Posts Categorized: Calls for Artists

Call for Volunteers: Studio Monitors

Join Spudnik Press as a weekly Studio Monitor!

Our Studio Monitor Open Call provides interested volunteers with 6 months of 24/7 access to our professional facilities, a flat file, and opportunities to expand their printmaking and studio tech skills. Through a weekly 4-hour commitment, Volunteer Studio Monitors support our Open Studio Hours while becoming more familiar with the Spudnik Press community. Currently, we are looking for 3-4 new Volunteer Studio Monitors to join us.

Open Studio at Spudnik Press provides studio access at a reduced price and is available to all who can print independently. You can learn more about the Open Studio sessions that we offer here. Each Volunteer Studio Monitor leads an Open Studio session each week. Their responsibilities include:

  • Welcoming and supporting all guests
  • Providing basic troubleshooting and printing assistance
  • Using a database to record visits
  • Collecting and recording payments
  • Restocking supplies, cleaning, and organizing the studio
  • Seeking opportunities to improve the facilities at Spudnik Press

To fulfill these duties, all Volunteer Studio Monitors receive:

  • 24/7 Keyholder access for the duration of their monitoring
  • Provision of a flat file to store their work when using the printmaking facilities
  • General orientation about the organization and their role
  • Technical training on the various printmaking equipment at Spudnik Press
  • Opportunities to expand their printmaking and studio skills such as workshops and events

Important Dates:

  • Deadline to sign-up: March 4, 2024
  • Invitational 1:1 sessions: March 6-13
  • Onboarding: starts March 18, 2024
  • Monitoring schedule: starts April 1, 2024

Sign-up as a Volunteer Studio Monitor

 

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Programs at Spudnik Press are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Builder’s Initiative.

This project is partially supported by a Chicago Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

Join Our Fundraising Art Showcase

Call for Art Donations

Spudnik Press invites our creative community to support our upcoming year-end fundraiser through art donations. 

Donated pieces will be displayed for sale at the Annex gallery wall during an art showcase happening in December 2023.

Artwork Details

  • 2-dimensional artwork, measuring 6×9 inches
  • Can be made with any medium (drawing, painting, screenprint, etc.)
  • Art will be displayed unframed
  • Please sign your artwork on the back (artists will remain anonymous until sold)
  • All art donations will have the same selling price during the event
  • Unsold pieces will stay with Spudnik Press to be showcased and sold onsite or in future events

Important Dates

  • Mail-in deadline for art donations: please bring your art donations to the post office by November 27, 2023
  • Drop-off deadline for art donations: December 4, 2023
  • You may bring your art donations to the studio from Monday-Thursday from 10am to 10pm, and Friday-Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
  • You can sign-up to volunteer to help us set-up the gallery wall on December 6, 2023 by sending an email to info@spudnikpress.org
  • Fundraising Event: December 8, 2023 (Friday)

Your Art Matters

Your art contributions will help keep Spudnik Press open and accessible to all who want to be creative through printmaking and beyond.

Every donation that we gather, in-kind or monetary, sustains our goal of offering affordable and diverse classes, providing more creative opportunities, and fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.

This is your donation’s impact. Thank you for your support!

Private Studio Available November 1: Printshop Center

Housed within a 3,000 square foot shared workspace and community printshop, our private studios are ideal for active printmakers, as well as book artists, and artists who work with a variety of 2-D media or small scale 3-D media.

Please note that the studio is NOT furnished with shelving and furniture.

Status:

Available November 1, 2023

Rent:

$510/month includes 24-hour keyholder access to all printshop equipment, ongoing membership, and general supplies.

Amenities:

10 x 15 feet
8 foot walls, high ceilings, window
Locking door
Includes A/C, heat, internet, utilities
Hardwood floors

Email info@spudnikpress.org with questions or to schedule a time to see the studio.

Interested in 24-hour access but don’t need a private studio? Learn about Keyholder Access.


