@ The Spudnik Picnik
Saturday, July 9, 12-5pm

As we gear up for The Spudnik Picnik, we are excited to introduce our musical guests, DJ Pickled Beets and Ian Dinsmor. This dynamic duo is excited to contribute to the festivities an eclectic collection of funk, soul, boogie, early house and more. Here are a few quick facts to help wet your appetite before we all gather on July 9….

Excerpts from an interview with DJ Pickled Beets:

I am all over the place, anything you can shake your butt to. I have a pretty wide aesthetic. The common thread, for me, is always a good beat. So anything from Talking Heads to BT Express,The Slits, Marcos Valle, Grace Jones, Liquid Liquid, ESG. I love it all really. Ian and I play music you can dance, party, feel good to. I feel the more I am exposed to, the more music I love. I am very lucky to have worked at Dusty Groove. It introduced me to so much music, whole new genres and sub genres. I feel immense gratitude for my experience there. How many jobs have you worked where you get to jam out to great music all day?

Want to hear DJ Pickled Beets and Ian Dinsmor? Come by Spudnik Press on Saturday, July 9!

Details & RSVP to THE SPUDNIK PICNIK

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@ The Spudnik Picnik
Saturday, July 9, 12-5pm

Hot Dog Fiend will be serving up their elevated picnic favorites including The Fiend with grilled onions and peppers, and, of course, The Chicago Fiend, an expertly crafted jumbo dog topped in classic Chicago style. Don’t fret vegetarians, Hot Dog Fiend has you covered with veggie dogs too!

Metropolitan Brewing will bring the suds to quench your mid-day thirst. The much-loved Chicago micro-brew will be serving their German-inspired beers and are the perfect pairing for the picnic fare! Suggested donations benefit Spudnik Press.

Dark Matter Coffee will supply your caffeine buzz for the day! If a beer isn’t your thing, we have another brew for you! With their roaster just a hop and skip from Spudnik Press, we always find ourselves sipping on Dark Matter’s rich, savory coffee.

On the sweet side…

Root beer Floats: Sip on a little nostalgia with a float! A cool and sweet treat that reminds us of the grass between our toes and bathing suit tan lines—Root beer floats make it summer.

Sample the hidden talents of Spudnik Press members at the Bake Sale! You know their talent in the print shop, but wait ‘til you taste their savory scones.

Details & RSVP to THE SPUDNIK PICNIK

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@ The Spudnik Picnik
Saturday, July 9, 12-5pm

Follow the leader as we guide you through a hands-on tour of the Spudnik Printshop and all our inky presses!

Hosted by Spudnik printmakers, participants will learn about the inner workings of our community printshop and walk away with a collection of their very own hand-printed “Summer Fun” swag. Tour activities include perfecting the “letterpress two-step” on the Vandercook, rolling on through with a linocut relief print, creating an all-telling “cootie catcher” on the Risograph, and stuffing the goods into a screenprinted tote bag. Both Spudnik newbies and Spudnik alums will not want to miss it!

Details & RSVP to THE SPUDNIK PICNIK

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@ The Spudnik Picnik
Saturday, July 9, 12-5pm

This July, Eye Spy Optical is headed to The Spudnik Picnik with “Iris the Airstream”, a vintage motorhome packed with unique eye wear you can’t find anywhere else in the city. So after you grab a hotdog, a rootbeer float and try your hand at running a letterpress, you can try on some new shades. Plus, if you find a pair you love, you can feel great taking them home with you:

A portion of every purchase will support Spudnik Press Cooperative!

This is just one more reason why this is not going to be your typical picnic….

Details & RSVP to THE SPUDNIK PICNIK

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@ The Spudnik Picnik
Saturday, July 9, 12-5pm

What if you could make art simply by basking in the summer sunshine? We will be doing just that, creating impromptu portraits on large-scale cyanotype banners! Cyanotype is a light-sensitive process that yields areas of white amidst a deep blue background. Throughout the afternoon, Picnik-goers are encouraged to come and lay on Spudnik’s special light-sensitive “Picnik Blankets.” Participants will use their bodies and provided props to contact print unique vignettes. All ages are welcomed and encouraged to participate!

Details & RSVP to THE SPUDNIK PICNIK

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Available at:
The Suffragette Social:
A Benefit for Spudnik Press Cooperative

Chicago, IL On Saturday, October 1, 2016, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Spudnik Press Cooperative will unveil over 30 original prints, including 5 new editions as part of Spudnik Press’ annual fundraiser, The Suffragette Social: A Benefit for Spudnik Press Cooperative.

