ArtOrg has been working on a strategy to give Northfield a special type of resource for artists: the Equipment-Intensive-Studio. In the case of printmaking, ArtOrg had already acquired the equipment and proven that local artists could use it. In fact, our First Edition: a Suite of Stone Lithographs was a good success and sixteen artists and printers were involved in its creation. (A limited number of these wonderful handmade books of 13 original lithographs are still available currently at $400 each. Artists include Somers, Grandpre, Casmer, Krause, Tuel, Alberg, See, Kelly, Reid-Kelley, and others).

We lacked, however, a dedicated space that the printmakers could call home. The various printing presses can’t easily be moved in and out of our current space which also serves as a gallery, classroom, office, meeting room, and more. Our biggest press weighs over 3000 pounds!

The proposed arts building on the site of the old Byzantine restaurant (and Spartz garage for you old-timers), however, is proposed to have a vibrant and rich group of Equipment-Intensive-Studios. Can they cash-flow themselves and support their own costs, or must they be supported by donations and gifts? It is just these questions we want to answer by creating a demonstration project for the Printmaking Equipment-Intensive-Studio. And we are thankful to announce that Mendota Homes, the developer of this arts building, has given us a grant to support rent in a new and additional space for this purpose. We praise their understanding of the needs of the arts community in Northfield! Thank You!

Watch for pending announcements concerning the quest for Equipment-Intensive-Studios, and our Printmaking studio project. And, please contact us if you are a printmaker and/or artist who wants more information, and the opportunity to use printmaking equipment in a great environment.