This event has been postponed for COVID-19 closures. We look forward to announcing a new date in the future.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
@ Spudnik Press Cooperative 

$5 for Spudnik Press Members
Register Online

Are you pulling together a proposal for an arts grant, MFA program, or residency? Does your online presence need an overhaul? Up against a deadline and want a “Buddy System” to help structure your time, or get a second pair of eyes on your materials?

Come join other members for a super productive session dedicated to the visual aspects of proposals, applications, and websites!

Spudnik Press staff will start the evening by presenting some useful information like best practices for art documentation, website platform and template options, and the selecting and sequencing of images for applications.

Breaking off into smaller work groups, everyone will be able to get focused feedback and support from staff and peers where they need it most, be it their website, their social media presence, digital file editing, file management, etc.

The Study Session will also offer an overview of photography tools free for members to use at Spudnik, including our artwork documentation stand, a light kit, and a digital SLR camera.

Building off the brilliance of the Buddy System to stay on task and enjoy the process, our Study Sessions encourage camaraderie and skill sharing among our talented group of member artists.

Registration Details:

Advanced registration is very much appreciated to allow staff to best plan for the event.  If you are not a member and wish to participate in this member opportunity, please join or renew your membership.

This Spring, Spudnik Press Cooperative is hosting two Resident Artists who will each bring new resources, perspectives, and professional connections to our community. The Residency Program provides mid-career to established artists one to six weeks of full studio access and the support necessary for the production of new print-based artwork.

In an effort to bring about conversation and connections among our community and our Resident Artists, each Resident also develops a public program that correlates with and builds from their art practice.

Benjamin Merritt (Minneapolis, MN), February 10-29, 2020

Benjamin Merrit’s research intersects with the discussion of chronic illness.  According to Merrit, chronic illness is continually based around cure and cause, often times with a language that puts the patient at fault (stigma around weight, smoking, alcohol consumption) in situations where those are proven to not be causes for the illness.  Recently, the ways language is used in clinical settings and text have become more important in his work.  Merritt aims to bring attention to the complex relationship between the body and language in medical discourse, and to encourage the viewer to consider compassionate and affective methods of discussing illness.

Corresponding Events:

Accessibility in the Studio: An Evening with Resident Artist Benjamin Merritt
Wednesday, February 26
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free

Andrew Bearnot (Chicago, IL), March 1-31, 2020

Andrew Bearnot (MFA, University of Chicago) is a self described “materialist”: he thinks with and through the substance of things. Informed by a background in material science (ScB, Brown University) and glass (BFA, Rhode Island School of Design), Bearnot explores moments of transcendence in the everyday. He was awarded fellowships from Fulbright and the American-Scandinavian Foundation for research on glass-making traditions in Sweden and Denmark and has been an artist-in-residence at the Hyde Park Arts Center (Chicago, IL), Museum of Arts and Design (New York, NY), Marble House Project (Dorset, VT), and Creative Glass Center of America (Millville, NJ).

Corresponding Events:

Offsite Visit: The University Club of Chicago
Sunday, March 8
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
$10; Spudnik Press Members Only

Queer Materialisms: Andrew Bearnot in dialog with Dutes Miller & Betsy Odom 
This event has been postponed for COVID-19 closures. We look forward to announcing a new date in the future.
Tuesday, March 24
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Free

Image: (Left) Body Reaction Passive, Benjamin Merritt, 2019 (Right)  Screen_Capture_0013, Andrew Bearnot, 2018

Spudnik Press is launching a new event series dedicated to introducing our community and the public at large to the arts practices of Spudnik Press members. First Impressions occur every other month and feature a guest artist and a unique project that relates to their artistic practice. Join us on Friday nights for a happy hour combined with making and learning alongside our artists. 

No experience is necessary and we encourage first-time visitors to our studio. Guests are also welcome to save $10 off a second registration if they would like to attend with a partner to collaboratively complete one project. 

We are kicking off these series with Ally Hembree on May 1, 2020. Ally is always inspired by the environment in which she creates. Her linoleum block printing project will encourage attendees to also seek inspiration from their surroundings and the Chicago cityscape. Guests will be able to try their hand at relief printing by carving and inking an image from a linoleum block.

Following First Impressions will feature Hope Wang, Teri Carson, and River Kerstetter.

Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2020

The Spudnik Press Cooperative Studio Fellowship is an intensive eight-month program that provides emerging artists opportunities to develop the artistic and professional skills needed to build a successful career in the arts. Key program components work in conjunction to provide mentorship, technical training, meaningful interactions with art professionals, public programming experience, and leadership opportunities. These key program components consist of the following:

• Access to professional printmaking facilities
• Weekly seminars addressing various elements of professional practices
• Leadership experience through regularly monitoring Open Studio sessions.
• Presentation opportunities through culminating public projects.

Furthermore, as ambassadors of Spudnik Press Cooperative, Fellows play an important role in ensuring our members and studio users have a welcoming experience at our shop and also help us grow our community. The contributions Fellows make to our day-to-day operations are invaluable and help shape the future of our facilities.

Eligibility

The Studio Fellowship program best supports:

• Emerging artists, typically recent college graduates.
• Artists at transitional points in their career.
• Artists with substantial printmaking experience, such that they are able to perform all monitoring duties.
• Artists whose current art practice requires access to printmaking facilities.
• Artists who already have a dedicated and regular studio practice.
• Artists who are able to commit about 8 hours a week to the fellowship program in addition to maintaining their art practice.
• Artists whose goal is to create or sell art a primary source of income.
• Artists seeking opportunities to meet Chicago-based arts professionals.
• Artists interested in building meaningful connections with a creative community.

Please review our Fellowship Information Packet to learn more about:

• Program Overview & Components
• Fellowship Timeline
• Open Studio Monitoring
• Professional Development Seminar
• Additional Assistant Opportunities

To Apply:

Please thoroughly review the Fellowship Information Packet. Download and complete the 2020 Fellowship Application Form. Return this application form and all requested materials to jess@spudnikpress.org no later than Sunday, March 1, 2020.

Important Dates

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, March 1, 2020
Fellowship Period: May 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020
Required Weekly Commitments:

• Professional Development Seminars:  Most Wednesdays from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• Individual Monitor Shifts: One of the following 4.5-hour per shift per week:
  • Mondays 5:30 – 10:00 p.m.
  • Thursdays 5:30-10:00 p.m.
  • Fridays 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Saturdays 12:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Any inquiries regarding our Studio Fellowship can be directed to Jess Christy, jess@spudnikpress.org.

Classes and workshops at Spudnik Press Cooperative invite anyone who wishes to be creative through print to make art and learn new skills. Educational opportunities focus on printmaking, book binding and processes that grow from these traditions such as illustration, design and hand crafts. 

While classes tend to prioritize technical skills, press authorization and enabling evermore people to utilize all the resources at Spudnik Press, classes are also an opportunity for individuals to meet creative peers, experiment, try new skills and to talk and think about art and artistic processes. 

Spudnik invites teaching artists to submit fresh class and workshop proposals that uphold traditional printmaking processes or that challenge students with new or experimental approaches. Educational offerings are selected based on programmatic needs, while seeking to cover a variety of print related processes for a range of learners from novice to advanced.

Upcoming Deadlines:

Fall 2020: Sunday, May 24, 2020
Winter 2021: Sunday, September 27, 2020

For all the details please download our 2020 Spudnik Call for Class & Workshop Proposals. To apply, complete our Class Proposal Form (5-8 weeks) or Workshop Proposal Form (1-day). Send completed form, along with a resume and work samples to ruby@spudnikpress.org.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please direct all questions to ruby@spudnikpress.org.

Spudnik Press Cooperative will, for the first time, present Chicago artists to new audiences in Austin, Texas at the 2020 PrintEXPO (February 1 & 2, 2020).

The Spudnik Press will exhibit recent print from our Publishing Program, including new 2020 editions by Selina Trepp and Steve Reinke.

PrintEXPO is PrintAustin’s annual print fair that provides an opportunity for local, national, and international artists, galleries, and dealers to share their work with seasoned and new collectors excited about works on paper. Artists, galleries, and vendors have been curated by Carlos Hernandez of Burning Bones Press and PrintAustin. The EXPO includes a vendor fair, steamroller printing, and printmaking demonstrations.

Spudnik Press Cooperative will be presented alongside the North Texas Printmakers Guild, Inky Lips Press, Hokum Press, Jesus De La Rosa, Cannonball Press, Carlos Pozo Art, Ben Muñoz, Red Trillium Press, Temple of Print, Dennis McNett / Wolfbat Studios, Reboprints, Qiaoyi Shi & Lucky Risograph, Michael Menchaca, Flatbed Press, and many other artists and publishers.

