Spudnik Press is excited to announce the launch of the MAKE/MADE at Spudnik Program, a dual initiative designed for both beginners and experienced printmakers.

The MAKE at Spudnik Workshop Series offers free or donation-based beginner-friendly printmaking classes as an effort to reach more print-curious audiences and provide an opportunity for interested participants to experience printmaking basics without the financial barrier to learning.

As an extension of the workshop series, we are also offering free/donation-based Authorization Sessions and Studio Access Trainings for experienced printmakers so they can get started with using our facilities for their projects. This encourages creativity and accessibility, bringing new artists into the fold while supporting established printmakers.

The MADE at Spudnik Event Series extends the experience by featuring pop-up group shows. Based on Spudnik’s long-running #madeatspudnik social media campaign, artists can showcase their work created at the studio, providing them a platform to share their creations and collaborate within the community.

The Workshop Series Schedule:

September 24 – Monotype Printing

October 20 – Drypoint Printing

November 10 – Lino Block Printing

December 10 – Basic Bookbinding

December 15 – Monotype Printing

The series of MADE at Spudnik pop-ups will be announced separately as each events are booked and prepared. This initiative strengthens the printmaking community while offering participants an opportunity to grow their skills and exhibit their work.

—–

Programs at Spudnik Press are partially supported by grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Driehaus Foundation, and the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation.

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

Logo designed by Riesling Dong

Spudnik Press was delighted to host Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago for a private screenprinting workshop!

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | Chicago develops grassroots leaders to lead campaigns to achieve racial equity through base-building programs that center the experiences of those directly affected by the issues in the Asian American community.

Their youth group, KINETIC, recently graced our studio and learned screenprinting on paper with Spudnik Press Teaching Artist Rob Kelsey.

KINETIC is Advancing Justice Chicago’s civic leadership program for high school English language learner youth in Chicago. They build a community for, and increase the visibility of Asian American and immigrant students in Chicago.

If your organization, business, company, group of friends, etc. would like to have a private workshop at Spudnik Press, send us an inquiry here for rates and details. We’d love to have you!

Spudnik Press is continuously seeking new Board Members! 

The Spudnik Press Board of Directors is a team of volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure our organization is resilient, mission-driven, and advocating day-in-day-out for artists and the arts.

Board Members work collaboratively with each other and the staff of Spudnik Press to support the mission of our organization and any challenges that arise during their tenure. They serve two-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for additional terms. Board meetings are typically held in the evening, every month, with additional meetings called as needed. Priorities for the coming year focus on our current leadership transition and working closely with staff to ensure that the organization is accessible, diverse, inclusive, and equitable. 

There are dedicated seats for Spudnik members with waived annual dues. To be eligible for these seats, Spudnik members must have at least two years of membership with the organization, and these years do not need to be consecutive. Membership must be active at the time of application.

At this moment, our member seats are occupied and we are accepting applications for general seats. Please send your resume and a letter of inquiry to boardofdirectors@spudnikpress.org.

Spudnik Press was delighted to host 33rd Ward Working Families for a Subsidized Workshop!

The workshop focused on screenprinting on paper with the goal of helping our recipient organization to improve the DIY runs of prints that they have been making to promote progressive political campaigns. They have been making their own prints with knowledge that is pieced together, and learning from our workshop will help them make better/stronger screenprints in a more efficient way.

Our friends from 33rd Ward Working Families so generously shared the memorable moments they captured during the workshop and we are thrilled to share them with you.

About the Program:

Subsidized Workshops at Spudnik Press aim to provide organizations with the opportunity to explore the art of printmaking in a supportive and creative environment. Each workshop will be taught by a resident Teaching Artist at Spudnik Press and participating organizations may choose from an array of printmaking topics or techniques.

About 33rd Ward Working Families:

33rd Ward Working Families is an independent political organization that builds political power through advocacy and education around daily issues that affect the material well-being of residents of Chicago’s 33rd Ward. The 33rd Ward covers the neighborhoods of Albany Park, Avondale, Irving Park, and Ravenswood Manor.

——————————————————————-

Educational 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.

