Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please direct all questions to angee@spudnikpress.org.
Molly Berkson is a multi-disciplinary artist working primarily in paper, print, book, and fiber crafts. She has a fondness for the subcultures and subcultural practices that employ amateur and anti-authoritarian ideologies, and an appreciation for craft in all its forms–in its distinct and intermingling boundaries. In her practice, she patchworks together these specific aesthetic practices and do-it-yourself methods.
Ben Garbus is an artist working in Chicago. He holds a BA from Oberlin College and has exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, the Minnesota Center for Book Arts, and SPACES Gallery in Cleveland. Garbus hails from western Massachusetts.
Brendan Robson graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Graphic Design in May of 2017. As a designer Brendan enjoys exploring the areas of intersection between analog and digital content and the opportunities for discovery that exists within that space. Primarily focused on aspects of design, printmaking, and multimedia installation, Brendan’s personal body of work addresses themes of memory constructs, genetics, digital identity, and stasis.
Cristina Umaña is a Colombian artist who recently finished her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work is characterized by drawings done with a funky, loose line that reanimates deformed bodies and quotidian moments. Her drawings, which intertwine language and form, create a mood that is both ironic and intimate. She currently lives and works in Chicago.
In the last week, we had 12 generous donors come forward with support for our 10th Anniversary Campaign bringing our total donations to $31,610. We are one percent closer to our ultimate goal of $65,000 and only $4,908 from our goal for 2017!
With your support, we hope to reach $36,000 by 12/31/17!
First Time Donors:
Donate at any level to be entered in a raffle to win a Winter 2018 class or workshop or Spudnik Press merchandise.
Donors at $250+ Level:
As a member of our Giving Circle, you and a guest will be invited to our donor-exclusive Ink & Drink Art Party on Friday, January 26.
Our 9 new classes and 16 new workshops present a wide array of opportunities for everyone with a creative itch to pick up new skills and make new art friend.
If you’ve never taken a class at Spudnik Press, there is no time like the present! For most our classes, no experience is needed. Plus, we keep our classes small to make sure that our teaching artists can get to know everyone and meet them were they are.
Sign yourself up or gift a class to a friend. Or best yet, sign up WITH a friend!
Hand Lettering *NEW*
Papermaking: Pulp, Sculpt & Print *NEW*
Calligraphy Crash Course *NEW*
T-Shirts & Totebags Workshop (Jan session)
T-Shirts & Totebags Workshop (March session)
T-Shirts & Totebags Workshop (April session)
DIY Valentines: Screenprint Your Own Cards
Make Your Own Wall Art: Chicago Edition
DIY Letterpress Coasters
DIY Screenprinted Tea Towels
Screenprinting Refresher
Pre-Press Workshop: File Prep for Stress Free Printing *NEW*
Screenprinting 201: Color for Screenprinters
Screenprinting Explorations (January session)
Screenprinting Explorations (February session)
Screenprinting on Textiles *Rarely Offered*
Letterpress I: Wood & Metal Type
Risography 101 (January session)
Risography 101 (February session)
Risography 101 (March session)
Risography 101 (April session)
Our one-time 10th Anniversary Campaign is 47% to our ultimate goal of raising $65,000 from individuals and businesses by June 2018. To stay on track with this ambitious but critical fundraising effort, we need to raise just $5500 by December 31.
First Time Donors:
Donate at any level to be entered in a raffle to win a Winter 2018 class or workshop or Spudnik Press merchandise.
Donors at $250+ Level:
As a member of our Giving Circle, you and a guest will be invited to our donor-exclusive Ink & Drink Art Party on Friday, January 26.
Spudnik has your back this holiday season with 10 fabulous gift ideas that are sure to check at least one, two, maybe even three individuals off your wanna-tell-em-I-love-em list. Each item is made with love by a member of Spudnik Press or printed here at our studio. Thanks for shopping local and supporting your neighborhood artists and artisans. Here we go:
Inspired by White Pines Forest State Park in Ogle County, Illinois, the White Pines Greeting Card features the southern-most stand of native white pines towering up to an impressive 90 feet tall. Fill the card with your sentiments and send off with USPS. What a special occasion and a surprise treat to receive a literal work of art via snail mail.