PrintAustin 2020 PrintEXPO

Launch Party:
Friday, January 31, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
$20 Suggested Donation

Saturday, February 1, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free

Sunday February 2, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Free

Blue Genie Big Top
6100 Airport Blvd
Austin, TX 78752

Sunday, October 11, 2020
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Spudnik Press, 1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302

$20 for Spudnik Press Members
Register Online

As part of our mission to unite our community of artists with art professionals throughout Chicago, we offer portfolio reviews throughout the year. Each artist that signs up for a portfolio review will receive a 30-minute, private review with a curator, educator, gallery director, or arts administrator.

This is a unique opportunity for artists to receive feedback on a current body of work or upcoming project, as well as suggestions on how to prepare for other professional opportunities. Participating artists should bring a portfolio of current work to share with the guest reviewer.

Guest Reviewer: Cecilia L. Vargas

Cecilia Leonora Vargas is a Chicago-based contemporary art curator and writer. Currently, she is the Art Coordinator at Waubonsee Community College, where she works with the exhibitions, visiting artist and collections programs. Vargas received a dual M.A. in Art History, Theory and Criticism, as well as in Arts Administration and Policy from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC); and a B.F.A. in Painting and Printmaking from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has been a Curatorial Fellow in the Department of Cultural Affairs Studio and Curatorial Residency, 2016 – 2017 and a Curatorial Fellow with ACRE Projects, 2014 – 2015.

Vargas has organized solo exhibitions and group exhibitions featuring dozens are artists including Susan Giles, Alberto Aguilar, Brent Fogt, Lisa Lindvay, Edra Soto, Mahwish Chishty, Carla Fisher Schwartz, Paul Nudd,  Erik L. Peterson,Claire Ashley, Sam Jaffe, and Sarah and Joseph Belknap. She has authored and edited six exhibition catalog essays, including essays published by Aurora Public Art Commission, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Carthage College, Garcia Squared Contemporary, Waubonsee Community College, and What It Is.

Registration Details
Space is limited to five artists. Advanced registration is required. The non-refundable registration fee can be paid online. Please register by Monday, October 5. Staff will notify artists of what time slot they have been assigned on or before Tuesday, March 10. Please contact staff if you would like to request a specific time slot. Registrants are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to their scheduled appointment.

Saturday, December 14, 2019
12:30pm – 4:00pm
Spudnik Press, 1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302

$20 for Spudnik Press Members
Register Online SOLD OUT

Guest Reviewer: Aron Packer

As part of our mission to unite our community of artists with art professionals throughout Chicago, we offer portfolio reviews throughout the year. Each artist that signs up for a portfolio review will receive a 30-minute, private review with a curator, educator, gallery director, or arts administrator.

This is a unique opportunity for artists to receive feedback on a current body of work or upcoming project, as well as suggestions on how to prepare for other professional opportunities. Participating artists should bring a portfolio of current work to share with the guest reviewer.

Aron Packer Bio:
Starting in the late 80’s as an American folk art dealer, Aron Packer built his early career focusing on outsider and self taught artists. Also exhibiting unusual objects such as sideshow banners, tattoo drawings, and wild looking magic tricks, his early venue was an apartment gallery, and he became known for a broad yet unusual vision. He added contemporary art and established his first public gallery in 1992 in Wicker Park, joining an alternative gallery scene that included Beret International, Ten in One, and Oscar Friedl Gallery. As business forces changed over the past 25+ years, Packer migrated to locations in River North and the West Loop, continuing to expand his notable group of artists. In 2015 he closed Packer Schopf Gallery on West Lake Street after nearly a decade of ambitious shows. Aron Packer Projects had a pop-up space in the offices of the Chicago Gallery News through 2018, and continues to program exhibitions in locations throughout the Chicago area. The Gallery lives on!

Registration Details
Space is limited to six artists. Advanced registration is required. The non-refundable registration fee can be paid online. Please register by Friday, December 6, 2019. Staff will notify artists of what time slot they have been assigned on or before Monday, December 9th. Please contact staff if you would like to request a specific time slot. Registrants are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to their scheduled appointment.

Monday, November 18, 2019
5 – 9 p.m.
@ Spudnik Press Cooperative (in the Annex)

$5 for Spudnik Press Members
Register Online
RSVP on Facebook

Are you writing an application for an arts grant, MFA program, or job in the arts? Up against a deadline and want a “Buddy System” to help structure your time, or get a second pair of eyes on your materials?

