Spudnik Press Cooperative: The Annex
A New Home for Underground Publishing in Chicago
This Fall, Spudnik Press Cooperative is expanding to create a multi-purpose cultural space. The Spudnik Press Annex will contain a gallery and classroom, independent studios, and shared work space for writers, bookmakers, artists, students, and others. A reference library of small press and experimental book projects is under development.
The Annex will work towards bridging communities. Chicago has a strong history of self-publishing, alternative comics, independent start-ups, and experimental writing. The city continues that rich history with spaces like Read/Write Library, which has an all-inclusive collection of Chicago-specific media, and Quimby’s, a bookstore selling independently-published and small press books, comics, zines and ephemera. Our new addition will be the hub where these self-published artworks can be created. Artists and makers of all disciplines can work in proximity and conversation with one another.
Our current printing facilities offer access to a broad range of processes such as screen printing, intaglio, letterpress, and offset printing. To this we are adding photocopying, collating, hot foil stamping, and other necessary resources to create one’s own publications. Our current printshop will remain the space for individuals to get inky and produce editions of fine art prints. The Annex is designed to better facilitate group projects and provide a flexible clean space for activities like drawing, writing, brainstorming, and classes.
Spudnik Press class offerings are also multiplying to include classes and workshops in writing, self-publishing ,bookbinding, and topics that blur the line between writing and visual art. The classroom will also host more professional development opportunities like Portfolio Review and workshops like “Best Practices for Working Artists”, led by lawyer Charles C. Valauskas.
The gallery will feature our own homegrown artists, work from throughout the country, and collaborative and interdisciplinary projects.
Luke Daly from Arrow as Aarow will be spearheading our writing and book projects program. Daly states, “The merging of writing and publishing activities with those of a fully functioning print shop will provide an environment where writing is approached as a form of making.”
Throughout the fall, the new annex will host a variety of workshops, special engagements, and first time events, welcoming all to our new facilities.
Please contact the Writing and Book Projects Coordinator, Luke Daly (luke@spudnikpress.com) or Spudnik Press Executive Director, Angee Lennard (angee@spudnikpress.com) with any questions about our new programming.
Opening Events:
Benefit Auction: In Progress
To be held in The Printshop and The Annex
Sep. 29, 2012
6-10pm
Hubbard Street Loft Open Studios
with debut of The Annex
Oct. 12, 2012
7-10pm
Private Studios available for rent
beginning Nov. 1, 2012
Email angee@spudnikpress.com for more information
Inaugural Open Studio
Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, 6:30-11pm
With Guest Artist Caroline Picard
The Annex Open Studios will be held weekly on Monday evenings and will feature weekly guest artists.
More details to follow
New classes in The Annex:
Best Practices for Working Artists
Begins Oct. 2, 2012
Text as Image / Collage as Writing
Begins Oct. 24, 2012
Comics Workshop: Comic Book Ins and Outs
Community Workshop
Nov. 7, 2012
Drink and Draw
Positive and Negative Space
Dec. 5, 2012
Help Us Out:
Between the September 26th and October 12th, we will need all hands on deck to help get the studio in shape. Please e-mail angee@spudnikpress.com to sign up for a shift. We are also seeking the skilled labor of an electrician to help add lights and electrical outlets.
Wants and Needs List:
Up to 2 Additional Computers; with Intel CPU
B&W Laser printer; prints at least 8.5×14, double-sided preferred
Epson color printer; Epson 4800 preferred
Photocopier; prints 11×17; capability to scan and to print from a computer preferred
Adobe Creative Suite license; CS4 and up preferred
General Bookbinding supplies: book thread, beeswax, needles, awls, bone folders, corner rounders, other
Nipping press
Staplers: regular or long-range
Paper Cutter and/or Ream cutter
Comfy chair(s) for reading
Large clean work tables; with or ability to add locking castors
20+ folding or stackable chairs
10+ stools; about 24” tall
Benches or pews
Cash donations will support build-out costs including electrical improvements, constructing new walls, adding connecting door between studios, painting, moving supplies, organizing, and cleaning.