2) Chicago Skyline Pulp Painting | $395This series of skyline is “painted” completely with pigmented cotton pulp on top of a base sheet made from abaca and may be perfect for that person in your life with deep Chicago pride. The process used to create this one-of-a-kind work of art references the blood, sweat, and tears that built the city itself.
24″ x 36″
3) Ten x Ten 2017 | $20For the uber-contemporary loved one with eclectic tastes. The fifth and most conceptually broad iteration of Ten x Ten, ‘Ten x Ten 2017: Dual Practices’ brought together 10 notable Chicago artists who have robust practices in both visual art and music. The cassette features sonic works by each Ten x Ten artist pairing as well as a fold out booklet with their coinciding prints and descriptions of their works. This cassette/art combo is an engaging work of art & music, as well as a keepsake.
We don’t have to tell you who this shirt is for – they probably popped in your mind immediately. We will tell you that it’s a high quality soft style tee by Bella + Canvas. Unisex sizing.
Do good bonus!! Ten dollars for each shirt sold will go to Chicago Women’s Health Center, an organization that facilitates the empowerment of women and trans individuals by providing sliding scale access to health care and health education in a respectful environment.
5) Letterpress Enamel Pin | $10The crowned fowl of Andrew Ghrist are a regal, yet humble variety. The qualities of these creatures are the very reason Spudnik collaborated with Andrew to develop an iconic mascot for our press and 10 year anniversary. Steadfastly perched on a pilot press, this enamel pin speaks to printers and lovers of print with respect to the tradition and process we hold so dear. Plus, pins are cool. Who doesn’t love pins?
6) “Hands” Screenprint | $25This screen printed work reflects a contemporary pop style and a coming together of hands. Filled and outlined, it could be a union of our vibrant inner passion and the structure of our interaction. Or it could be a beautiful modern expression, period. This three color print (including metallic gold – oh yes!) is a sure win for the poster collector in your life. Frame not included.
7) Print of the Month Club | $25 each; $299 Annual SubscriptionEach month, we release a new letterpress print on archival 100% cotton paper designed by a member of Spudnik Press Cooperative. Each print fits into an affordable 8”x10” frame. Grab the full portfolio so you can keep you favorites plus have gifts for all your friends. The full portfolio even includes two matching coasters for each artwork! Or buy individual prints a la carte.
This limited edition screen print featuring Chance the Rapper is a must have for any screen print lover or poster collector – especially if they rep Chicago. If you are reading this, you probably know one. WalkerTKL is on a steady path upwards, so this gift/investment may very well keep on giving.
9) Back to the Studio Special: Membership + 3 Open Studio Sessions | $160For your printmaking loved ones, studio space and time can be the biggest challenges when it comes to producing work. For your friends who like to try new things, different activities and experiences can challenging to come across if you don’t know where to look. For you, because you used to print, got busy and want to get back into it. This combined one-year Studio Membership with three Open Studio coupons (covering both base and material fees) jumpstarts presence and creativity.
How absolutely exquisite and a total steal for art and animal lovers alike!
This original etching is inspired by da Vinci’s “Lady with an Ermine.” All imagery is rendered by hand, incorporating traditional intaglio techniques of hard-ground and soft-ground etching, aquatint, drypoint, and lots of scraping and burnishing. Printed in oil-based etching inks on ivory Fabriano Rosaspina paper, this work was hand-pulled from a single copper plate using a Conrad etching press.
The Spudnik Press Exhibitions Committee provides a platform for members to take the lead in the curatorial process for our exhibitions. It acts as a steering committee for exhibition-related opportunities, assists with all areas of exhibition development, and helps promote gallery events. The goal of the Committee is to organize and help select exhibitions that amplify the impact of resources at Spudnik Press by providing opportunities for artists and audiences to move through a variety of creative roles: from making to experiencing, from learning to teaching. The Committee is fully supported by Spudnik Press staff who lead meetings, manage all exhibitions, oversee budgets, and assist with other areas as needed.
General Responsibilities:
The Exhibitions Committee is responsible for reviewing and selecting proposals for solo exhibitions, group shows and/or curated shows. It also contributes to the development of additional programs offered in conjunction with each show, such as artist talks and workshops. Committee members are asked to help out with various stages of each exhibition, including installation, photography, and gallery events.
