About Paper Circle

Paper Circle is dedicated to the celebration, preservation and advancement of the paper and book arts. Our values, mission and what we do today sprang from the dreams of our founder, Sara Gilfert. She describes herself as having been "infected with the love of paper" over 25 years ago, though the idea of founding a non-profit was a mere twinkling in her eye back then. It began in her home studio in 2001. With Rural Action as a fiscal agent in 2003, three eager and talented apprentices and a burning desire to share her love and experience with as wide a circle of people as possible, Sara founded Paper Circle.

In 2003 the newly founded Paper Circle - with all of Sara's equipment - moved to its present home on the historic square of Nelsonville. This historic gem of an old coal-mining town, offered empty storefronts, low rents and a very high aesthetic. Today over 20 galleries and studios and shops are located on or
near the square.