Spudnik Press was delighted to host Chicago art collective SUBlvl for two engaging Artist Talks as part of their series of events in conjunction with their Community Zine Archive, RCHVL: World View. These events, featuring Iicky Belmontes and Nneoma Ohale, as well as Samm Lee and Cece Alonzo, were a testament to the power of art in fostering dialogue, inspiration, and connection.

June 11 Artist Talk with Iicky Belmontes and Nneoma Ohale

This series of events kicked off with an Artist Talk held on June 11th, welcoming the voices of Iicky Belmontes and Nneoma Ohale. Both artists delved into their unique artistic journeys, sharing insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their works.

June 25 Artist Talk with Samm Lee and Cece Alonzo

Spudnik Press was thrilled to host the concluding event for this series on June 25th, with another compelling Artist Talk featuring Samm Lee and Cece Alonzo. Proceeds from Alonzo’s zine sales during this event benefited the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund.

About the Organization:

SUBlvl is a collective that aims to amplify the voices of minority creatives and world thinkers through meaningful collaboration and creative direction. This is a safe space for all bodies where no story goes untold, no voices go unheard, and everyone gets their flowers.

Spudnik Press was honored to take part at Fulton Market Design Days from June 10 to June 12 courtesy of Oetee! 

For 3 vibrant days in the heart of Chicago, Spudnik Press brought the magic of screenprinting to life at Fulton Market Design Days with an interactive demo. Participants had the opportunity to try their hand at screenprinting, guided by Teaching Artists Anders Zanichkowsky and Rob Kelsey.

Attendees were thrilled to take home their very own screenprinted t-shirts and posters featuring an amazing graphic design created by Bagman Studios, a tangible reminder of their creative experience.

About the Event:

Each June, over 40,000 people from across the global design community gather in Chicago for the Fulton Market Design Days to celebrate the latest in design and architecture, sharing product news and participating in a variety of events across the Windy City. The Fulton Market District welcomes top design professionals and enthusiasts to enjoy product launches, exhibits, and events.

About Oetee:

Oetee is a full-service design and fabrication company dedicated to crafting branded environments. From conception to construction (and often beyond), they collaborate with clients to achieve spatial success.

We had an absolute blast on May 26 at Spudnik Press for the launch of SubLvl Zine Series 2. The event drew a vibrant crowd of zine enthusiasts, artists, and supporters, all eager to celebrate the latest edition of this exciting publication.

The turnout was amazing, with a diverse mix of people coming together to support the zine and its contributors. The enthusiastic crowd underscored the strong sense of community and shared passion for independent publishing and DIY culture.

For those who couldn’t make it to the event, we captured many great moments shared below, and we also invite you to attend tomorrow’s Artist Talk featuring SUBlvl artists iicky Belmontes and Nneoma Ohale — a panel discussion in conjunction with their work for RCHVL Series 2: “World View.” This event is free and open to the public.

About the Event:

RCHVL is a community zine archive produce by SUBlvl in partnership with Spudnik Press and a cohort of Chicago designers, artists, and writers. This event marks the launch of their second series, “World View.” Using zine as a medium, featured artists tell about their lived experiences, upbringing, and memories have impacted their understanding of the world around them.

The launch featured work by Wuraola Adeniji, Celine Alonzo, iicky Belmontes, Trevon Coffee, Chris Lee, Samm Lee, Nneoma Ohale, Daniel Ponce, Makafui Searcy, Malik Sims, and Messejah Washington.

Treats for purchase were provided by Chunky’s Treats and tunes were courtesy of Dondarii.

About the Organization:

SUBlvl is a collective that aims to amplify the voices of minority creatives and world thinkers through meaningful collaboration and creative direction. This is a safe space for all bodies where no story goes untold, no voices go unheard, and everyone gets their flowers.

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

Status:

Available June 1, 2024

Rent:

Amenities:

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.

What a day it was! Spudnik Press recently hosted Chicago Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Malaya Chicago, and Anakbayan Chicago for their Filipinos 4 Palestine Printmaking Day, and it was a fantastic success. The event brought together a lively crowd of community members and art lovers, all eager to support a meaningful cause through creativity and collaboration.

The studio buzzed with excitement as attendees dove into various printmaking activities. Guided by talented local artists, participants learned different printmaking techniques and got hands-on with creating their own pieces. It was amazing to see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to make art and show their support for Palestine.