Specific Activities:
Requirements:
By joining the Spudnik Press Exhibitions Committee, members are committing to a one-year position with the option to renew each calendar year, in addition to the requirements listed below.
2018 Meeting Dates: The Current Committee:
January 17, 2018 Yasaman Moussavi
April 18, 2018 Catherine Norcott
July 18, 2018 Parita Shah
October 17, 2018
To Apply:
The Spudnik Press Exhibitions Program invites exhibition proposals from artists and curators. This is our annual opportunity for individuals or collaborators to submit unsolicited proposals for solo or small group exhibitions. Proposals may be for existing or new work. Membership at Spudnik Press is not required to submit proposals.
Exhibitions are selected by a committee of Spudnik Press members using the curatorial statement (below) as a guidepost for all curatorial decisions. Strong proposals will resonate with the curatorial priorities of Spudnik Press Cooperative.
While exhibitions may feature artwork in any media, 2-D or wall-mounted artwork is typically best suited for the gallery, which functions as a multi-purpose space. We welcome proposals from beyond Chicago, however, applicants should be aware that there is a very limited budget per exhibition and may be responsible for much of the shipping costs and travel to and from Chicago.
Spudnik Press exhibitions amplify the impact of our resources by providing opportunities for artists and audiences to move through a variety of creative roles: from making to experiencing, and learning to teaching.
Spudnik Press showcases work that has ongoing relevance to our mission and vision, while also encouraging a breadth of community participation. Exhibitions create an active platform to expand and diversify our cooperative.
To achieve these goals, Spudnik Press exhibitions:
Spudnik Press exhibitions offer participating artists opportunities to:
Archive of Past Exhibitions
Guide for Curators
Download the 2018 Call for Exhibition Proposals
E-mail the following to marcela@spudnikpress.org with “Exhibition Proposal” in the subject line:
1) PDF including the following documents in the following order:
2) Work Samples:
Please direct any questions to marcela@spudnikpress.org.
On Saturday, October 7, the Chicago art community came together in celebration of our 10th Anniversary. Through a mix of ticket sales, auction bids, and donations, supporters contributed over $19,000 to the 10th Anniversary Campaign.
This year-long fundraising effort is essential for Spudnik Press to establish a Reserve Fund and ensure that the organization remains a resilient resource for years to come. Additionally, funds will support the expansion and improvement of professional-track programs including the Fellowship and Residency.
Unique in our dedication to printmaking and related traditions, Spudnik Press offers professional facilities and rare equipment. We are committed to not only collecting necessary equipment, but also maintaining a studio that is inviting and utilized by as many people as possible. Without a communal space with well-maintained equipment, trained staff and approachable programs, printmaking is out of reach for most. In 2016 we served 3,263 people. 587 people enrolled in 84 classes and workshops. Each year, over 750 Open Studio visits are logged and over 30 artists utilize our 24-hour access Keyholder program.
In the following eight months, we seek to raise the remaining $38,544 from individuals and businesses. We encourage those interested in supporting the campaign to:
Our goal is ambitious, but attainable. 2017 has been our busiest years yet with an increase in youth field trips, new partnerships and projects with the Block Museum and the Broad Museum at MSU, the acquisition of a new letterpress and risograph machine, new staff and new board members, and more. As we make plans for 2018, we hope to continue offering a robust calendar of programs for any and all who wish to be creative through print.
Photo by Abbi Chase.
Vice Versa Press | Julia Arredondo
Moon Bang
Molly Berkson
Jennifer Cronin
Erick Jurado
Alex Kostiw
David Krzeminski
Carrie Lingscheit
Dutes Miller
Yasaman Moussavi
Catherine Norcott
Elise Parisian
Jake Saunders
Parita Shah
Current Location Press | Raychel Steinbach Lauen
Don Widmer
Tara Zanzig
10/20/2017 – 12/16/2017
The Annex at Spudnik Press
Print Factory Art Party Annual Benefit
Low Res, 1821 W. Hubbard St.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
9:30 p.m. After Party
Hubbard Street Lofts Annual Open House
Friday, October 20, 2017
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Run, Run, Run: Reception & Artist Talk
Friday, October 20, 2017
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. Artist Talk
Spudnik Press is pleased to present Run, Run, Run, our Annual Member Exhibition. The exhibition will have an opening reception on Friday, October 20, from 6 – 9 p.m. at The Annex at Spudnik Press, located at 1821 W. Hubbard St., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60622.
