Spudnik Press Cooperative is now accepting applications for our Studio Manager position. This is a permanent part-time position with the intention to become full time in 2016.

The Studio Manager works closely with the Executive Director to support all programming connected to the use of our physical studios, focusing on maintaining a conducive artistic environment for all that utilize our Spudnik Press Cooperative. Studio Manager will be the main point of contact for all constituents of Spudnik Press and must be well-versed in multiple printmaking processes.

To apply:
Before applying, please first downloaded and review the Complete Studio Manager Job Description. To apply, please send e-mail with resume and cover letter to angee@spudnikpress.org. Please direct any questions to this e-mail address as well.

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCT. 28!

Calling all members! It’s time once again for the annual winter art sale at Spudnik Press. This year the festivities will consist of two parts: an ongoing exhibition and a one-night pop-up sale that exclusively features artwork by our members. Members are free to participate in the exhibition, the pop-up sale or both.

Spudnik Press will retain a commission of 25% on all works sold in the exhibition and the pop-up sale. When pricing your work, consider that in the past, artworks priced under $50 have sold the best at this event. However, you may price your work as you see fit.

Sign Up to Participate

The Exhibition

December 1 – 31, 2015
Artwork Drop off: By November 25, 2015
Maximum Print Dimensions: 45″x34″
No entry fee to participate

The exhibition is for printed artworks, is not juried and is open to all members.  Work will be displayed salon style in the Annex throughout the month of December. Members can submit a maximum of 5 prints for the exhibition, and are encouraged to bring up to 3 copies of each work.

Spudnik will handle the sale of all artwork throughout the month. For works that are smaller than 30” x 40” Spudnik Press will provide a clear plastic bag for packaging. Participants are encouraged to prepare and provide backing materials for their work.

The Pop-Up Sale

December 4, 7-10pm
Table Set-Up: Day of
$20 Refundable Deposit required to participate

Join us for a night of art, treats, and reveries! This one-night Pop-Up Sale will be held on Dec 4th with a members-only preview and celebration before the event from 6-7pm.

Artists who participate in the pop-up sale will be assigned one of 16 tables spaces in the printshop and Annex on which to display and sell their work. These spaces will range in size from 2’ x 3’ to 3’ x 5’.  Some participants will share sections of large tables. Spaces will be assigned according to information that participants provide about the size of and amount of work they plan to sell.

Participants in the pop-up sale are free to sell any type of handmade artworks or items including but not limited to apparel, zines, books, stationery, jewelry etc. Participants need to provide their own packaging for their items. Spudnik will handle payment and even offer special gift-wrapping for buyers!

The entry fee for the pop-up sale is a $20 deposit, which will be applied to the 25% commission. Artists will be paid out at the end of the night.

 This entry fee can be paid online here.

Please fill out the form below to participate in the pop-up sale, exhibition or both.

Sign Up to Participate

One of Spudnik Press’ six private studios will be available beginning this November.

Where do I begin?! When I joined Spudnik as Staff two years ago it was with much excitement. I could see that this space was full of energy, ideas and tons of community. Just how much I couldn’t possibly realize until I was thrown in full throttle….and what a ride it’s been!

The amount of growth I’ve witnessed and contributed to has been astounding—from the creation of our Fellowship program, adjustments to our Printing Apprenticeship, to the small behind-the-scenes shifts in how we approach many administrative tasks—it blows me away.

As I leave Spudnik as Staff, it is bittersweet, but also with much excitement. I take great pride in the ways I’ve helped shape Spudnik over the past two years, and I know that this truly amazing place only has more positive change in store. I can’t wait to see it, and be a part of this growth in other capacities.

I’ve learned so much from this position and from all of you who make Spudnik what it is. I’m looking forward to seeing friendly and familiar faces at the shop as I continue to teach and print at Spudnik. So…I’d rather not say goodbye, but rather “Cheers!” Here’s to a new chapter.

Veronica Siehl

Spudnik Press Cooperative is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program, our flagship opportunity for artists in a transitional point in their career to gain access unrestricted access to our studios.

This six-month program provides support for young artists through full studio access and professional development opportunities. Fellows will acquire Studio Assistance experience through monitoring one open studio session per week. Each fellow will also work closely with staff to develop and lead a Community Workshop at Spudnik Press.

In addition to monitoring one Open Studio session per week, Fellows will also take on leadership roles at special events, member meetings, and outreach efforts. Fellows will meet regularly to share artwork and support each others projects. The program creates accountability for the cohort of four fellows as they set personal goals, create healthy studio habits, and develop their portfolio.

Ready to apply? 

For details please download our Studio Fellowship Call Winter/Spring 2016.

To apply, download and return our Studio Fellow Proposal Form Winter/Spring 2016 and return to angee@spudnikpress.org.

