Under the umbrella of the Invitational, 1xn is a new fully subsidized program for visual artists living and working in Chicago. Developed by Kristin Korolowicz and Murat Ahmed in collaboration with Angee Lennard, 1xn—referring to one-year by the number of artists and collaborators involved—offers three, one-year key holder access opportunities to provide selected artists with the resources and tools to have an extended period of experimentation with printed matter.

Spudnik Press Cooperative is proud to introduce the first three Chicago artists supported by this new initiative:

Alexandria Eregbu
Victoria Martinez
Selina Trepp

1xn is made possible by a significant individual donation. If you are interested in underwriting a program or developing a collaborative sponsorship that supports artists utilizing print media as part of their creative practice, please contact angee@spudnikpress.org.

Learn more about our Invitational Programs

On Saturday, January 23, Join Chicago Composers Orchestra, Homeroom, and Spudnik Press for a sneak peek of the seventh iteration of Ten x Ten featuring the audio and visual work of:

Susan Giles collaborating with Amy Wurtz
Carlos Matallana collaborating with Ben LaMar Gay
Michelle Nordmeyer collaborating with Andrew McManus

Ten x Ten is a dual-media collaboration between visual artists and musicians that explores the collaborative process and the translation of artistic gestures across media. This sneak peek, in advance of the full orchestral performance (on hold due to Covid-19) will present sketches of the musical compositions and images of the screen prints as a multimedia virtual event. We’ll begin with performances and conclude with a discussion and audience Q&A with the artists and composers.

Ten x Ten was initiated in 2010 by Homeroom and Spudnik Press as a way to upend the common creative economy between Chicago musicians and printmakers (gig posters and album art) through exploring ideas of abstraction, the collaborative process, and the translation of artistic gestures and concepts across media.

Since 2010, Spudnik Press has published 62 screenprints through seven iterations of the project, each exploring various themes and collaborative approaches, often emphasizing structure and form across media through topics like synesthesia (2013) and graphic notation (2015) or various musical genres such as hip-hop and spoken word (2012), contemporary classical (2013), and improvisational jazz (2015). Through reinventing the project for each iteration, Ten x Ten has continually expanded the dialog and collaboration between participants while encouraging the awareness of and interaction between disparate Chicago artist communities.

Browse all Prints

Stream the Live Event (January 23, 7:00 p.m. CST)

Spudnik Press Cooperative is proud to introduce our next Studio Fellowship cohort:

Kianni Bey
Riley Brady
Rachel Jackson
Nicolette Lim
Esmeralda Reyes
Sara Sukhun

Eight months of complimentary studio access is a foundation benefit of the program. Additionally, through the course of their fellowship, these artists will receive professional, artistic, and technical support that specifically addresses the needs of printmakers. Through working in our shared studio and monitoring weekly Open Studio sessions, fellows engage with our community of printmakers and benefit from ongoing support and feedback from staff and peers.

Established in 2013, this program to date has supported 55 artists with unfettered studio access to support the creation of a new body of print-based artwork, as well as a variety of other resources and opportunities.

Studio Fellow Bios:

Kianni Bey

Kianni Bey’s work investigates the construction of identity in a methodological way, through exploration of personal and familial histories, collaborative world building, and emergent methods of survival from Black women and femme-identified people. Her practice aims to uplift, empower, and exist as a safe space for Black and femme bodied people, driven by a desire to expand the narrative surrounding marginalized lives. Kianni’s practice consists of lens based bodies of work that visualize liberated futures and aesthetics by creating thresholds or portals to other realities.

Riley Brady

Riley Brady is a Chicago-based graphic designer and interdisciplinary artist. Her work centers around loneliness, memory, and mental illness.

Rachel Jackson

Rachel Jackson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in the spring of 2019 with a degree in Communication Design. Her practice is largely guided by principles of collectivism and accessibility, and reflects a personal attempt to decentralize the elitism she feels is ever-present in Western design aesthetics. Rachel is most interested in the application of design when it comes to democratic, household objects, including t-shirts, zines, and mass-produced prints. She’s often drawn to appropriating imagery from found materials, dually as an investigation of what factors led to its disposal and as an effort to reinvigorate visual languages of the past.

Nicolette Lim

Nicolette Lim is an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in installation and a core in drawing. Originally from Malaysia, she moved to the states in 2014, and graduated in the Fall of 2018 from the University of Kentucky with a BFA in Studio Arts. Working across different mediums such as printmaking, animation and sculpture, her work depict queerness in the context of her home country Malaysia, where violence is an inherited norm from its colonizers. She investigates these affects on the queer experience today and the false norms that have been taken as inevitable. Nicolette currently resides in Chicago.

