The Southeast Association for Book Arts began in 2004 at the University of South Carolina.

In the Art Department, faculty members Stephanie Nace, Mary Robinson and Susan Hogue were interested in forming a group dedicated to the research and practice of bookarts. In the English Department, Dr. Scott Gwara had begun work with Art, English, Journalism and The Honors College to create a bookarts center.

In spring 2004, both initiaves were realized with the opening of the Book Arts Center and the convening of SABA members at USC

At the meeting, a conference was planned for Spring 2005. The first conference was a huge success drawing book artist from all over the national. The biennial schedule was then set.

We are now planning the second biennial SABA conference in May 2007 with the help of new board member Jeffrey Makala, Rare Books and Special Collections Librarian.