Everyone’s safety is important to us. Participation in this program requires being onsite at Spudnik Press Cooperative and that per our Covid-19 Policy, all artists accepted into the program will be required to provide staff with proof of vaccination. Where possible, we will make reasonable accommodations for artists with a medical or religious exemption.

Private Studio Available October 1: Annex West

Housed within a 3,000 square foot shared workspace and community printshop, our private studios are ideal for active printmakers, as well as book artists, and artists who work with a variety of 2-D media or small scale 3-D media.

Please note that the studio is NOT furnished with shelving and furniture.

Status:

Available October 1, 2023

Rent:

$455/month includes 24-hour keyholder access to all printshop equipment, ongoing membership, and general supplies.

Amenities:

10 x 13 feet
Locking door
Includes A/C, heat, internet, utilities
Hardwood floors

Email info@spudnikpress.org with questions or to schedule a time to see the studio.

Interested in 24-hour access but don’t need a private studio? Learn about Keyholder Access.


Everyone’s safety is important to us. Participation in this program requires being onsite at Spudnik Press Cooperative and that per our Covid-19 Policy, all artists accepted into the program will be required to provide staff with proof of vaccination. Where possible, we will make reasonable accommodations for artists with a medical or religious exemption.

Private Studio Available October 1: Printshop South

Housed within a 3,000 square foot shared workspace and community printshop, our private studios are ideal for active printmakers, as well as book artists, and artists who work with a variety of 2-D media or small scale 3-D media.

Please note that the studio is NOT furnished with shelving and furniture.

Status:

Available October 1, 2023

Rent:

$425/month includes 24-hour keyholder access to all printshop equipment, ongoing membership, and general supplies.

Amenities:

7 x 15 feet
8 foot walls, high ceilings, window
Locking door
Includes A/C, heat, internet, utilities
Hardwood floors

Email info@spudnikpress.org with questions or to schedule a time to see the studio.

Interested in 24-hour access but don’t need a private studio? Learn about Keyholder Access.


Everyone’s safety is important to us. Participation in this program requires being onsite at Spudnik Press Cooperative and that per our Covid-19 Policy, all artists accepted into the program will be required to provide staff with proof of vaccination. Where possible, we will make reasonable accommodations for artists with a medical or religious exemption.

Call for Volunteers: Studio Monitors

Spudnik Press is launching the Studio Monitor Open Call to provide interested volunteers with 6 months of 24/7 access to our professional facilities, a flat file, and opportunities to expand their printmaking and studio tech skills. Through a weekly 4-hour commitment, Volunteer Studio Monitors support our Open Studio Hours while becoming more familiar with the Spudnik Press community. Currently, we are looking for 5-7 new Volunteer Studio Monitors to join us.

Open Studio at Spudnik Press provides studio access at a reduced price and is available to all who can print independently. You can learn more about the Open Studio sessions that we offer here. Each Volunteer Studio Monitor leads an Open Studio session each week. Their responsibilities include:

  • Welcoming and supporting all guests.
  • Providing basic troubleshooting and printing assistance.
  • Using a database to record visits; Collecting and recording payments.
  • Restocking supplies; Cleaning; Organizing.
  • Seeking opportunities to improve the facilities at Spudnik Press Cooperative. 

To fulfill these duties, all Volunteer Studio Monitors receive:

  • 24/7 Keyholder access for the duration of their monitoring
  • Provision of a flat file to store their work when using the printmaking facilities
  • General orientation about the organization and their role
  • Technical training on the various printmaking equipment at Spudnik Press
  • Opportunities to expand their printmaking and studio tech skills such as workshops, classes, and events

Important Dates:

  • Sign-up duration: August 14 to August 24
  • Invitational 1:1 August 26-September 2
  • Onboarding: September 13-16

Sign-up as a Volunteer Studio Monitor

 

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Programs at Spudnik Press are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency and Builder’s Initiative.