Esmeralda Reyes

Esmeralda Reyes is a Mexican-American artist born in Grand Haven, Michigan. She is a printmaker focused on intaglio and lithography. Esmeralda graduated from Kendall College of Art & Design in 2020 with a BFA in Printmaking and a minor in Illustration. Esmeralda’s printmaking style is informed by her illustrative background. Her work focuses on human relationships, traits, stereotypes, and combining humans with animals that share physical and metaphorical similarities. Her work that was featured at the Fresh Looks Exhibition at Eastern Michigan University made her a Windgate Fellowship nominee for her precise craft.

Sara Sukhun

Sara Sukhun is an artist and designer with a BFA in Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut and an MFA in Visual Communication Design from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has worked with the Palestinian Museum, Dar el-Nimer art gallery, and the Social Justice in the City program at the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy. She is the recipient of a New Artist Society Award from SAIC and the First Prize Areen Projects Award for Excellence in Graphic Design from AUB.

Image: Clockwise from top left: Details of artwork by Esmeralda Reyes, Kianni Bey, Nicolette Lim, Sara Sukhun, Riley Brady, Rachel Jackson

Spudnik Press Cooperative is excited to announce the three Resident Artists in 2021 who will bring new research, programming, and experience to our community: Alexandra Antoine, Mara Baker, and Aaron Hughes. The Residency gives mid-career and established artists full access to our studios for the completion of new print-based artwork, along with a stipend and support from our staff of professional printmakers. Each Resident also engages our community in unique public programming that is connected to their practice, and open to all. In 2021, we are investing in our immediate community of artists and welcoming all Chicago-based artists. In addition to these three newly-awarded Residents, we will be rescheduling residencies that were postponed due to Covid-19.

Alexandra Antoine plans to investigate diasporic foodways as collages of connection and remembrance. Focusing on okra, hibiscus, black eye peas, yuca and collard greens, Antoine’s project aims to create conversation around food traditions, cultural affirmations and self-healing.

Mara Baker‘s work is an extended meditation on the intersection of impermanence and regeneration. This residency will allow the artist to use the leftover residues from her installation practice as the base material for a new series of monotypes that echo the fragility of our material systems.

Aaron Hughes will be utilizing our screen printing and letterpress facilities to create prints for Autonomous Democracy, a project that explores, archives, and celebrates the history of temporary experiments in direct democracy within liberation movements.

Resident Artist Bios:

Aaron Hughes, March/April 2021

Mara Baker, May/June 2021

Mara Baker is an interdisciplinary artist who combines traditional fiber processes, found materials, animation, light, and video to create multi-dimensional installations, paintings and prints.  Her work is an extended meditation on the intersection of impermanence and regeneration. She reuses materials over and over, further connecting the work to the ethics of recycling and regeneration. Each project builds on the last, often deconstructing and reconstructing elements of previous installations and paintings responding to the architecture and context of each site or surface.

Alexandra Antoine, July 2021

Alexandra Antoine’s process begins with memory, photography and storytelling. She reflects on her time spent in Léogâne, Haiti, the birthplace of her parents, during her childhood and her time there as an adult. She focuses on the conversations she had with the elders in her immediate family where knowledge of lineage, wisdom and laughter were all shared with her. Traditional practices have lead her back to a familial practice she first learned through her maternal grandfather: Farming. Alexandra questions how the farm can serve as an art studio, and the greater relationship between food and art, and what that means for Black communities.

Learn more about the Spudnik Press Artist Residency

Image Credit (left to right): Details of “Cityscapes and Roasted Cauliflower” by Alexandra Antoine, “Chameleon Blind” by Mara Baker, poster by Aaron Hughes.

Printmaking is a historical art form that has long been a tool for self-expression and addressing social concerns. At Spudnik, we maintain the democratic roots of the artform with everyone from the print curious to nationally recognized printmakers can connect and thrive within our studios.

Our studio offers some of the most accessible printmaking resources in the city of Chicago and even across the country. From our ongoing Open Studio program to our 8-month Studio Fellowship, we provide an affordable, inclusive, and comprehensive support for artists at every step of their engagement with printmaking.

Despite the hurdles of 2020, we’ve continued to support our community:

• We doubled our open studio hours to allow safe access to our facilities.

• We resumed our Fellowship as a hybrid program, and expanded each cohort to now support six artists.

• After months of planning, our studio is undergoing major renovations to (among other things) better allow social distancing.

• Our organization embarked on a 3-month organizational culture project with Groundswell Alliance–a critical initial step in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

• Despite receiving tremendous support from our community (both individuals, foundations, and government grants), we are currently losing about $150 per day.

• We project a $55,000 deficit in 2021, primarily due to in-person group classes remaining suspended.

What will your donation support?

You get to decide! Our end-of-year store allows you to choose where we’ll invest your donation and offers clarity on where our 2021 budget needs a boost.

Please help us enter the new year poised to continue supporting artists in our community!

