Posts By: Nate Beaty

Member Meeting & Offset Shenanigans

May Member Meeting

Wednesday, May 16, 2012
8:00pm at Spudnik Press

New Committees! Board Nominations!
We now have more ways than ever to get involved! Join one of our new committees (Outreach, Education, Exhibitions) to help Spudnik have as big of impact on our community as possible.

Plus, contribute to our mini zine! Printed right in front of your eyeballs!
We will all work together to create a 1-page, hand-drawn, offset printed zine! Stick around afterwards to get your hands inky and watch the offset press in action, as we all print together!

Ex-Libris Print Exchange

Ex Libris (From the Books)
Print Exchange

Spudnik Press is proud to announce our first member print exchange, in conjunction with Atlanta Printmakers Studio, who’s members will also be participating in the exchange. The theme compliments the Print Big! steamroller print event at APS, with imagery focusing on Books, Reading and Literature.

Bookplates were originally designed as small decorative labels pasted inside a book’s cover to indicate ownership. A long line of artists have been inspired and commissioned to design these miniature prints including Albrecht Durer, Hans Holbein, Aubrey Beardsley, Eric Gill, and Rockwell Kent to name a few. In the 19th century there was strong interest in ex libris collecting and society’s were formed to promote and commission bookplates from prominent artists.

Bookplates served as evidence of prestige and status as well as important documentation of the provenance of books. The images often related to the interests, career and accomplishments of the book’s owner, a play on the person’s name, and ancient myths or fables. Whether your print focuses on the traditional subjects of the bookplate or addresses the issues of ownership and consumerism, we invite all APS and Spudnik Press members to participate in this annual exchange and exhibition.

Print Exchange Details:

Paper Size: 7 x 5 inches
Edition Size: 13 numbered impressions – You may produce a larger edition but the first 13 should be designated for this exchange.
Registration Date: May 28, 2012
Due Date: Prints must be received by August 16, 2012
Cost: $15


Payment Options




Please be sure to include your full name and preferred email address in “notes to seller”.

You may register to participate in this exchange through May 28, 2012. If you prefer to register in person or by mail please fill out the attached Ex-Libris Print Exchange Form and submit with your $15 entry fee to (or drop it by the studio during Open Studio sessions): Spudnik Press, 1821 W. Hubbard #302, Chicago, IL 60622

*APS members may send/deliever entry fee to APS.

Prints should be made using traditional printmaking processes (no reproductions). Digital prints are acceptable if combined with traditional printmaking processes. No photographs. You will receive 10 randomly selected prints. The first two of the remaining 3 prints from each edition will be retained for APS and Spudnik Press archives. The third set will be reserved for exhibition and art auction fundraising to benefit APS. Information regarding exhibit details and art auction will be announced at a later date.

If you are not currently a member of APS or Spudnik and would like to participate in the portfolio exchange, please join either organization by May 28, 2012 by visiting atlantaprintmakersstudio.org or here. Basic memberships range from $20-$50.

Spudnik Press members may submit their prints to Spudnik Press during our open studio hours (Mon & Thur 6:30-11pm, Fri & Sat 12:30-5pm) or by appointment. Contact brandy@spudnikpress.com for details.

Hot Off the Press: Recent work from our Lithography Department

New Work by our Student and Teaching Artists

May 21, 2012 – June 29, 2012
Spudnik Press Cooperative
Mon & Thu 6:30 – 11pm
Fri & Sat 12:30-5pm
Or by appointment

Lithography, simply explained, is a printing process that capitalizes on oil and water’s natural inclination to repel each other. Since 1796, Lithography has evolved from a process using grained limestones and leather rollers to high volume, multi-color presses. Spudnik Press has unique facilities, allowing artists are utilizing this medium for all it is worth. Traditional lithography captures nuanced mark-making, and is a terribly expressive medium. Offset Lithography excels at self-published zines and chapbooks, and has wide aesthetic possibilities.

Recent work from our Lithography Department showcases the work that has been produced at Spudnik Press since we added Offset Printing to our repertoire. This show sheds light on how contemporary commercial printing methods grew from traditional lithography – that they are not too dissimilar at all!

Featured Artists:
Brandy Barker, Kelsey Donahue, Caitlyn Eakins, Edie Fake, Sarazen Haile, Angee Lennard, Morgan Sims, Aaron Smith, and others!

2012 Hashbrown Follow-Up


Better late than never, right? We would like to thank all of the chili chefs that participated in The Hashbrown this year, as well as our tamale chef, Kim Heiney! The fundraiser was a great success and everyone had a blast. Take a look at some of the images from the night and feel free to whip up your own batch of Spudnik vegetarian chili, made by Megan Klawitter, using the recipe below! And, of course, a big “THANKS” to all of our volunteers and donors, including Windy City Distribution & Jefferson Tap.

