Events Calendar

Workshop for Aug. 8 is CANCELLED and will be RESCHEDULED soon.

Description:

Learn to block print! Block printing is an ancient process that is widely used today in both paper and fabric applications. In this workshop we will draw from what inspires us, carve our own blocks, and learn how to print multiples on paper. No prior experience with art or drawing skills are needed.  This 2-hour workshop is ideal for older teens 16+ and adults and will be offered twice, on 8/1 & 8/8.

Registration is required, opens two weeks before each workshop. Both block printing workshops are the same content and space is limited; please select one session date to register for. If full, call Pinney Library information desk at 608-224-7100 to be placed on a short waiting list in case of cancellations.

Instructor Bio:

bernie & zuzu is named for Bernie Witzack, founder and artist, and her brilliant and extraordinary cat zuzu. At bernie & zuzu, we design unique, one-of-a-kind goods with bold, bright color and exuberant patterns that inspire playfulness, creativity and joy. We believe there are as many ways to be a rainbow as there are humans in the world. We are a proudly queer-owned business.

Bernie was the Artist In Residence at Pinney Library art studio from February - November, 2023. The residency, entitled Color Play - Making the World a Little More Rainbow, focused on the exploration of color, creativity and play.

Zuzu was adopted by Bernie when she was a wee little kitten. Zuzu is nineteen years young. She really, really loves watermelon.

This workshop is cancelled for August 8, 2024.  Contact Pinney Library if you would like to be placed on a waiting list for any rescheduled or additional offerings. Phone (608-224-7100) or email pinney@madisonpubliclibrary.org

Join Pinney Library Studio's Artist-in-Residence Phil Hassett, owner of Washboard Press, to learn the basic skills necessary to set a favorite quote, motto, or other short text in metal type. Text should be no longer than two or three sentences. You will have the opportunity to choose a typeface for your quote, make choices about how you want to present it on the page, and then hand set type ranging from 12pt to 36pt depending on the typeface chosen. You will learn about printer’s measurements, spacing, justification, and adding decorative elements or borders if time permits. Each participant will have the opportunity to print several copies of their quote, choosing from a selection of paper stocks & ink colors.

Registered participants are optionally invited to email the instructor at workshops@washboardpress.com with their text ahead of time to make sure it’s an appropriate length for the time we have, along with any general hopes for typeface styles (Serif/oldstyle, sans-serif, slab serif, blackletter, or decorative/ornamental typefaces) to ensure the availability of a good selection of typefaces and spacing material appropriate to their texts. 

Please note: This workshop involves handling typemetal, which is an alloy of lead and other metals. We will discuss the safe handling of metal type and best practices to reduce lead exposure. 

Space is limited and registration is required, opens for both dates on 8/1 at 9 am. Both Typesetting Quotes workshops (8/8 & 8/14) are the same content and are in high demand; select one session date to register for. 

This 2 hour workshop is for adults and older teens at least 14+.  Registration is full. 

About the Artist: Phil Hassett is a local letterpress printer living in Madison, WI, where he maintains a small collection of historic printing presses and a growing collection of historic and modern printing type. A lifelong musician, he named his print studio Washboard Press(link is external) because of the sound one of his presses makes, and because he enjoys doing by hand what is now usually done in a more automated way.