Important Dates:

Deadline to Apply: October 18,2015
Fellowship Orientation: Tuesday, November 17, 5:45-8:00pm
Monitor Training: November 19-30, 2015
Fellowship Begins: December 1, 2015
Fellowship Ends: May 31, 2016

Pictured Above: Past Studio Fellow Ashley Shaul leading “Utilitarian Printmaking: Leather Keychains” community workshop.

On Saturday, September 26, Spudnik is hosting our Annual Benefit. We are seeking several volunteers to help us with this important fundraiser! Each volunteer will receive one complimentary general admission to Saturday’s event, plus a free drink ticket.

Multiple volunteer shifts are needed on these days:

• Benefit prep: 6-10pm, Tues. 9/22, Wed. 9/23 (and Thurs. 9/24 if needed)
• Day-of help: 2-11pm, Sat. 9/26

View all of the openings. Add your name and email address to the shifts you would like.

If you have any questions, contact the Volunteer Coordinator Megan Klawitter at megan@spudnikpress.org.
Learn more about the benefit & purchase tickets

On Saturday, September 26, the Spudnik Press 2015 Annual Benefit will raise an anticipated $10,000+ to support the mission of our humble organization. Now in our eighth year, we are excited to introduce a new component to the festivities, an exclusive dinner with select artists and curators at DMK Restaurant’s Ada Street on the Thursday preceding the auction, September 24.

The Artist & Curator Dinner is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to sit down with some of the Annual Benefit’s contributing artists and the Founder and Director of Spudnik Press, Angee Lennard, for an evening of conversation, great company, and great food. Tickets to this intimate dinner are very limited.

An Exclusive Dinner at Ada Street:

Ada Street, listed as one of Zagat’s 10 Most Famous Tables, will present a special wine and dinner menu specifically for Spudnik Press Cooperative. Ada St. showcases a passion for fresh, beautiful ingredients along with an exceptional list of spirits, wine, and handcrafted cocktails on an ever-changing, seasonal menu. The proud recipient of a Bib Gourmand designation by Michelin Travel & Lifestyle, Ada St. was profiled in Time Out Chicago’s 100 Best Things We Ate And Drank in 2012, named one of the 10 Best New Restaurants (2012) by Chicago Magazine, and received Best Chocolate Dessert in Chicago (2012) by Chicago Magazine. Designed by 2to5design, Ada St. is one of the most unique dining and entertaining venues in Chicago.

Who will be at the table?

Jason Pickleman is well-known in Chicago as an avid art collector and a trailblazer. His influence in pervasive, with Hyde Park Art Center, the Renaissance Society, and numerous other cultural institutions as clients of his design studio JNL. This fall, we will see his impact at EXPO Chicago.

Claire Ashley has had a stellar year of exhibitions in which she has blended performance, painting, soft sculpture, ceramics, fashion, and graffiti. Her work is currently on view in Detroit’s Youngworld International and was recently exhibited at the Chicago Cultural Center. At Spudnik Press, she branched out and produced a monoprinted dyptich that will be available through bidding at Saturday’s auction.

Richard Hull, recently interviewed by Inside/Within, is well known for his colorful crayon drawings and painting reminiscent of the Chicago Imagist painters, whom he has shown alongside at Phyllis Kind Gallery since the 1970’s. More recently, his work can be found at Western Exhibitions and his paintings, drawings and prints are in the collections of several museums including the Art Institute of Chicago; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the Smithsonian Museum, Washington, D.C.; Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Kansas; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Smart Museum, Chicago.

The table wouldn’t be complete with out Spudnik Press Founder and Director, Angee Lennard. Over the course of eight years, Lennard has established Chicago’s premiere community-based printmaking studio, a creative center that brings together hundreds of artists each year with a focus on collaboration among artists and creating a pipeline for anyone who wishes to be creative through print.

To wrap up the experience:

Each guest at Thursday’s Dinner are gifted two tickets to Saturday’s Preview and Benefit. This portion of our Annual Benefit invites our supporters to visit our studio, experience printmaking first hand, and spend time with the 35 artworks donated and commissioned for our silent auction.

Limited tickets are available for $250.

Purchase Tickets

Classes at Spudnik Press are a hub where individuals with diverse disciplines, backgrounds, and artistic goals can engage together and push each others creative practice. In our community art studio, we offer classes that introduce traditional making skills as well as experimental and cross-disciplinary artistic approaches. From printmaking to illustration, book binding, or self-publishing, our team of amazing teaching artists each bring their unique perspective to our classes and workshops. Would you like to join this team?

Proposals for Spring/Summer Community Workshops and Special Topics Classes are due Sunday, September 27 at midnight.

For all the details please download our 2016 Spudnik Call for Proposals. To apply, download and return our 2016 Spudnik Class Proposal or our 2016 Spudnik Workshop Proposal as well as our 2016-Class-Supplies Form. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Chicago, IL, Spudnik Press Cooperative will host its 8th Annual Benefit Saturday, September 26, 2015 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Hubbard Street Lofts. The Annual Benefit is a lively and eclectic event that highlights Chicago’s emerging and established visual and print artists, alike. Rooted in Spudnik Press’s mission to provide an affordable and accessible printing studio for all- from professional artists to the novice printer- the Annual Benefit congregates and celebrates Chicago’s visual arts community.