Donate Today

Tuesday, November 10, 2020
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom

Free for Current Spudnik Press members
$15 for the General Public
Register Online

As artists we spend so much time creating our work and honing our crafts. But what comes next? How do you get the word out to people who will support you, and get them excited about your practice?

Now more than ever, artists need skills, tools, and support for the ongoing Art Hustle that is our professional practice. Created for artists by artists, this online Zoom workshop will take you through the fundamentals of self-promotion and communications, whether you’re generally trying to build your career or make quick money on a super specific project. From newsletters and press releases, to social media takeovers and handling sales, we will cover many different ways to show people what you do and (most importantly) how and why they should support you! You will get personalized feedback from peers about your current online presence, and leave with a plan for very manageable projects tailored to your own needs.

About the Facilitators

Julia Arredondo is an artist entrepreneur who is heavily influenced by the family-based businesses she grew up around. Specializing in bootstrapping small businesses, Julia has started up two independent publishing entities (Vice Versa Press / Curandera Press), launched a live sales media channel (QTVC Live!) and recently concluded a cooperative social media outlet (COVIDtv). Julia believes that business and marketing involve incredibly creative problem solving. She is an advocate for entrepreneurship as class representation in the fine art world. 

For more than a decade, Anders Zanichkowsky has been raising money and rallying support for nonprofits and community groups. Anders has also done the same for their own artistic practice, using cheap or free tools adapted from their career in nonprofit development and communications. One of their favorite things to do for their community is teach these skills to other artists so we all feel confident, optimistic, and authentic when we put ourselves out there and invite people to support us.

Registration Details:

The event is free for members. Members can register by sending an email to anders@spudnikpress.org. Everyone else can register online. A zoom link will be sent to participants the day of the event.

Spudnik Press Cooperative is excited to announce two open positions:

Marketing Lead
Administrative Assistant

Both of these roles are part time positions (16-20 hours per week), with flexible hours and a blend of in-person and remote work.

Browse Our Auction and place your bids by October 18th at 8:30 p.m. CST.

Collectors can bid on artwork across many mediums including prints published by Spudnik Press and a selection of exclusive cyanotypes, as well as handmade goods, homewares, and experiences. For artist-donated items, up to 25% of each final bid will directly support the artist.

As a vital support structure for printmakers, Spudnik has always been one of the most flexible and accessible in the country, with many doorways into our studios and many new projects using us as their foundation. This auction aims to raise $22,000 to support our ongoing work.

New Editions By: Antonia Contro, Erin Hayden, Steve Reinke, and Selina Trepp

Artwork By: Julia Arredondo, Leslie Baum, Théo Bignon, Ben Blount, Liz Born, Elizabeth Burke-Dain, Holly Cahill, Zachary Cahill, Zoë Charlton, C.C. Ann Chen, Hyegyeong Choi, Ryan Travis Christian, Stephen Eichhorn, Stevie Cisneros Hanley, Sue Coe, Claire Dain, Celeste DeLuna, Matt Demers, Edie Fake, Bill Fick, Marc Benja, Tony Fitzpatrick, Sanya Glisic, Adriane Herman, Cody Hudson, Carol Jackson, Jaclyn Jackunski, Vesna Jovanovic, kg, Won Kim, Jaime Knight, Chad Kouri, Dave Krzeminski, Abe Lampert, Bobbi Meier, Benjamin Merritt, Dutes Miller, Jessie Mott, John Neff, Erin Jane Nelson, Betsy Odom, Jason Pickleman, B. Quinn, Brad Rholoff, Temporary Services, Miller & Shellabarger, Stan Shellabarger, Veronica Siehl, Hugh Spector, Orkideh Torabi, Lisa Vinebaun, and Toshi Yoshida

Plus:

• Gifts and experiences from a haircut to a fresh baked pie.
• Sponsor a month of PPE, a Portfolio Review Day, a Residency, and more

Image above: Adriane Herman, Wreckage Salad (Low High Chair); 2017

Effective immediately, we have updated our COVID-19 Studio Policies & Procedures to better ensure the health and safety of our community, including all visitors as well as our staff, teaching artists, and monitors.

The most substantial change is that we are now requiring all visitors to sign a waiver confirming that they agree to maintain all our protocol. This changes and all these guidelines are created with your safety in mind, and we ask for your support in maintaining them.

Overview of Changes:

• We are requiring that everyone using communal studio space agree to all our protocol by signing a COVID-19 waiver. Waivers are available in person at the entrance to the printshop.
• We are anticipating to resume small group classes. Enrollment will be capped at or below the studio capacity.
• We have clarified the maximum number of staff, teaching artists, and monitors allowed on site, in addition to the number of guests or visitors. A maximum of 7 people, regardless of their role, are allowed on site at a time.
• When possible, doors and windows will remain open.
• Eating will only be allowed within a designated eating area.
• We have clarified when people should stay at home to more closely follow CDC recommendations.
• We have made more prominent that we are temporarily waiving cancellation fees for people who are exhibiting any COVID-related symptoms as long as people and are in communication with staff prior to their reservation.
• We are now requesting that visitors self-report to staff if they are diagnosed with COVID-19 to allow us to help ensure the safety of others.
• We have clarified how we will respond, should a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the studio.