This project is partially supported by a Chicago Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

Call for Applications: 2023-2024 Teaching Artists

Spudnik Press is currently accepting applications for 2023-2024 Teaching Artists in our studio. They will lead *core curriculum classes as well as special topic courses at our studio. We are prioritizing the following topics: Letterpress, Relief & Monoprinting, and Book Arts, but welcome applications for all of our disciplines. 

Teaching Artists will fulfill *core educational offerings at Spudnik Press through teaching introductory and advanced classes, private lessons, and have the opportunity to develop unique classes or workshops that build upon their personal artistic practice. 

Teaching Artists will accrue experience in teaching varied groups and build on their personal art practice through their full access to Spudnik Press facilities, where they can also be collaborative and make lasting connections within our community.

*Core classes have existing syllabuses available and Teaching Artists are welcome to execute them as-written or propose modifications.

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Enthusiastic about printmaking and co learning 
  • Minimum one (1) year teaching experience preferred
  • Familiarity with Google Workspace applications
  • Located in the Chicago metropolitan area with reliable transportation to and from our studio, located at 1821 W Hubbard
  • Able to commit a minimum of 12 hours per month  
  • Experience developing and implementing a structured and responsive class curriculum
  • Self driven, independent work ethic in various printmaking skill sets 
  • Reliable and committed communicator 

COMPENSATION

  • $160 for a one-day workshop (includes 3 hours class time, half-hour prep time, and 1 hour of curriculum building)
  • $595 for a 4-week class (includes 3 hours class time and half-hour prep time per session, plus 3 hours of curriculum building)
  • $1155 for an 8-week class (includes 3 hours class time and half-hour prep time per session, plus 5 hours of curriculum building)

First time teachers at Spudnik will be additionally paid $35/hr for a 3-hour class & studio orientation. Returning teachers teaching a new course will be additionally paid $35/hr for a 2-hour class orientation. For classes that do not require curriculum building, teacher will be paid the same $35/hr rate.

PHYSICAL WORK & ENVIRONMENT

Spudnik Press is located in the West Hubbard Lofts at 1821 W Hubbard St, Suite 302 and is wheelchair accessible. Please review our accessibility notice here. We have several printmaking studios which include; Screenprinting, Risography, Letterpress, Relief & Monoprinting, and Intaglio.

IMPORTANT DATES:

  • Application Fee: None; Free to apply
  • Deadline To Apply:  8/21/23
  • Info Session: another Virtual Info Session will be announced soon
  • Final Notification: 9/22-29/23
  • Onboarding: October 2023 
  • Classes Begin: November 2023
  • Duration: 12 months

APPLICATION

Submit your cover letter, CV, portfolio with an image list, and an example of a previously taught printmaking syllabus to info [@] spudnikpress [dot] org with subject line ‘Teaching Artist Application | 2023-2024 Term’. All application materials should be submitted as one PDF.

Portfolio should consist of 5-7 images:  Images must not exceed 1MB each. Work should include print-based work and work from the last three years. Please provide title, medium, year of completion, and dimensions for each work in your Image List.

Spudnik Press will not replicate or share your submitted syllabus with the broader public as it remains your intellectual property.

Deadline for applications is EXTENDED until September 12, 2023 at 11:59pm.

For inquiries, you may email us at info@spudnikpress.org.

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This Teaching Opportunity is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

This project is partially supported by a Chicago Arts Recovery Program grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

We are Hiring: Business Manager

Come join a dynamic arts organization located in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago!

We are looking for a part time Business Manager to manage the business side of our enterprise. This person would be responsible for much of the day to day business operations for our small nonprofit, working closely with the Board of Directors. The Business Manager will be responsible for cash flow, daily financial resources, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, purchasing, cash management, general ledger, collections, taxes, and conducting an annual audit. In addition, this position may assist the staff in arranging classes and other events.

