RiverBed Press
The Winona Arts Center lower level is home to RiverBed Press. Equipped with a 24”-wide Conrad etching press since the spring of 2014, the printmaking facility is available for experienced printmakers to use for a nominal fee in the areas of intaglio, relief and monotype. WAC also offers classes in various types of printmaking so that inexperienced printmakers can gain the skills to make them qualified for RiverBed Press memberships. Check the WAC Facebook page for availability of printmaking classes.
Free Ink Days
The Winona Arts Center is pleased to offer Free Ink days throughout the year. Free Ink days provide an opportunity to learn how the printing press works and to design and print monoprints of your own. This is an intergenerational activity as we see children, adults and older adults all taking a turn at the press. In 2022, Free Ink days were held on November 12 and December 10. In 2023, Free Ink days will be held on February 4, May 6, October 14, and December TBD. Free Ink allows for drop in anytime between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm. (Note: The Free Ink day on May 6 will be from 12 pm to 4 pm.) Sessions are hosted by Jen Benson and a team of volunteers.
Open studio provides another opportunity to learn about and use the press, every Thursday from 4:30 pm to 8 pm. Your first visit is free and if you decide you’d like to do more, passes are available for purchase.
Open Print Studio with local printmaker Jen Benson
Thursdays / 4:30-8:00 pm
$35 punch card valid for 5 sessions
NOTE: Open Studio will not take place on July 27, 2023.
The Winona Arts Center (WAC) is pleased to offer an Open Print Studio with Jen Benson every Thursday between 4:30 and 8:00 pm. Open Print Studio is designed for those who are interested in printmaking.
WAC has a fully equipped print studio known as RiverBed Press, complete with a Conrad Etching Press with an approximate 22” x 44” press bed. No previous printmaking experience is necessary. Printmaking supplies (ink, paper) and equipment will be available.
In addition to printmaking, the Studio will be open for people to work on art projects such as watercolors, drawing, etc. Those participants will bring their own art supplies and do not need to purchase a pass. Passes are required only for those using the press.
Studio passes are $35 for a 5-visit punchcard or $8 per visit to the studio and can be purchased at the Open Studio. Space will be limited to 12 people per Thursday so please make your reservation ahead of time. For more information and to register, please contact Jen Benson at [email protected].
Needed: Old Phone Books
If you are looking to recycle your old phone books, the RiverBed Press sure could use them. The pages are used in the printmaking process. Please bring your books on Thursdays from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm or any time you attend a WAC event. You got them, we want them! Thanks!