Review all Covid-19 Studio Policies & Procedures

Please direct all questions related to our Covid-19 related safety precautions, please email Angee Lennard, Executive Director at angee@spudnikpress.org.

To better understand who we serve, and to ultimately be able to provide better support to our community, we are asking people who have participated in Spudnik Press programs over the past year to tell us about yourself as an artist, maker, or patron.

This survey is an important component of our strategic goals towards Audience Development and Artist Support. By better knowing who we are serving, who’s taking classes, printing in the studio, attending events, and relying on our services, we can develop responsive programs that are accessible and approachable to all who wish to join our programs.

All questions on this survey are completely anonymous, and any question may be skipped. We will use this information to better understand the community we serve, so we appreciate you telling us as much as you can.

As a thank you, we are giving away a $50 Visa Gift Card! Once you submit your survey, you will have a chance to enter the drawing using a separate form.

Take our Audience Survey

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 provide long-range leadership, governance and oversight for the organization while spearheading individual donor fundraising efforts. Members of our board work collaboratively with each other, the Executive Director, and the staff of Spudnik Press to supports the mission of our organization, strategic plans, and what challenges arise during their tenure.

During this unprecedented time, the board has provided financial oversight, securing two loans to help the organization weather the pandemic, and helping with emergency fundraising plans. Priorities for the coming year focus on adapting our studio to accommodate capacity limitations and working closely with staff to ensure that the organization is accessible, diverse, inclusive, and equitable.

Board Members serve a two-year terms and are eligible for reappointment for additional terms. Full board meetings will be held every other month. Members are expected to serve on at least one committee, meeting approximately once per month.

Current areas of needs:

• Active members of Spudnik Press: Represent your fellow artists!
• Project management experience
• Finance and accounting experience
• Legal experience
• Human resources experience
• Gallery or art sales experience

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Interpret the organization’s work and values, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson
• Stay informed about current programming
• Attend and participate in Board and committee meetings with prompt attendance. Promote and attend a variety of public programs
• Extend personal invitations to potential supporters, continually expanding our network of donors and clients
• Represent Spudnik stakeholders through approving annual budget, business decisions and participating in an annual performance review of the Executive Director
• Serve on a minimum of one committee.
• Contribute a minimum of $375 to Spudnik per Board term (September – August). If this minimum is beyond a Board member’s capacity, they may agree to raise the equivalent amount from others, known as “Get,” in order to make the full annual contribution.
• If needed, attend Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities training upon joining the Board
• Average time commitment: 8-12 hours per month

Key Benefits Include:

• Opportunities for professional development as a board member.
• Honorary Spudnik Press Membership, inclusive of all benefits, to align with their board terms.
• Endless gratitude from Spudnik Press staff.

To Apply:

• Send resume or bio summarizing qualifications plus a letter of inquiry to Angee Lennard, Executive Director, angee@spudnikpress.org.

This is a great opportunity for an individual who is passionate about Spudnik’s mission and visual arts. Priority will be given to applicants who are accomplished in areas of need to the organization such as finance, meeting facilitation, project management, governance, public relations, data assessment, fine art printmaking, community education, and exhibitions. Additionally, Spudnik Press Cooperative is committed to having a diverse board of directors in regards to race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

To help guide and support Spudnik Press Cooperative’s “Facilities & Equipment” goal in our 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, staff are seeking community members to share their experiences (good and bad) working within our physical studios and to contribute to a vision of a future Spudnik Press.

Volunteer Members: Participating in this committee will count towards your volunteer commitment!

Ideal Participants:

• Have first-hand experience using Spudnik Press studios.
• Are familiarity with one or more of our studio programs.
• Have experience in a variety of printshop or educational settings.
• Represent a balance of current or recent members, open studio participants, key holders, teaching artists, fellows, resident artists, and private studio renters.

Key Tasks / Time Commitment:

• Thursday, July 9, 3-5pm: Participate in 2-hour community listening session (Via Zoom)
• Mid July: Vote on facilities & equipment priorities (Online survey)
• Wednesday, August 19, 6:00 p.m.: Attend our Annual Member meeting to share feedback on final facilities & equipment proposal (Via Zoom)

To Participate:

Email info@spudnikpress.org to sign up to participate. Participation is first come, first serve. However, staff will extend personal invitations as needed to ensure everyone who has a stake in our future studios has a voice at the table.