Position Type: Part-time
Position Location: Hybrid
Office Address: 1821 W Hubbard St, Suite 302
Hours: 25-30 hours per week
Schedule: flexible
Pay: $25-30/hr based on experience
Reports to: Board of Directors

Job Responsibilities
  • Oversight and reconciliation of incoming / outgoing business expenses, including the categorization of expenditures into their appropriate budgetary categories
  • Generation of monthly financial reports; preparation of financial reports required for grant applications and grant reports
  • Payroll management for W-2 employees and W-9 independent contractors; onboarding of new payees; annual distribution of relevant tax paperwork
  • Monitoring and timely payment of bills and other recurring payments
  • Management of, and interface with, current external contractors in accounting and bookkeeping
  • Assisting the Board of Directors with the annual budgeting process
  • Documentation and organization of all financial records
  • Analysis of current financial operations; willingness to propose changes that will streamline processes and be more intuitive for staff
Required Experience & Skills
  • Associates or bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
  • 2-5 years of accounting or bookkeeping experience; experience working with a nonprofit organization
  • Strong understanding of Quickbooks, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
  • Basic understanding of Little Green Light or similar donation management software
  • Basic understanding of Filemaker Pro or similar database management software
  • Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
  • Comfortable working independently; self-starter
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized; ability to meet deadlines
  • Interest in printmaking and/or the visual arts is a plus
Application Instructions
Please submit the following materials to info@spudnikpress.org with the subject line “Business Manager Application” or head to our Indeed job posting to apply.
  • Current resume or CV
  • Brief cover letter (<500 words) indicating the reason for your interest in the position, and any information not adequately covered by your resume (if applicable)
  • Two professional references that can speak to the required skills for this position. Please provide an email and phone number for each reference, as well a description of your relationship.

Spudnik Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Chicago, Illinois. Focused on the art & craft of printmaking, Spudnik provides local artists with affordable access to studio facilities, equipment, and professional development opportunities. Open studio hours, residency & fellowship programs, exhibitions, and other initiatives are offered to foster community, encourage collaboration, and serve our diverse network of creatives.

Spudnik Press Cooperative does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

WTCC 2022 Art Walk: Member Showcase

Friday, September 23 & Saturday, September 24

Members, we’re excited to be hosting a MEMBER SHOWCASE to exhibit your work in the Annex area of our studio during the West Town Chamber of Commerce 2022 Art Walk on September 23 – 24 (Friday and Saturday).

The Member Showcase will open to visitors for the Art Walk on Friday from 5-8pm, and remain open throughout the Member Market and other festivities on Saturday from 12-8pm.

We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors into the studio to see your work, explore the facility, and get to know our members and programs. Submit your work and join us for two days of community celebrations!

To Participate: Submit a Showcase Intake Form

After registering, keep an eye out for an email with more details about how to help promote the event. Questions? Email us: info@spudnikpress.org

This opportunity is open to all members of Spudnik Press. If you are not currently a member please join or renew prior to signing up.

About the WTCC Art Walk

Established in 2011, the West Town Art Walk is organized by the West Town Chamber of Commerce and a committee of West Town business owners to celebrate the diverse community of businesses in West Town while highlighting Chicago artists. The Art Walk is expected to attract crowds of art lovers, curious patrons, and folks who are eager to explore the area.

WTCC 2022 Art Walk: Member Market

Saturday, September 24
12pm – 6pm

Cost to participate: FREE!
Register Online

Members, join us for our end-of-summer Member Art Market on Saturday, September 24th! We’re excited to be hosting this event during the WTCC 2022 Art Walk. Established in 2011, the West Town Art Walk is organized by the West Town Chamber of Commerce and a committee of West Town business owners to celebrate the diverse community of businesses in West Town while highlighting Chicago artists. The Art Walk is expected to attract crowds of art lovers, curious patrons, and folks who are eager to explore the area.