New Editions: Women Artists in Chicago

Why celebrate women at Spudnik Press? Spudnik Press is a women-run organization, and unlike the vast majority of printshops, over 70% of artists supported by Spudnik Press identify as women. With this in mind, Spudnik Press instigated an invitational publishing project culminating in 5 new editions to be auctioned, by established Chicago women artists including:

Michelle Grabner (Monique Meloche)
Edra Soto
Alice Tippit (Night Club)
Betsy Odom
Cheryl Pope (Monique Meloche)

30 Commissioned Artworks

At the heart of the benefit lies a carefully curated silent auction that will feature the works of over 30 accomplished artists created at Spudnik Press Cooperative through an innovative new art auction model that puts to work Spudnik’s incredible studio. The majority of featured artists have been invited into the Spudnik Press studio to generate new print-based artwork specifically for the auction. With the support of Spudnik Press staff and teaching artists, each artist has been able to gain access to rare equipment, bring new skills and processes to their body of work and collaborate with fellow artists along the way. Commissioned works by: Mark Booth, Jen Delos Reyes, David Downs, Rami George, Karolina Gnatowski, Magalie Guerin, Dutes Miller, Jeroen Nelemans, Paul Nudd, B Ingrid Olson, Sabina Ott, Claire Pentecost, and Pedro Velez.

Event Overview

Inspired by the democratic and, at times, subversive nature or printmaking, The Suffragette Social celebrates printmaking’s roots as an agent for social and political change. Embracing an activist spirit— and seizing the energy of the electoral atmosphere, Spudnik Press transforms its walls to create a fete that explores the area where art meets advocacy and where participation generates change. A glittering and lively event, The Suffragette Social promises the energy of a rally, the spread of a fine cocktail affair, and art to rival your favorite gallery.

In its total, this year’s silent auction will not only represent a vibrant and unprecedented collection of visual art but will also provide critical support to Spudnik’s mission and embody our philosophy that art is for everyone.

In addition to artwork, The Suffragette Social will feature music, fashion, wine, cocktails, and opportunities to make a print with one of Spudniks many printing presses. VIP ticket holders are invited to an Artist Reception to preview the auction and commemorate the artists. VIPs enjoy complimentary beverages and an exclusive VIP lounge.

Early registration tickets receive discounted pricing.
Additional details will be available July 18.
Full press release available: Suffragette Social Press Release

With thanks to The Suffragette Social Event Sponsors:

The Spudnik Cooperative Fellowship Program is proud to congratulate and introduce our next cohort of Fellows. Now in its sixth cycle, the fellowship provides emerging artists community, support, guidance and access to our facilities. Furthermore, as monitors for our Open Studio Program, fellows have the opportunity to meet and work closely with the majority of artists that print at Spudnik Press.

Our Summer/Fall 2016 cohort will be working throughout the studio and leading Open Studio sessions through November.

Summer/Fall 2016 Fellows:

Robert Kelsey is a new graduate of DePaul University, where he studied animation and game design. He has written and illustrated many comics and zines, and has been a guest at several zine festivals around the midwest. His work combines the macabre or uncanny with the approachability that often comes with the cartoon medium.

Rebecca Lothan (b. 1992, Chicago) is a visual artist based in Chicago. She received her BFA from Washington University in St Louis in 2015, and is the recipient of the 2015 Peter Marcus Prize in Printmaking and the 2013 Marsha Blasingame Award in Printmaking. Driven by a collage sensibility, Rebecca uses everyday and found materials to examine the spaces between and around traditional media.

Randi Stella: As a photographer and printmaker, Randi is dedicated to exploring the perception of light in transitional spaces. Randi is known for creating complex line imagery to understand the places she is frequently lost in while in transit. Randi received her MFA in Photography from University of Illinois in 2015 and a BFA in Photography and Printmaking from Northern Illinois University in 2011.

Matthew Owen Wead is an interdisciplinary artist and a native of Chicago, IL.  He received a BFA from Morehouse College (2006) and an MFA from University of Maryland (2009) with a focus on printmaking and mixed media. His prints can be found in collections and museums throughout the United States. He often incorporates multiple media in his work that focuses on identity and the hierarchy of power.

