Chicago Printmakers Collaborative

Hello Andy

2011-12-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

Today we are welcoming new intern Andy to the CPC family! He has already introduced himself to Bev (aka 'Genevieve' if you ask Maggie).

The Small Print Show is still up through January 28th, including some new work by (the very popular) Scott Westgard. Stop in and have a look, even if you have already, there is probably something new you haven't seen...

Chicago Printmakers Annex? That's right! The CPC will open a pop-up gallery in the Loop at 208 S. Wabash (right off the Adams stop) coming in February! Also, Deb will be participating in "Pulled, Pressed and Printed", a show which features printmakers across Chicago coinciding with the city's 175th anniversary. More info on these shows coming soon!

More Small Prints and Other Awesomeness!

2011-12-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

Attention holiday shoppers: The CPC Small Prints Show is still up with lots of cool prints available, all of which would make amazing holiday gifts! We'll be open all weekend from 12-5p so be sure to stop in (we still have cookies, and new t-shirts designed and printed by Todd Irwin).

In other news: Our all-around-handy-man (also known as Deb's bandmate in Sons of The Never Wrong) Bruce Roper was determined to fix the plate cutter (which he did). Here he is putting the finishing touches on it. (Special thanks to Herb Neides from Clifton Steel for sending us a complementary hunk of steel in the mail, all the way from Cleveland!)

2011 CPC International Print Competition winner Sanya Glisic received her keys to the shop! She's about to embark on a 6-month residency working on both screenprint and relief projects.

Also, our friends at Old Town School of Folk Music sent over an antique metal engraving of their logo from many years ago... Maria was able to clean it up and run it through the press. Very retro!

Coming soon, the CPC will be opening a Pop-Up Gallery in the Loop.. stay tuned for more info on that! In the meantime we'll continue making prints...

Yue Chen working on her plate

Misha Goro works on his series of etchings based on Paris.

A reminder that CPC will be closed from December 19-25, after which the studio will be open during regular gallery hours, Fridays and Saturdays 12-5 and by appointment.
Happy Holidays to all from everyone here at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative!

New Intern!

2011-09-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Who's that mysterious redhead bringing vegan chocolate avocado cupcakes to the CPC? That's Maggie, our new intern. She's studied photography, likes dragons, and lives with her husband Javier and her French bulldog Laika. Make sure to give her a hearty CPC welcome when you see her around the shop.

This month at CPC

2011-09-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

Tell your personal assistants to clear your schedules because there's lots of awesome stuff going on at the CPC this month. First, Ink in the City, our show featuring artwork from the Chicago Printers Guild begins October 1st. Be sure to come out to the official opening on Saturday, October 15, from 5-8pm for demos, workshops, artists, live music, drinks, philosophical discourse, and, as always, cookies.

Also, be sure to check out our FREE STUFF pile in the basement. While cleaning out the shop we happened upon lots of stuff that we don't need and you might want, like Epson Inks, paper, old copper plates, a printer, etc. First come first serve.

And lastly, we have a new sign. Yaaaaay!

SHOW TONIGHT!

2011-06-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Friends, Chicagoans, CPC members-

Don't forget that tonight is the opening of our latest show! Come see the work of the ten finalists in our annual printmaking competition. The reception runs from 5-8. Come for art, cookies, free booze, witty conversation, and the announcement of our two grand-prize winners!

New Interns (sort of)

2011-06-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

CPC is proud to introduce the three new Summer interns!

Jimmy, Joyce, and John

What's up internet? This is Joyce and John, blogging straight from the CPC funhouse mainframe into your laptop, desktop, or handheld wireless device. A little bit about us:

Joyce is originally from the mean streets of Lincoln, Rhode Island, and has one more year of college in Western, NY making inky marks. You can catch her in Chicago this summer on her bike around the Lincoln Square area. Check out her new low key business, fork and spoon press, at forkandspoonpress.com, for custom printing.

