Watermark Press
Monotype by Joan Wright, charter member

Monotype print by Watermark Press member Joan Wright

Tarletan

Starched cheesecloth used for wiping excess ink off the surface of an intaglio plate. Soft fabrics tend to absorb and draw ink out of the lines while stiff tarletan will skip over them.

Membership — Press Time

Enthusiastic printmakers are invited to become Members or reserve Open Press Time. Applicants must demonstrate experience in the use of the basic tools, presses and equipment, and be capable of working safely without supervision.

Membership benefits include semi-private use of the studio with ample work space, access to the presses, use of normal shop equipment and standard-sized printing plates, regular tools and cleaning supplies, storage for personal supplies, flat file space for protecting paper and prints, and other shop amenities. Additional benefits include long-term discounts and reduced fees for classes and workshops.

You must provide your own printmaking paper and will want to bring other supplies particular to your artmaking process. Water-based inks are available for a reasonable fee, or you may bring your own oil-based or water-based inks. Non-solvent, non-toxic cleaning supplies are provided by the studio for clean-up. Standard-sized polycarbonate plastic plates up to 18" x 24" are available for monotype printing and remain in the shop. Other supplies — such as inexpensive PETG plastic for monotype, drypoint or carborundum, pressboard for silk aquatint or collagraph, linoleum and any custom-sized plates — may be purchased from the studio at reasonable cost.

Open Press Time allows you to schedule specific time to work in the studio on an as-needed basis by the hour, day or week. Access includes the presses, work space, the normal tools, plate use and supplies, but does not include personal storage space. Prices are $15/hour on week days and $25/hour on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).

Free Days are no-fee days when an artist who is participating in a series of classes, or has completed 6 hours or more of one-on-one instruction, may sign up to use the shop to complete a printmaking project or practice some skills. The artist must be capable of working independently and clean up after their work. Free Days are posted periodically, available first come/first served, and limited to only 1 to 3 artists at a time depending on space needed to work.

Group Rentals are also available for up to 6 artist friends who organize a special class or project in which they may work together. Fees TBA.