On Saturday, July 9, The Hubbard Street Lofts outdoor parking lot will transform into our printmaking and picnic paradise. This fun summer event is both a celebration of you, our amazing members, and a platform to show off the best of our studio!
We need your help to make this happen! We have a smorgasbord of member opportunities and fun ways that you can contribute to (and benefit from) our party:

1. Volunteer!

We know it might sound odd to call volunteering a perk, but with printmaking tours, community cyanotypes, a bake sale, root beer floats, and more, every volunteer opportunity is light hearted, features fresh air and sunshine and includes time for you to enjoy the party and nosh of food.

How to Participate:
1. Sign-Up Online to let us know how you want to help!
2. Look out for an email confirming your shift and what exactly you’ll be helping with.
3. Feel amazing by helping Spudnik Press present the coolest summer picnic of 2016!

2. Bake Cookies!

Support Spudnik Press by sharing homemade treats with our guests! We invite you to whip up your favorite baked goods to help raise much-needed funds to maintain, improve and expand the risography equipment at Spudnik Press.

Risography is currently limited to just four colors, but have our eyes the full spectrum of hues, including the coveted white, gold, and fluorescent pink! Proceeds from every cookie, cupcake and pie sold will help our studio provide top-notch self-publishing resources to hundreds of artists each year. What could be sweeter?

How to Participate:
1. Sign-Up Online to bake your favorite sweet treat!
2. Bring your Baked Goods on Saturday, July 9 between 11am and noon.
3. Hang out and enjoy The Spudnik Picnik!

3. Join the Pop-Up Art Market!

What better way to show off Spudnik Press than to feature our members’ handmade prints? A The Pop-Up Member Art Market will showcase and promote multiples make right here at Spudnik Press.

How to Participate:
1. Sign-Up Online to participate in the Art Market!
2. Drop off your prints between June 15 and July 8.
3. Come back on July 9 to enjoy The Spudnik Picnik! We’ll have a few volunteers on hand (see above) to handle sales!

Questions? Please contact angee@spudnikpress.org with questions about member perks at The Spudnik Picnik.

This summer, Spudnik Press Cooperative is presenting a five-part series to support the professional development needs of our members and artists throughout Chicago. With an understanding that artists are often involuntarily required to hone seemingly disparate skills while navigating a complex network of approaches to advancing their careers, this series addresses a variety of topics around the theme “What You Didn’t Learn in Art School…”.

Seven outstanding guest presenters will cover a medley of topics including how to professionally photograph art and how build towards a viable art-based business. The series begins with a FREE panel discussion with local arts experts Britt Skaathun (Open House Contemporary), MK Meader (writer, curator) and Michael X. Ryan (artist, SAIC) in conversation regarding what it means to be a part of the emerging artist scene in Chicago.

Following the free kick-off, Spudnik Press presents evening workshops the first four Tuesdays in August with special guests Margaret Paulson (copywriter, educator, storyteller), Helen Maurene Cooper (artist, photographer), Kenny Smilovitch (Duman Entrepreneurship Center) and Shannon Downey (Pivotal Chicago). Together, this network of workshops will help fill in the gaps that weren’t quite addressed back in art school…

What You Didn’t Learn in Art School…

Part I: Finding your Audience; Gaining Recognition  
Tuesday, July 12, 6-8pm, FREE

Part II: How to Talk About Your Art
Tuesday, August 2, 6-8pm $20 ($12 members)

Part II: Documenting Your Artwork for Under $100
Tuesday, August 9, 6-9pm $20 ($12 members)

Part IV: The Start Up: A Beginning Guide to Being Self-Employed
Tuesday, August 16, 6-8pm $20 ($12 members)

Part V: Contracts for Creatives: How to Protect Yourself and Your Artwork
Tuesday, August 23, 6-9pm $20 ($12 members)

Spudnik Press’ Residency Program creates pathways for emerging artists to propel their artistic practice through access to facilities, staff, materials, and exhibition opportunities. The program provides the resources, equipment, space and support to allow three artists each fall to develop a body of print-based work. Now in its eight year, the Spudnik Press Residency Program has established itself as a unique opportunity for local printmakers and artists.