John is interested in the absurd, appropriation, collage, screenprinting, outdated technology, bad movies, magic, neon, sports, chess, and unironic lowbrowism. Check out doublepants.com to see some of his recent work.

Jimmy is a mystery wrapped in an enigma (and he works Fridays). He and John are both going to be finishing up at the School of the Art Institute next year.

We look forward to seeing you around the shop!

Screenprinting Workshop with Dave Fortune

2011-04-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

Today the CPC hosted a special FREE screenprinting workshop led by visiting artist Dave Fortune from the University of the West of England in Bristol, UK. As a lively and entertaining teacher and artist, Dave has a wealth of information on non toxic methods of screenprinting, specifically techniques that reap an unparalleled level of fine detail and sophistication. He demonstrated a bunch of cool stuff: mark-making on his signature textured films, screenprinting on water-slide decal paper, monotype water coloring, and mixing acrylic inks that are adapted from a line of products also used by painters.

One of the more interesting things he brought to the demo was the materials used: a set of System 3 acrylic paints, which he then mixed with acrylic printing medium and glaze medium (also from System 3), which he then used to make screenprints. In this process, the drying time of the acrylic paint is slowed down, which also makes for an easy screen clean up. Also, the breadth of image detail was amazing!

Along with all of these new materials, Dave also brought an incredible portfolio made up of both his work and work of his students, which covered a wide variety of screenprinting techniques (some of which we were convinced were lithographs or drypoints!). It was awesome to see a new perspective on screenprinting inks and techniques - a big thanks to Mr. Fortune for showing CPC visitors and friends a whole new range of possibilities in screenprinting. Most everyone in attendance couldn't wait to stretch some 305 mesh screens and have at it! Also, the "swag" was pretty great - folks went home with freshly-printed tees and prints and the CPC was left with some inks to test out. Those signing up for the summer screen printing class might get to try out the new cool Daler Rowney System 3 inks! (hint, hint...)

For more information on Daler Rowney products, visit their website
at Daler-Rowney.com
Dave Fortune can be e-mailed at fortune.eden@virgin.net

posted by Wyatt

Scenes from the Studio

2011-04-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

It was a full house today- lots of printing, people, and talk of a new CPC printmaking competition, which you can check out HERE. We had mostly etchers in the shop today, who have all been making a lot of new progress. Below are some pictures from today- which happens to be Deborah's birthday!! Happy birthday Deb!

-Wyatt

Duffy with new student Amy Lowry!

New silkscreened CPC poster!

Post Blizzard Printing!

2011-02-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

While most of us got snowed in for the first few days of the month, we're finally all back in the studio! On Saturday, we saw some cool work being made by Margaret Buchen and others. CPC instructor Alan Lerner worked with private student Paul Newmann in producing his first screen print (see below).

Margaret was making a monotype by painting directly on the mesh of a screen (pictured above), which I had seen a few times before, but not with this much "painterly" detail. The result of this process is similar to a painted image, but slightly removed and flattened- which is what I liked the most about the final product.

Deborah has been working on an etching (pictured below with her fancy headgear from American Science and Surplus!).

In other news, we have a new show in the works called "Fresh off the Press", featuring new work by new CPC artists, opening March 5th. I finished screenprinting posters for the event last night, which you will see around town soon- in 2 colors!

Stay tuned for more info on our next show!
-Wyatt

New Intern: Wyatt Grant!

2011-01-14T13:26:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!
Today is my first day as an intern at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, so I'm writing my very first blog post! It's been a great day meeting people and learning the ropes of the shop.
I'm interning at CPC through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I'll receive my Undergraduate Fine Arts degree this Spring. While it will be a busy semester, I'm happy to be spending a lot of time helping out at such a great print shop.

Today, Maria and I cleaned and met some new customers, while exploring the ins and outs of where things are. Margaret Buchen, Michelle McCoy and Dennis O'Malley worked on some prints and Deborah and I are doing preparations for her new silkscreen project, which has all been very cool.

