Hands-on workshop in Letterpress

06/28/2010 9:24 AM

Students explore letterpress during a hands-on demonstration at the Prairie Center of the Arts in Peoria. Students Ryan Hovenaar and Jessica Salch use a Vandercook SP-15 proof press that is currently housed at the Prairie Center of the Arts. The Prairie Center now has two other Vandercook presses and other printed equipment. Professor Robert Rowe and several students made use of metal and wood type and various images to create unique prints. This method of direct designing and printing graphic material is finding new life in the hands of contemporary designers who find the rich tactile nature of letterpress images a refreshing change from computer-based imaging. As a part of a growing interest in book arts, plans are underway to implement curriculum around Bradley’s letterpress equipment and perhaps partnering with other resources in the community.