The Market will take place on Saturday, September 24th from 12-6pm during a day full of celebration, skill shares and demonstrations, outdoor actives, and print nerdiness galore!

Artist are responsible for their own signage, sales, packaging, etc. Registration is first come, first serve — once spots fill up, we will close the registration form. Registration includes table space and seating. You’re welcome to invite a friend to work the table with you, but please be sure to let us know in advance through the registration form.

To Participate: Register for your spot online.

After registering, keep an eye out for an email with more details about setup and how to help promote the event. Questions? Email us: info@spudnikpress.org

This opportunity is open to all members of Spudnik Press. If you are not currently a member please join or renew prior to signing up.

2022 Teaching Artist Cohort | Call for Applications

Deadline to Apply: August 1, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.

The Spudnik Press Cooperative Teaching Artist Cohort Program supports print-based artists living in the Chicago area with a passion for art education. Through offering reliable arts-related income and professional experience to working artists, this program offers comprehensive support to Chicago artists interested in Arts Education. This program develops artistic teaching careers while bringing diverse perspectives to the various audiences that Spudnik Press serves, with a focus on: first-time printmaking students, emerging artists, and professional artists. The Teaching Artist Cohort provides a consistent foundation for classes and workshops, ensuring impactful educational opportunities for our community. 

This program encourages the  integration of traditional, technical knowledge of print processes with innovative, personal creative practices. Through expanding professional networks and the contemporary development of print media, each cohort of Spudnik Press Teaching Artists will engage in the accessibility of art education throughout Chicago communities.

Program Overview:

The Teaching Artist Cohort Program at Spudnik Press Cooperative provides print-based artists a full year of unfettered studio access paired with 9 months of ongoing teaching opportunities.  Throughout the program, Teaching Artists will fulfill core educational offerings at Spudnik Press through teaching introductory and advanced classes, private lessons, youth and family programs, and have the opportunity to develop unique classes or workshops that build upon their personal artistic practice. 

Teaching Artists  will receive:

  • A monthly stipend of based on the number of hours taught per month
  • 24/7 Keyholder Access to the studio
  • A Spudnik Press Cooperative Annual Membership
  • The opportunity to audit courses offered at Spudnik Press
  • Professional development opportunities

This program provides educators the opportunity to accrue experience teaching varying age groups in various settings. Additionally, Teaching Artists can build on their personal art practice through full access to Spudnik Press studios. With this unfettered access to a communal workspace, artists can network, create conversations, and make lasting connections within our community.

Eligibility:

This Teaching Program is committed to serving: 

  • Artists whose current artistic practice utilizes printmaking 
  • Artists with enough printmaking experience to work independently in multiple areas of the studio (Please review our facilities or visit the studio for more details)
  • Artists who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to community arts education
  • Artists who are local to the Chicago area with reliable transportation to and from Spudnik Press Cooperative 
  • Artists that have experience developing and leading class curriculum 
  • Artists who are able to commit to approximately 6 hours of teaching per week for the duration of this program

Expectations:

Teaching Artists are expected to:

  • Commit to the full 10 months of this program with the opportunity to continue teaching at Spudnik Press after that period ends.
  • Develop creative course proposals in an effort to develop their artistic teaching careers as well as bring new, diverse perspectives to the various audiences that Spudnik Press serves.
  • Fulfill core educational offerings at Spudnik Press, including but not limited to: 
    • Screenprinting (paper & fabric)
    • Risography
    • Relief
    • Monoprinting
    • Intaglio
    • Letterpress
    • Cyanotype
    • Zines & Comics
    • Papermaking
    • Book Arts
  • Complete thorough authorization to Spudnik Press equipment, facilities, and procedures during their first month in the program. After completion, Teaching Artists should have enough experience to work independently in the printmaking processes required for their courses.
  • Be dedicated to the teaching of printmaking by leading approximately two educational opportunities per week through a combination of group classes and private lessons, culminating in an average of 22-24 hours of teaching per month. On top of the monthly base pay of $500, Teaching Artists will earn $22/hour for each hour of teaching that exceeds the projected 24 hours of teaching within a calendar month.