I'm mostly a painter and screen printer, but I enjoy all forms of image making. Here's a link to my website: www.wyattgrant.com where you can view a lot of my work. I also make music, which you can find here: myspace.com/poolholograph

While I'm not making art, I enjoy running, making banana bread, and Hulu.

More to come very soon!
Wyatt

Small Prints, BIG SHOW!!!

2010-12-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Small Prints, BIG SHOW!!!

Last weekend Dec 4 & 5th the CPC held its opening weekend for our 21st Annual Small Prints Show and let me tell you, 'twas a blast!
Even with the snowy weather folks came out to view some of the spectacular art we have hanging on our walls.

All of the work, hung salon-style...

...and we have been selling prints right off the wall...

...so the show keeps changing!

There was delicious food...

...coloring for the kids...

... jewelry by Marla Studio...

candles being blown out on cakes...

and some wild print browsing...

The show continues through the end of January, and we are having extended holiday hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 12-5 pm through December 19, so you still have time to come see us!

Director Deborah Maris Lader and resident artist Catherine Jacobi

Participating artists: Hiroshi Ariyama, Shawn Ballarin, George Bodmer, Liz Born, Corinna Button, Veronica Ceci, Alex Chitty, Jennifer Farrell, Christine Gendre-Bergere, Sanya Glisic, Karinna Gomez, Misha Goro, Dan Grzeca, Susan Hall, Stephen Hazard, Carrie Iverson, Kathleen Judge, Ryan Kapp, Kent Kapplinger, Scott Keifer, Amos Kennedy, Jill Kramer, Carol Lader, Deborah Maris Lader, Kim Laurel, Siu Jane Liu, Ray Maseman, Bert Menco, Robin McCloskey, Michelle McCoy, Ruth Moscovitch, Sarah Nishiura, Duffy O'Connor, Dennis O'Malley, Mary O'Shaughnessy, Artemio Rodriguez, Agustin R. Rojas, Maria Sanchez, Jeff Sippel, Megan Sterling, Elisabeth Sommerville, Michael Thompson, Bruce Thorn, Anatole Upart, Kim Vanderheiden, Charlie Van Gilder, Marla Wallerstein, Scott Westgard, Bradley Widness, Jennifer Yung and others.

Make sure to stop by before the end of the run on January 31st.

Voila! CPC's Paris Show!

2010-10-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Paris came to visit the CPC! We had a fantastical opening for our lovely French artists: Christine Gendre-Bergere, Alecos Fassianos, Philippe Favier, Vittorio Matino, Friedlaender, and Annick Claudé! Their beautiful prints adorned our walls, offering a great variety and a taste of Paris for all to see!

Here are Philippe Favier's "Vertical Embassies", very delicate, simple but refined. The CPC is the only gallery in this entire country with access to this enigmatic artist's work. He was the first contemporary artist in France to be included in the dictionary - imagine that! These photos don't do these prints justice - they are really stunning in person.

Christine Gendre-Bergere's signature prints and Alecos Fassianos' "The Violinist".

Some of Philippe Favier's small prints lined the back hallway of CPC. This is a close-up of "Great Trip to 'Cansanie'".

Another print from Christine's "Filiations" Series: "Simonne (with Henri et Louise) in Biskra"
Christine showing a gallery visitor her "Filiations" book.
During the day, the CPC threw open its doors to reveal etching demonstrations. Croissants and madeleines were consumed, and visitors got to watch Duffy show off his drypoint printing techniques!

Le jour est trés bien. Les gravures c'est manifique! Au revoir!

Save the date:
21st Annual International Small Print Show and Holiday Open House
Saturday and Sunday, December 4-5, 11am - 7pm both days!!!

CPC Prints Plaster Chicago and Beyond!