Some of the highlights of the day was a screenprinting demonstration led by William Estrada, a DIY block printing activity area, a teach-in session that covers the Palestinian and Filipino liberation struggles, and a live book reading for all the children who attended the event. 

The studio was full to the brim with art that served as a beautiful reminder of the strength and resilience that unite us.

About the Organizations:

Filipinos for Palestine (F4P) is a network of U.S.-based Filipinos in solidarity for a free Palestine.

Anakbayan Chicago is a Filipino youth and student organization fighting for genuine liberation and democracy in the Philippines.

Chicago Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines promotes, defends and advocates for human rights and liberation in the Philippines.

Malaya Chicago is a broad movement of individuals, organizations, and various formations united under our objectives to defend human rights, democracy, and sovereignty in the Philippines.

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

Status:

Available June 1, 2024

Rent:

Amenities:

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 had the incredible honor of hosting a subsidized workshop with Girls Rock! Chicago and it was a day to remember! The event was filled with creativity, energy, and the amazing synergy of art and music.

The workshop focused on creating collagraph prints using a wide array of materials with various textures. Spudnik Press teaching artist Anna Wagner guided the participants through the process, sharing tips and techniques to help everyone create their own unique prints. The attendees experimented with different designs and colors, creating bold and inspiring prints that reflected their individual styles and the empowering spirit of Girls Rock! Chicago.

The turnout for this event was fantastic. We had participants eagerly engaging in the hands-on activities and making the most of this creative opportunity. The positive energy was infectious, and it was wonderful to see so many young artists exploring the world of printmaking with such enthusiasm.

We captured many memorable moments during the workshop and we are delighted to share them with you.

About the Program:

Subsidized Workshops at Spudnik Press aim to provide organizations with the opportunity to explore the art of printmaking in a supportive and creative environment. Each workshop will be taught by a resident Teaching Artist at Spudnik Press and participating organizations may choose from an array of printmaking topics or techniques.

About Girls Rock! Chicago:

Girls Rock! Chicago is an organization dedicated to building socially just communities with girls, transgender youth, and gender expansive youth by developing leadership, fostering self-esteem, and encouraging creative expression through music.

——————————————————————-

Educational 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.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Interim Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The successful candidate will undertake an onboarding period of 3 months, where they will work with existing staff members to learn and help run Spudnik operations while developing creative fundraising strategies. The Interim Executive Director will report directly to the Spudnik Board of Directors.

Overall, the Interim Executive Director will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing staff and operations, and cultivating relationships with donors and members to advance the mission of Spudnik Press. This role requires a visionary leader with a strong track record of fundraising, organizational management, and community engagement.

Position Type: Full-time, 1-year contract with possibility of extension
Position Location: In office
Office Address: 1821 W Hubbard St, Suite 302
Hours: 40 hours per week
Schedule: primarily weekdays, some evenings and weekends required; flexible
Pay: $65,000
Reports to: Board of Directors

Read the full Job Description

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least five years of experience working within nonprofit organizations; at least three years in a leadership role.
  • Experience complying with governmental requirements for nonprofit organizations. Experience building relationships with donors, sponsors, board members, and other organizations
• At least five years of experience managing and leading others, particularly in the context of small and collaborative teams.
  • Commitment to leading with integrity, compassion, patience, and enthusiasm
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and delegate to others; ensuring assigned workloads are sustainable and equitable
  • Successful track record of motivating others, ensuring deadlines are met, and mediating diplomatically
  • Experience supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and integrating these philosophies throughout an organization
• At least two years of experience with nonprofit fundraising; proven track record of successful fundraising and development efforts, including grant management, donor cultivation, and event planning.
  • Proven track record of planning, organizing, funding, and executing in-person fundraising events
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to make sound, time-sensitive decisions under pressure
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue diversification.
  • Experience building a sustainable business model; experience leveraging and growing earned income while minimizing unnecessary or excessive expenditures
  • Experience using Quickbooks and Excel highly preferred.

Application Process:

• To apply for the position of Interim Executive Director, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
• Applications should be emailed to boardofdirectors@spudnikpress.org with the subject line “Interim Executive Director Application.”
• We will review applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates will undergo a phone screening, video interviews, and an in-person interview.

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.