Saint Paul’s premier printmaking resource and gallery presents exhibitions, special events

Hamilton Ink Spot, Saint Paul’s premier printmaking resource and gallery, presents thematic monthly exhibitions. “Letterbugs” by master printer Bill Moran will be on display Aug. 10-31. From Sept. 1 to 30, the Ink Spot’s gallery will welcome personal “Woodcuts” printed by Jim Sherraden, who also curates Nashville’s Hatch Show Print. A closing reception and artist talk with Sherraden will be held Sept. 29, 6-10 p.m., at Amsterdam Bar & Hall, a few doors down from Ink Spot. In Oct., the gallery will feature “Scary Ink,” Halloween-inspired prints with a Dark Art theme.

Moran and Monica Edwards Larson, oversee Ink Spot’s initiatives and its 2,200-square-foot location at 375 N. Wabasha Street. “Hundreds of people from all backgrounds have turned out for our monthly special events and exhibitions. We’ve reconnected with long-time fans of Twin Cities’ design and letterpress, and instilled a new appreciation for the type and technique to those who are curious enough to stop inside and learn more,” says Moran.

Aug. 10-31, Letterbugs
Bill Moran hand-prints each Letterbug™ using type from the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum’s collection of more than 1.5 million pieces of wood type. The fine details completing each print come from much smaller metal type or hand-inking, creating unique effects on every print. Moran’s Letterbugs have been exhibited throughout the U.S. and Europe, and are included in the permanent collection of the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz, Germany, and the Tipoteca Italiana in Cornuda, Italy.

Sept. 1-30, Personal Woodcuts by Jim Sherraden
Sept. 29, 6-10 p.m., closing reception and artist talk, in conjunction with AIGA Minnesota, Amsterdam Bar & Hall, 6 W. 6th St., Saint Paul, MN 55102
Jim Sherraden is a master printer and archivist at Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop since 1879 and today, as an historical property of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville. In 1992, Sherraden began creating one of-a-kind pieces from the shop’s hand-cut, historic blocks. Called “monoprints,” these are collected by individuals and institutions worldwide. In 2005, Sherraden returned to carving his own woodcuts, developing a new body of work that includes cutting up his own printed pieces, and mixing and matching the patchwork imagery, resulting in quilt-like compositions.

Oct. 1-31, “Scary Ink”
Oct. 29, 6-10 p.m., closing reception, Hamilton Ink Spot
Artists inspired by classic monsters and modern frights present a selection of Twin Cities-based printmakers to celebrate Halloween. This year’s theme will be “Dark Art,” featuring screen-printed and letterpress prints.

The special events are in addition to Ink Spot’s classes, a drop-in studio for families and individuals, a print cooperative for artists, internships, a mentorship program for high school-age artists, and exhibitions of local, regional and national printmaking artists.

Making printmaking an accessible art form, Hamilton Ink Spot creates access for artists and others of all skill levels and backgrounds, enriches the public’s connection with direct arts experiences, and contributes to the community’s cultural vitality. The Saint Paul storefront offers Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum’s merchandise for sale, as well as a co-op space for Twin Cities’ artists to create and exhibit their original posters, cards, and other printed works. Hamilton Ink Spot is the first venture to which Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum lends its name.

To learn more about Hamilton Ink Spot’s special events, featured guests, co-op memberships, workshops, internships, merchandise and exhibition gallery, please visit online at http://www.hamiltoninkspot.org, https://www.facebook.com/hamiltoninkspot, http://instagram.com/hamiltonwoodtype; or in person Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at 375 N. Wabasha Street, Saint Paul, MN  55102.

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Filed under: Events, Type-Paper-Print