2010-08-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

The printmakers of CPC have been busy this summer, and their work can be viewed at a whole bunch of shows in and outside of the city. In Batavia, IL, Fermilab, known not only for their particle accelerator, but also for their beautiful spaces for showcasing art and music, is presenting the work of 8 CPC artists. Above and below are some photos Fletcher Hayes took at the opening in July, where you can see the unique setup of the Fermilab Gallery in Wilson Hall.

Jill Zylke with Director Deborah Maris Lader.

Our intrepid photographer Fletcher Hayes with CPC artist Kim Laurel in front of her work.
Hiroshi Ariyama with his daughter in front of his gorgeous screen prints of Chicago cityscapes.

Sons of the Never Wrong performed in Fermilab's Ramsey Auditorium directly after the opening. A few minutes after the guy introducing the band told the audience that cameras were prohibited, Fletcher took this photo.

Meanwhile.....a bit closer to home, in Ukrainian Village....The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art presented:

"Incised, Bitten and Gouged: Anchor Graphics and the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative 20 Years of Printmaking". Some people were concerned about the title, but we are happy to inform you that no one was injured in the making of this exhibition. Special thanks to Stano and Lialia from the Institute, who really mounted a fantastic show. Both David Jones from Anchor Graphics and Deborah Maris Lader from CPC were thrilled with the results. Below you can see the printmakers themselves enjoying themselves among the artwork and guests at the opening.

Printmakers were everywhere! Carol Lader and exhibiting artist Charlie Van Gilder...
Deborah Lader toasts the exhibition with her father...

I see Dennis, and Anatole, and Elise and April, and.....

Anatole with his family in front of his woodcut.
Deborah in front of her etching. Photo cred: Fetcher Hayes!

So, there is still time to see these shows folks - the Fermilab show is up through September 3rd, and the Ukrainian Institute show is up through September 12th. Cool! See ya'll real soon...

CPC at the Lincoln SquareFarmer's Market!

2010-08-13T12:45:00.000-07:00

So, yesterday (Thursday August 12), a bunch of us hauled over a cornucopia of shirts, prints and anything else we thought we could possibly sell to the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market. On a very hot and humid afternoon, Deborah, her son Evan and his friend Noah, and CPC interns Jenni and Maria set up a mini version of CPC under the Chamber of Commerce tent in Lincoln Square. After a few trips and a just as many cups of coffee we managed to get everything set up and decorated. Hand screen printed tee shirts festooned the tent, cards were placed on racks, prints were set out, and so forth. You can see our temporary boutique in the pictures below!

As the afternoon rolled by, we sold some shirts and cards to those who braved the heat. We treated ourselves to some of the surrounding produce and ice cream while camping out in our tent. Maria and Jenni brought some of their own stuff too to display, and among these things was Maria's hand-crotcheted bunny that welcomed guests to the tent.

We happily modeled the Lincoln Square Farmer's Market shirts and pins while Deb proudly wore her CPC apron. Mostly though, we wanted to show off our cool sunglasses. We got to see lots of familiar faces plus meet some new people that were interested in CPC. New shirt designs by Evan Silver were also on display along with some of the older prints from the $20 Poster Sale. Below you can see one of Evan's new designs and the Lincoln Farmer's Market shirt.

Special thanks to Noah and Evan for their vocal entertainment and advertising. With good company and some ice cream to go with it (with fresh raspberries on top!), we all survived through the hot weather.

2010-07-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

CPC Fieldtrip to Fermi

With their bikes strapped to their cars which were loaded to the gills with artwork, Deb and Megan headed off to Fermilab to deliver the upcoming show. This is in Batavia, Il, not to be confused with Bavaria, which is a state in Germany known for its cream pie. Great adventures were had in six flags scienceland....it's a wonder they made it back after being attacked by oversized mosquitoes (hmmmm) and hopped-up bison and momentarily abducted by space aliens, not to mention their near collision with an enormous tank of liquid nitrogen...Fortunately, no one was hurt due to the spandex.