Purchase Tickets

At the heart of the Annual Benefit lies a carefully curated silent auction that will feature the works of 25 established artists throughout our city. Printed at Spudnik Press Cooperative and commissioned specifically for the Annual Benefit, this collection of artwork provides a refreshing alternative to the tradition art auction. These 25 one-of-a-kind monoprints will find company with a selection of larger works by notable artists. Acquired through the generosity of Chicago-area curators, organizations and galleries, this section of the auction highlights the best of Chicago art, both established favorites, including Karl Wirsum, and rising artists such as Aron Gent and Carrie Gundersdorf. Works include contributions from Boreas Fine Art, Devening Projects, Document, and Center for Book, Paper, and Print at Columbia College, Museum of Contemporary Photography and Western Exhibitions. Bidding for these artworks opens on Friday, September 11 via Paddle8.

The Preview Event offers the opportunity for guests to browse and begin bidding on the complete selection of work, including the commissioned monoprints. The Preview Event includes admission to the main event and features an open bar with craft cocktails and Belgian beers, courtesy of Artisanal Imports, hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

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.

Stemming from the unique direction of the silent art auction, Spudnik Press Cooperative is hosting the first ever Artist & Curator Dinner at DMK Restaurant’s Ada Street on Thursday, September 24. This private dinner will kick off the Annual Benefit festivities. The Artist & Curator Dinner will be an exclusive opportunity to sit down with some of the Annual Benefit’s contributing artists and curators. Ada Street, listed as one of Zagat’s 10 Most Famous Tables, will present a special menu specifically for Spudnik Press.Each guest at Thursday’s Artist & Curator Dinner will also receive tickets to Saturday’s Preview and Benefit for themselves and a guest.

Join Spudnik Press Cooperative for an unforgettable and inspiring evening of extraordinary art (that you can own), live printmaking, and delicious edibles.

Featured Artists include:

Bidding begins September 11 via Paddle8

Adam Schreiber, MoCP
Carrie Gundersdorf, Devening Projects
Aron Gent, Document
Chris Flynn
David Leggett
Fraser Taylor
Geof Oppenheimer
Inge Bruggeman, Boreas Fine Art
Jason Pickleman
Joshua Abelow, Devening Projects
Karl Wirsum, Center for Book, Paper & Print
Miller & Shellabarger, Western Exhibitions
Stan Shellabarger

Commissioned Monoprints by:

Carris Adams
Claire Ashley
Karen Azarnia
Tom Burtonwood
Adam Farcus
Dan Gunn
Deb Handler
Matthew Hoffman
Holly Holmes
Richard Hull
Sam Jaffe
Vesna Jovanovic
Kate McQuillen
Matt Morris
Johana Moscoso
Rachel Niffenegger
Erik Petersen
Allison Reimus
Nathan Vernau
Alison Yasukawa
Gwendolyn Zabicki
Latham Zearfoss

Download the 2015 Benefit Press Release

Purchase Tickets

This is going to be a great fall! While everyone at Spudnik is enjoying the warm summer rays, we are also working hard behind the scenes to gear up for a fantastic fall calendar. With 19 classes and workshops, we have a healthy spread of opportunities for artists, both seasoned printmakers and curious creatives who want to see what Spudnik is all about, to learn new skills and meet new peers. With listicles being ever popular, I thought I would put together our own to help our followers find the perfect class for them:

5 Brand New Classes and Workshops
Screenprint Your Own Swag: Stickers, Magnets & Patches
Letterpress Your Own Coasters
Screenprinting Refresher
Personal Branding
The Book and the Box: Two-Tiered Box & Coptic Book Intensive

2 Workshops for the D.I.Y.-Driven
Risography 101
Wearable Prints: Screenprint Your Own…

2 Fresh Opportunities for Seasoned Printmakers
Relief Printmaking: Print Meets Book
Screenprinting on Canvas: Make Your Own Wall Art

4 Classic Classes that Can’t go out of Style
Screenprinting on Paper
Letterpress I: Wood & Metal Type
Printmaking Foundations: Relief, Etching, Screen
Screenprinting on Fabric

 Browse All Classes & Workshops

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. Internship interviews will take place mid-August with internships beginning right after Labor Day.

Each year, our two fall interns team up to organize and host our Holiday Art Sale. Our fall internship is perfect for students interest in printmaking who want to get arts programming experience and learn the ropes of arts administration.

See all the Details or Download the Job Description.

Taking place in the Hubbard Street Lofts, the Spudnik Press Annual Benefit, brings together curators, artists, collectors, and patrons of the arts for an evening of art: live printing, entertainment, craft cocktails and beers, tasty bites, and curated silent auction that will feature the works of 30+ established artists throughout our city.

Get your tickets to join Spudnik Press’ celebration of Chicago’s creative community while supporting your community printshop!