Inspired by the theme of this year’s 2017 Annual Benefit: Print Factory Art Party, our 2017 Exhibitions Committee curated a body of work exemplary of the range of media and creative output active in our studio twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Run, Run, Run pays tribute to the many artists, designers, and creatives who have partaken in our decade of community arts programming and continue to run with us.
The exhibition will be on view October 20 – December 16, 2017. Those attending the 2017 Annual Benefit will have an opportunity to get a first look of the exhibition prior to the public reception on October 20th.
Spudnik Press, in collaboration with the 2017 Spudnik Press Exhibition Committee, is excited to announce its next print exchange and exhibition, Chicago: A Cross-Town Exchange.
Over the years, printmakers have played an active role in the Chicago community, taking on roles as publishers, distributors and organizers. However, as use of automation and digital technology changed the face of commercial printing, a new group of Chicago printers emerged. Independent, artist-run shops, including Landfall Press and Plucked Chicken Press were among the first to open in the 1970s. Today, numerous print shops have sprouted across the city and continue to engage the community through organizing and education. Chicago: A Cross-Town Exchange seeks to invite discussion and collaboration among the diverse and exciting body of printers living and working across Chicago.
All interested printmakers must live/work in Chicago. Artists affiliated with a local printmaking studio or organization(s) are strongly encouraged to apply, including Spudnik Press students.
The portfolio culminates in an exhibition at Spudnik Press Cooperative’s Annex Gallery, 1821 W. Hubbard St., Suite 302, Chicago, IL 60622. Each participant will receive a portfolio with 20 randomly collated prints from the exchange in a protective case.
Theme: Chicago: A Cross-Town Exchange
Co-Curators: 2017 Spudnik Press Exhibition Committee and Marcela Andrade Serment, Program Director
Paper Size: 11” x 14”
Medium: Fine art prints. No digital prints please.
Edition Size: 25 signed and numbered prints
Participation Fee: $20 payable to Spudnik Press upon registration*
*Fee covers the cost of the colophon, glassine, and portfolio case.
Deadline to Apply: October 22, 2017
Deadline to Receive Prints: December 15, 2017
Exhibition: January 19 – February 24, 2018
Artist Reception: Friday, January 19, 2018, 6-9 pm
1. Download the prospectus.
2. Please complete and submit the registration form.
3. Submit payment with registrations form.
4. Make sure to drop off work by December 15, 2017 deadline.
At the time of drop off, portfolio participants will be checked against a list for pre-registration. Editions will be checked for compliance with the portfolio guidelines and participant will need to complete a submission form listing title, media, etc. Questions? Email marcela@spudnikpress.org.
Spudnik Press Cooperative is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program, our flagship opportunity for emerging artists to gain access unrestricted access to our studios.
This is a seven-month program that provides support for young artists through full studio access and professional development opportunities. Fellows will acquire leadership skills and Studio Assistance experience through monitoring a weekly open studio session. Fellows will also work closely with each other and staff to develop and lead Community Workshops at Spudnik Press.
In addition to monitoring one Open Studio session per week, Fellows will also take on leadership roles at special events, member meetings, and outreach efforts. Fellows will meet regularly to share artwork and support each others projects. The program creates accountability for the cohort of four fellows as they set personal goals, create healthy studio habits, and develop their portfolio.
This program is geared towards recent graduates and other artists in a similar transitional period. Four positions are available per term.
Deadline to Apply: Sunday, October 8, 2017
Fellowship Orientation & Training: November 2017. Dates & times TBD.
Monthly Fellows Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Individual Monitor Shifts Begin: December 1, 2017
Fellowship Ends: May 31, 2018
Current Studio Fellows Pictured Above (from left to right): Jazmin Dua, Grace Makuch, Yewon Kwon, and Jessica Caldwell.