As the girls were pedaling away, minding their own business, an alien spaceship suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and invisible creatures attempted to suck out whatever cells were left in their solvent-addled printmaker brains. At one point, the aliens made Megan wear one of their special helmets so that they could control her mind and take bits of it back to their planet so that they could replicate the way we so ingeniously grain down litho stones.

Come see the awesome show at Fermilab! Please don't let Megan feel like she gave away her brain for nothing! She will feel much better knowing that all of her hauling and sightseeing efforts led to a good turnout at the opening, and Deb will be happy if you come for the artist reception and stay for her band's performance in the big hall just downstairs. Here's the scoop:

"Collaborative"
Fermilab Art Gallery, Wilson Hall
July 24 - September 7, 2010

Opening Reception July 24, 5-7pm
Batavia, IL, about 45 miles West from Chicago
directions

Featuring the work of 8 CPC members:
Ariyama-Goro-Lader-Laurel-O'Connor-O'Malley-Sterling-Upart

Followed by a special performance by Sons Of The Never Wrong in Ramsey Auditorium at 8pm (also in Wilson Hall). Tickets for the performance are $15, the art opening is free!
Come for this amazing night of art and music!!
More info

Twenty Summers and Dream Threads

2010-07-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hi and welcome to the brand new blog website of Chicago Printmakers Collaborative! We are proud to present this site and our new facebook page to our fellow artists and friends. Here at the blog we will be regularly posting the most recent news of CPC, keeping you guys updated on shows and events and what we're doing at the shop!

So the first set of news is our new show that's up: Twenty Summers. We have pieces up in honor of the twenty years that CPC has been around. Come check out hand-selected works by Alan Lerner, John Himmelfarb, Yuji Hiratsuka, Miles Votek, and many more.

And.. the Twenty Summers show is currently featuring the Dream Threads Project! This project showcases all the postcards that have been collected from people all over. Interns Maria Sanchez and Jennifer Yung have set up the new window display with branches that provide a wonderful structure for the postcards. Also extending from the window display is a string of even more postcards, involving the dream thread idea quite literally!

Along the side, our director Deborah Maris Lader has set up larger prints of the Dream Threads with the reoccurring theme of the thread. Great designs by the Dream Threads artists are displayed in all these drawings and are definitely worth taking a look at.

In other news, Maria has revamped our letterpress and Jennifer has been working on new signage for the shop. Several of our artists are also going to have work featured in the coming shows "Collaborative" at the Fermilab Art Gallery and "Incised, Bitten and Gouged" at the Ukrainian Museum of Modern Art. Find out more information about these shows below!

"Incised, Bitten and Gouged: Anchor Graphics and the
Chicago Printmakers Collaborative 20 Years of Printmaking"
Ukrainian Museum of Modern Art
July 30-September 12, 2010

Opening Reception July 30, 6-9pm
2320 West Chicago Avenue
773-227-5522
more info

"Collaborative"
Fermilab Art Gallery, Wilson Hall
July 24 - September 7, 2010

Opening Reception July 24, 5-7pm
Batavia, IL, about 45 miles West from Chicago
directions

Featuring the work of 8 CPC members:
Ariyama-Goro-Lader-Laurel-O'Connor-O'Malley-Sterling-Upart

Followed by a special performance by Sons Of The Never Wrong in Ramsey Auditorium at 8pm (also in Wilson Hall). Tickets for the performance are $15, the art opening is free!
Come for this amazing night of art and music!!
More info

Stay tuned for our next update!! =)

(the interns that made the blog and facebook page possible)

New Blog Website

2010-07-02T09:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our new blog website! The interns (Maria Sanchez and Jennifer Yung) have been working on spreading CPC through the internet. Make sure to check out our new facebook page that is up! We'd greatly appreciate it if you would "like" us so we can expand our connections.

For now we will leave this post short, but we will be back to update with more information. Check our blog often because we will update on a regular basis! Thanks