaden your understanding of bookbinding. Come and submerse yourself in the beauty of fine bindings.

ABM Set Category Exhibition Dates: January 11, 20256 – March 29, 2025
Exhibition Time: 10am-4pm Tuesday – Saturday
Admission: Free

Grand Opening Weekend

January 24 & 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California with special events at San Francisco Center for the Book and the American Bookbinders Museum.