Important Details:

  • Application Fee: None; Free to apply
  • Deadline To Apply: 8/1/22 at 11:59 p.m  
  • Final Notification: By 8/22/22
  • Program Period:  8/29/22 – 5/26/23
  • Duration: 10 months (one month of training, 9 months of teaching)
    Training & Orientation: 8/29/22 – 9/23/22
  • Compensation: $500 per month based on maintaining a rolling average of 22-24 hours of teaching per month. Additional teaching hours will be compensated at $22/hour.

Selection Process:

Teaching Artist applications are reviewed by a panel that includes one staff member, Spudnik’s Executive Director, and one member of the Spudnik Press Board. Decisions are based on the quality of the proposal, teaching experience, the strength of the portfolio, and how well the interests and skills of the applicant fits the educational needs of the studio. In addition, we seek artists who are capable of working independently while bringing in new, unique educational opportunities to our audience. We also consider other aspects such as scheduling logistics and alignment with current organizational goals. All finalists will be offered in-person or virtual interviews conducted by Spudnik’s Executive Director. 

To Apply:

Please apply through our online application form. You will need to have the following ready to submit:

  • Letter of interest (one page): Please address why you are interested in this program, personal teaching goals, learning goals for students, and/or teaching philosophy.
  • A portfolio of 7-10 images:  Images must not exceed 1MB each and should be titled with your name and a file number. Work should include print-based work and work from the last two years.
  • Image List: For each work, include the file name, title, medium, year of completion, and dimensions.
  • Artist Bio: Please limit to 100 words or less.
  • Current Resume or CV
  • 1-3 References with contact information and their relationship to you.

Teaching Artist Cohort Informational Presentation

For questions regarding the application, email sara@spudnikpress.org

Please note: Our 2022 Teaching Artist Cohort is intended to be held onsite and fully in-person. While this program is not currently accepting applications for remote Teaching Artists, we will consider virtual teaching proposals on an individual basis. Inquiries and proposals can be sent to sara@spudnikpress.org


Everyone’s safety is important to us. Participation in this program requires being onsite at Spudnik Press Cooperative and that per our Covid-19 Policy, all artists accepted into the program will be required to provide staff with proof of vaccination. Where possible, we will make reasonable accommodations for artists with a medical or religious exemption.


Spudnik Press Cooperative encourages applications from artists of all backgrounds regardless of race, color, gender or religious affiliation, including but not limited to: artists who identify as  BIPOC and/or LGBTQ, women artists, artists with disabilities, and veterans. We understand that teaching experience comes in many forms, both formal and informal, and we welcome applicants with diverse teaching backgrounds. 

Our Accessibility page includes additional information about getting to the studio and using the equipment.

Private Studio Available January 1: Printshop Center

Housed within a 3,000 square foot shared workspace and community printshop, our private studios are ideal for active printmakers, as well as book artists, and artists who work with a variety of 2-D media or small scale 3-D media.

Please note that the studio is NOT furnished with shelving and furniture.

Status:

Available January 1, 2021.

Rent:

$455/month includes 24-hour keyholder access to all printshop equipment, ongoing membership, and general supplies.

Amenities:

10 x 15 feet
8 foot walls, high ceilings
Locking door
Includes A/C, heat, internet, utilities
Hardwood floors

Email angee@spudnikpress.org with questions or to schedule a time to see the studio.

Interested in 24-hour access but don’t need a private studio? Learn about Keyholder Access.


Everyone’s safety is important to us. Participation in this program requires being onsite at Spudnik Press Cooperative and that per our Covid-19 Policy, all artists accepted into the program will be required to provide staff with proof of vaccination. Where possible, we will make reasonable accommodations for artists with a medical or religious exemption.