The 2012 Hashbrown Meat Chili Champion: The Printstitute at Harold Washington College


The 2012 Hashbrown Vegetarian Chili Champion: Chicago Printmakers Collaborative


Spudnik Press 2012 Verde Chili
2 cans navy beans
2 cans cannelini beans
1 package firm tofu – drained
2 anaheim peppers – diced
2 jalapeno peppers – seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic – minced
1 yellow onion – chopped
4 cups broth (a no-chikn’ stock works great)
1 can of green enchilada sauce – medium heat level
2 limes
1 tbsp cumin
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp old bay seasoning
bunch of cilantro
dairy free sour cream
olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

For the sour cream, simply combine ½ cup chopped cilantro and the squeeze of 1 lime to 2 cups dairy free sour cream. You can always use less cilantro if you are not a fan. Set in the fridge to keep cold.

In a medium skillet, heat a little olive oil. Add 1 clove garlic and crumbled tofu. (keep the tofu in the freezer for 1 week; drain, and you have a nice chewy texture)
add your old bay seasoning and just cook until browned a little. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a stock pot add 1 tbsp olive oil, onion and the other clove of garlic. Cook until the onion begins to “sweat”. Add your peppers, cumin and cayenne. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes. You can now add your broth and beans. Let this cook for about 20-25 minutes.

Corn chips while the chili is cooking, set your deep fryer temp to 375 degrees. Slice your white corn tortillas into triangles. Fry a few at a time until slightly browned. add sea salt when finished and set aside to cool. Do as many as you would like, but be sure to not let them pile up on each other until they are cooled off a bit.

Once the broth has reduced a bit you can add your enchilada sauce, tofu and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. add salt and pepper to taste. cook for another 10-15 minutes.

For a final step, add 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lime.

Garnish with sour cream and a little more cilantro.

Contributory

Contributory: MAPC Member Exhibition

April 6 – May 11, 2012

Opening Reception:
Friday, April 6, 6-9pm

1821 W. Hubbard, Suite 302
Chicago, IL 60622

A contribution furnishes something towards a result. “Contributory” is a juried show dissecting the parts that create the whole, the chain of events that leads to a result, good works that build communities, and the symbiotic nature of a contribution. “Contributory” reflects on what and how people, the natural world, and technology proffer with intention and purposefulness, or despite themselves.



Featured Artists:
Art Werger
Craig Fisher
Erik Waterkotte
Jayne Reid Jackson
Jennifer Manzella
Jeremy Lundquist
John-Mark Schlink
Jon Swindler
Karla Hackenmiller
Kim Fink
Melissa Haviland
Miriam Dubinsky
Nicholas Ruth
Nicole Geary
Randy Clark
Robert Howsare
Sage Perrott
Sara Schleicher
Thomas Nawrocki
Tom Lucas
Travis Janssen

JUROR
Julia Vodrey Hendrickson is a visual artist, writer, print-enthusiast, and curator. She recently released a poetry/artist book called Grow No Moss, printed at Spudnik Press. Primarily based in Chicago where she is the gallery manager at Corbett vs. Dempsey, she is currently pursuing an M.A. in Art History at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.

Images (above, clock-wise from left to right): Cathedral by John-Mark Schlink, Cars and Trucks: Inject by Jennifer L. Mazella, I Guess Not by Randy Clark.

Summer 2012 Artist in Residence


Interested in being the next Artist in Residence at Spudnik Press? The application deadline for our Summer residency is March 30, 2012. Click here for more information and to download the application!

Pulled Pressed Printed

An Exhibition of Chicago Printmakers and Presses
January 27 – April 30, 2012

Reception with Artists
March 2, 5:30 – 7:30pm
at Expo 72
72 East Randolph

Featured Artists
Anchor Graphics: Fred Stonehouse, Don Colley, Karl Wirsum, Saya Woolfalk, Enrique Chagoya, Chris Flynn, and David Jones

Hummingbird Press L.A.C.: Richard Hunt, Kerry James Marshall, Willie Cole, Barbara Jones-Hogu, Bernard Williams, Ray Noland, Paul Andrew Wandless, and Thomas Lucas

Jay Ryan/Birdmachine

Screwball Press: Steve Walters, Jason Wyatt Frederick, Phineas X. Jones, Erin Page, and Jenny Beorkrum

Spudnik Press: Angee Lennard, Jeremy Lundquist, Anya Davidson, B. Ingrid Olson, Dutes Miller, Miller and Shellabarger, Lilli Carre, Edie Fake, Regin Igloria, Sanya Glisic, and Ten x Ten: 2012 – a collaborative project with Homeroom Chicago

Chicago Printmakers Collaborative: Deborah Maris Lader, Kim Laurel, Sanya Glisic, Misha Goro, Hiroshi Ariyama, Duffy O’Connor, Maria Sanchez, Alan Lerner, Dennis O’Malley, Christine Gendre-Bergere, Scott Westgard, and Megan Sterling

