Zines for teens

Hamilton, Ohio – The Fitton Center for Creative Arts expanded its roster of teen-focused experiences for Summer Camp Creativity 2026. One of the most unique opportunities is the Zines & Artist Books Camp led by Andy Rottner July 13 to 17.

“’Artists books’ might not even be a term people are familiar with,” Rottner said. “We all know what they are, but we just aren’t calling them that.”

Not merely the artistry of the written word. Not simply cover designs and typography, although those elements are artforms in their own right, too. Even the binding can be a work of art.

For example, comic books and children’s books are just two types that fall under the artist books umbrella.

Regardless of definitions, Rottner is uniquely qualified to lead the class.

After graduating from Wittenburg University in 2001, he headed west and earned an MFA degree from the San Francisco Art Institute. His work appears in the collections of prestigious institutions like the Library of Congress Special Collections, Harvard University and the Savannah College of Art & Design, among others.

Rottner worked with book-binding legend John Demerrit in the Bay Area for many years - “I had no idea when I started with John that I had weaseled my way into a position with one of the best in the world,” he said with a chuckle – before striking out on his own in 2010.

He’s been back in Hamilton operating Super Classy Publishing since 2020. More than a mere book binder, Rottner is a commercial artist, entrepreneur, published author and educator. He’s led several six-week adult versions of Zines & Artist Books for the Fitton Center’s program.

“I’m 100 percent local,” Rottner said. “My studio is here in Hamilton. I’m trying to be more a part of the art community here in town.”

The camp teaches teens easy ways to sew, glue and fold paper into small books. Campers also learn about book design and ways to incorporate their own art into book form to create their own unique artist books.

“My focus as a teacher is on the students learning skills,” Rottner said. “To me if things didn’t turn out perfectly, but (they) learn a lot, it’s still a good camp. You learned what you need to get better and advance your craft. The artistry improves with technique and with practice.”

Register for Zines and Artists Books camp online right here, by phone at 513-863-8873, ext. 110 or in person at the Fitton Center box office.

The Fitton Center for Creative Arts is located at 101 S. Monument Avenue on the Riverfront in downtown Hamilton, Ohio.

Building Community Excellence through the Arts and Culture