Starshaped Press at the WNY Book Arts Center

This Thursday and Saturday, the WNY Book Arts Center we will be offering two unique workshops with guest instructors from Starshaped Press in Chicago.  

Starshaped Press is a letterpress studio committed to keeping their work as authentic to the old ways as possible, meaning that all projects are printed using hand-set antique metal and wood type. In holding to the belief that there is no digital equivalent to the inherent beauty and imperfection of type that is sometimes 100 years old, Starshaped has adopted the motto: "All Metal, All the Time (Except When it's Wood)." This level of commitment to the old ways of printing set Starshaped apart from the more common practice of producing letterpress work using polymer plates made from digital designs.

Both Jen and Sarah of Starshaped Press will be in Buffalo for just a few days, and have offered to teach two workshops.

The first will be an introduction to linoleum block printing offered by Sarah who does custom linoleum illustrations for Starshaped Press. The class will give students a chance to learn how to design and cut their block, as well as print an edition of their work.

On Saturday, Jen, the lead printer and designer at Starshaped Press, will be offering a workshop on the basics of hand typesetting and using a tabletop platen press. Students will learn hands-on how to prepare and print using a tabletop press, creating a small edition of their hand-set print.

Both workshops will give students the opportunity to learn a skill they can use again and again at the Book Arts Center - for only $40 a year anyone can become a member, granting them access WNYBAC's extensive printshop facilities including several platen presses and presses suitable for printing linoleum blocks.

Both workshops are under $50 including materials (even cheaper for members!) and will be truly rare and unique opportunities to learn these techniques from these accomplished visiting printers. Space is limited for both workshops. Get more information and register online with WNYBAC here.

WNY Book Arts Center
468 Washington at Mohawk