Benefits Include:

– Generous access to materials
– A 2017 solo exhibition with artist talk
– Studio visit opportunity with established artists, curators or gallerists
– Group critique opportunity with Spudnik Press members
– $200 Honorarium

Spudnik Press Cooperative has an open call once per year for a fall residency season (September 6 – December 20, 2016). Proposal are reviewed by a panel of Guest Jurors. This year’s reviewers include Shaurya Kumar, Ruth Lopez, and Polly Yates.

To Apply:

Please download and review our 2016 Residency Information Packet.
Return all requested materials to angee@spudnikpress.org no later than June 26, 2016.

Important Dates:

Deadline to Apply: June 26, 2016
Applicants will be notified: On or before August 1, 2016.
Residency Begins: Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Residency Welcome Reception:  Wednesday, September 7, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Residency Ends: Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Guest Juror Bios

Shaurya Kumar is a native of Delhi, India where he studied printmaking and painting at the College of Art; Shaurya Kumar graduated with his MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2007. Since 2001, Kumar has been involved in numerous prestigious research projects, like “The Paintings of India” (a series of 26 documentary films on the painting tradition of India); “Handmade in India” (an encyclopedia on the handicraft traditions of India); and digital restorations of 6th century Buddhist mural paintings from the caves of Ajanta. Kumar currently lives and works in Chicago, IL where he also teaches in the Department of Printmedia at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Ruth Lopez is a writer based in Chicago. Her work has appeared in the Chicago Reader, The University of Chicago Magazine, Raw Vision, Saranac Review, Interior Design, American Theatre, The Art Newspaper, Art News, Art in America, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine and The New York Times. The former art & design section editor for Time Out Chicago, Lopez also worked as an arts writer and the Books Editor for the Santa Fe New Mexican. Her book,Chocolate: The Nature of Indulgence, is a cultural history published by Abrams/The Field Museum of Natural History. In 2008, she started the blog, Dear Miss Valland, — a personal exploration about art, books and food and the convergence of memory and culture. Her current project, a series of short essays on the public art collection of the Chicago Transit Authority, is in production.

Polly Yates was a Spudnik Press Resident Artist in 2012. In addition to exhibiting her work broadly, she is the founder of For the Thundercloud Generation, a transient, artist-run window gallery in Edgewater, Chicago. She received her Fine Art MA at Central Saint Martins and currently serves on the Board of Directors at Roman Susan Gallery.

Pictured Above: Artist Talk with 2015 Resident Artist, Julia Arredondo.

This summer, Spudnik Press Cooperative is expanding out Board of Directors! We are reaching out to our friends and family to help us connect with amazing people that are passionate about our mission and have the capacity to contribute to Spudnik Press.

Just what exactly does our Board of Directors do?

In short, our Board is the driving force behind the long-term vision and strategy of Spudnik Press. Our Board is currently a team of seven people whose professions and experiences include fundraising, marketing, accounting, business, program development, curating, and of course printmaking.

They work together to assess our work, support our staff and to develop future plans for the studio. All of this support is in addition to their endless work helping Spudnik Press raise funds. They are the driving force behind our fall Annual Benefit and they are always finding ways to bring more supporters to Spudnik Press Cooperative.

Who do we need to join our Board?

First of all, perfect candidate will fully endorse Spudnik Press Cooperative and our approach to providing accessible and affordable opportunities to anyone who wishes to be creative through printmaking.

Additionally, we are looking to round out our board by bringing on new Directors with a few skill sets. Specifically, we are seeking people with law, board governance, board development, public relations and data assessment expertise. Plus, we hope to bring on a current Spudnik Press member, an artist that knows our organization well and can represent, through first hand experience, the needs of our community and the artists we work so closely with.

What is the next step?

We have a special opportunity for Board of Director candidates on Tuesday, May 10.

So if you are interested in joining the board, please email Founder and Director, Angee Lennard. Please share a little bit about yourself and why you might like to join the board. We’ll follow up with details about the opportunity, including time commitments, specific responsibilities, financial commitments and benefits (like a free Annual Membership!) and go from there!

We’ll be officially swearing in new officers at our Annual Member Meeting in August.

Internships at Spudnik Press focus on bringing students into every aspect of facilitating a community studio. Interns assist with daily maintenance of the shop, included cleaning, stocking, and ordering supplies, marketing, exhibitions, record keeping, fundraising, workshops, and classes, and more. Students typically work at the shop two days a week (Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays) 10-5pm.

Spudnik Press staff begin reviewing applications on April 17, 2016.

See all the Details or Download the Job Description.