Also showing works from:
Bert Menco, Lora Fosberg, and Sonnenzimmer

Community Workshop: Quick & Easy Printing

Wednesday, March 7, 2012
6:30 – 9:00pm
1821 W. Hubbard, Suite 302

Printmaking can be steeped in arcane processes and cumbersome equipment which can be quite alluring, yet prohibitive. So we’ve decided to dedicate the night to printmaking that is easy, cheap, and satisfying. We’ll have multiple projects set up around the studio and students can move around to different projects as they like. We’ll talk about how these processes can be used for professional projects as well as in a classroom full of energetic young people.

We would like to extend a special invitation to CPS teachers. We are currently evaluating and developing our program for youth in the city, and would like your opinion on what we can do to support and augment what happens in school. We would like to connect with teachers interested in field trips, in-school workshops, and partnering to provide after-school opportunities for their students.

Community workshops are an opportunity to get to meet the artists at Spudnik Press, preview what an upcoming class might be like, be exposed to new processes, and simply learn techniques and tips from professional artists to incorporate into your projects, what ever they may be. Workshops are hands-on, all ages (students under 16 should be accompanied by an adult), and for all experience levels.

The class fee is $10, or pay what you can. Fees are waived for students who are unable to afford this charge to ensure that the Chicago community has access to artistic projects, regardless of income. Registration is required to ensure we have the right amount of materials on hand.

Please e-mail brandy@spudnikpress.com to have us save a seat!

Etsy & Social Media Workshop

Sunday, March 18 at 3pm
Spudnik Press
1821 W. Hubbard, Suite 302

Karla Wheeler and Elaine Luther, of The Chicago Metal Arts Guild, will be presenting an Etsy & Social Media workshop, hosted by Spudnik Press. Artists will learn to sell online and promote their work using social media. The fee for the workshop is $5 for CMAG and Spudnik members, $10 for non-members.

For more information or to register.

The Hashbrown 2012

The Hashbrown 2012
Featuring 12 Chicago Printshops in a cut-throat Chili Cook-Off

Saturday, February 25, 2012
at Spudnik Press Cooperative
1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302
6 pm – 10 pm


Cook-off winners announced at 9:30 pm or when chili runs dry

$10 for 5 tickets
$20 for VIP Package*
Redeem tickets for chili and tamales
The first 25 guests will receive a commemorative Hashbrown poster.

Beer Sponsored by Windy City Distribution.

It is becoming a tradition that each winter, Chicago printmakers set aside their squeegees and brayers, head to the kitchen, and concoct a pot of chili worthy of “The Golden Squeegee”.

The Hashbrown 2012 features vegetarian and meat-filled chili provided by printmakers across the city. Competing presses include Spudnik Press, One Horse Press, Kyle Baker, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Hummingbird Press, Rar Rar Press, Fugscreens, Dan Grezca, Letterform, Harold Washington’s “Printstitute”, and the student printshops at Columbia College and SAIC. Each shop is donating their chili in support of Spudnik’s mission to keep printmaking approachable and affordable. Each shop will have a selection of their artwork on display and for sale.

It is no secret that Chicago houses perhaps the most vibrant and supportive print community in the country. However, it is a rare event to share a meal with a dozen of city’s most revered printers and institutions.

Less than a year has elapsed since Spudnik’s epic expansion. In that time, the young studio has followed through on their promises to double class offerings, expand their hours, acquire new equipment, introduce letterpress and offset printing, all while beginning both publishing and youth programs!

Come support Spudnik’s mission. Help keep access to high quality equipment and education available to every Chicago resident that has the desire to sling ink on paper.

*VIP guests receive larger chili portions through out the night, a commemorative golden spoon and a complimentary signature cocktail.

Young Artist Exhibition


Spudnik Press presents
Young Artist Exhibition
An Exhibition of Artwork from our Young Artist Program
January 21 – February 18, 2012

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 6-8pm
The exhibition will be held at Spudnik Press,
1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302

This Fall, Spudnik Press offered our first in-house printmaking class, free of charge, specifically for youth. Five talented students worked with teaching artist Elke Claus over 10 weeks, to study illustration, graphic design and screenprinting. The class culminated in creating a collaborative portfolio combining hand-drawn imagery and photographic elements to create colorful expressive screenprints.

Please join us in celebrating the work of these talented young artists.

In addition to the exhibition, we are inviting guests to participate in the art-making. We will help guests screen print t-shirts with a student design. Bring your own shirt and all printing is complimentary!

Artists:
Tonya Farell
Najia Hutcherson
Bradley Modjeski
Saul Rodrigues
Nik Vasilic

This program was made possible through support from The Cliff Dwellers.