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 (Pictured at right nailing down new studio floor). She describes herself as having been "infected with the love of paper" over 25 years ago, although 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, 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.

Incorporated in April 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, thriving coal-mining town offered empty storefronts, low rents, and a high aesthetic, to which area artists flocked. It was an exciting time for Nelsonville. Colorful shops, studios, and galleries replaced boarded up storefronts. The Final Fridays group was formed. Comprised of gallery owners, artists, and local enthusiasts, the Final Fridays group organized a regional monthly art walk. Things were hopping.

In 2004, Barbara Campagnola was hired as Executive Director. When she discovered that the children of Nelsonville did not have, and had never been offered, art in school from grades K-8, she launched Circle Round the Square, an intensive summer arts program for area youth. For the first four years, 2004-2008, the program was conducted on the square across a variety of studios. In 2009 the program moved into the school. Every year activities culminated in an art opening and theater show at Stuart’s Opera House.