So you’ve taken a workshop and you want to hone your skills and work on your own projects? Come to Open Studio!
In furthering its mission, ABAC is pleased to provide access to the traditional tools and equipment used in book production. Join us and take advantage of our fully-equipped bindery and letterpress printshop, under the guidance of expert stewards.
Daytime, evening, and weekend time slots are available!
Available BINDERY equipment includes a: 32″ board shear, paper guillotine, drill press and corner rounder, saddle stitcher, Kwikprint and brass type, various nipping presses and sewing frames.
Presses in the PRINTSHOP include: Vandercook SP-15, Vandercook Universal 1, Challenge Proof Press Model 15MP, 30×48 Rembrandt Etching press, 8×12 Chandler and Price platen jobber, and several tabletop platen presses. A small collection of wood and metal type is available for experienced users.
Additional equipment available to renters includes several Boxcar bases of various sizes, typewriters, UV exposure unit, tools for carving wood and linoleum blocks, tools for working leather, and a collection of rubber stamps.
In general, studio renters must bring their own materials and supplies. Common tools, such as bone folders, exacto-knives, awls, needles, glue brushes, etc. are available for day use. Communal supplies in the printshop include newsprint, letterpress inks, rags, vegetable oil and solvent for cleaning the presses.
ABAC also sells basic bookbinding tools and materials, such as book board and book cloth.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Open Studio rental is a benefit available only to current ABAC members. Please click here for membership information.
- Studio renters must have taken a relevant class at ABAC, i.e. if you wish to use the board shear, you must have taken a class where the board shear was used. Others with previous experience may be approved by ABAC staff on a case-by-case basis.
- In addition to successfully completing a letterpress workshop at ABAC, anyone wishing to use the presses in the printshop during Open Studio, must also take the 3 hour Printshop Renter Training or “Drivers Test” that is regularly scheduled.
After scheduling a Printshop Renter Training with your instructor,
please click here to register.
OPEN STUDIO RATES:
- The rate is $10/hour. Payment is due at the time of use.
- A monthly rate is available at $150, payable the first or the fifteenth day of each calendar month and shall not be pro-rated. Monthly renters will be provided with a small storage space.
GENERAL POLICIES:
- Stewards are available to supervise and assist renters in the space, though Open Studio rental under supervision must not be confused with private instruction.
- Approved studio renters will be required to sign an acknowledgement of receipt of all policies and guidelines, as well as a release of liability.
- Approved studio renters must sign-up in advance. Renters are asked to provide a 24 hour notice for any cancellations.
- Please email amanda@atxbookarts.org with any questions.