Come join other members for a super productive session of writing, editing, and polishing! Perfect for working on project proposals and budgets, artist statements, letters of interest, research for your personal goal setting, and more. Bring your roughest drafts and we promise you’ll leave feeling highly accomplished!

For people wanting extra support, Anders Zanichkowsky will be on hand to give feedback on written materials, help brainstorm, and provide samples of successful applications. Anders recently joined Spudnik Press staff and brings many years of experience writing grants and serving on selection committees. He’s a huge fan of using the Buddy System to stay on task (and make the process as enjoyable as possible)!

The Studio Session will also offer an overview of the City of Chicago’s Individual Artist Program grants (due December 5) and a recap of their public information workshops.

Registration Details:

Advanced registration is very much appreciated to allow staff to best plan for the event.  If you are not a member and wish to participate in this member opportunity, please join or renew your membership.

Christy is a native North Dakotan, born to two artists on the Sanger Art Farm, located at the northern edge of the Sheyenne River Valley. She received her MFA from the University of North Dakota in 2011 and has since created works that challenge the status quo of human activity and the resulting impacts. Heavily influenced by her upbringing in the Dakota and Lakota cultures, Christy weaves the Native experience into her work. She has shown both nationally and internationally, most recently at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Find further information at www.jessicachristy.com.

Image: Jessica Christy, Untitled (chic), 2019

Deadline to Apply: Sunday, December 1, 2019

Download the 2020 Call for Exhibition Proposals

The Spudnik Press Exhibitions Program invites artists and curators to submit proposals to be considered for the 2020 cycle of exhibitions. This is an opportunity for artists to spotlight their work in a solo show, a group to build a collaborative exhibition, or a curator to make their vision a reality. Proposals may be for existing or new work. Any and all are welcome to apply.

Exhibition proposals are reviewed by a committee of Spudnik Press members and guest jurors. Final selections are made using the organizations’s curatorial statement as a guidepost.

Please note that while installations and performances may be included in proposals, 2-D or wall-mounted artwork is typically best suited for our gallery, which functions as a multi-purpose space. Additionally, while we welcome proposals from beyond Chicago, applicants should be aware that there is a limited budget for each exhibition and final selections may need to partially cover shipping and travel fees.

Timeline:

• Proposals due: Sunday, December 1, 2019.
• Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, January 1, 2020.
• Exhibitions will occur between February 2020 and February 2021. Exact dates TBD.
• Exhibitions typically run for 9 weeks with two weeks in between shows for gallery preparation.

Spudnik Press Cooperative Curatorial Statement:

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:

• Are selected by a curatorial committee that includes active members.
• Emphasize printmaking and print-based projects within contemporary art practices.
• Showcase the creative, analytical and/or technical process of art making.
• Feature exceptional projects, whether produced at Spudnik Press or beyond.
• Engage diverse levels of professional experience.

Spudnik Press exhibitions offer participating artists opportunities to:

• Produce new fine art prints.
• Present corresponding educational programming.
• Present Artist Talks.

To Apply:

First review the entire Call for 2020 Exhibition Proposals. E-mail the following to angee@spudnikpress.org with “2020 Exhibition Proposal” in the subject line:

1) PDF including the documents listed below in the following order:

1. Applicant(s) contact information. Please include your address, phone number, and email address.
2. Working title of the exhibition.
3. Exhibition/Curatorial Statement. Description of the exhibition, both conceptually and visually. (500 words max)
4. Artist Statement(s) and Bio(s). Brief statement for each artist and bio for each artist. Include websites, blogs, notable artistic achievements, other relevant material.
5. Resume or CV. Please only submit a resume or CV for the applicant(s), not each individual artist.
6. Image List. Including artist name, title, year of completion, medium, dimensions, and name of file.
7. Public Program (optional). Applicants are welcome to submit a brief description for a public program related to the exhibitions, i.e. an artist talk, workshop, etc.

2) Images: 

• For both solo exhibitions and small group exhibitions, include up to 10 images of artworks that will be included in the exhibition, or are representative of the artwork that will be in the exhibition.
• Sketches may be included for forthcoming work. Please clarify in the written materials if the artwork is not yet complete.
• Images need not exceed 1 MB each.
• Work samples files should be labeled as follows: LASTNAME_01.jpg, LASTNAME_02.jpg, etc.