Open Print Studio with local printmaker Jen Benson
Thursdays / 4:30-8:00 pm
$35 punch card valid for 5 sessions
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].
New Press Studio Hours
Beginning in January 2024, on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00pm to 4:00pm the press will be available for use by individual printers. Only one printer will be able to access the press during this time and must reserve space by contacting Jen Benson at [email protected]. Persons requesting time must have a current WAC membership and can purchase a press pass. This new offering will be hosted by Jen Benson. Thanks to Jen for volunteering her time to offer this opportunity. The Press continues to be available on Thursdays from 4:30pm to 8:00pm during Open Studio.
RiverBed Press
The lower level in the Winona Arts Center is home to the Riverbed press. Equipped with a 24“ wide Conrad etching press, individuals can make monoprints during open Studio hours or during the four Free Ink Days held each year. Open Studio hours are on Thursdays from 4:30pm to 8pm. Press passes are $35 for 5 sessions.
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 2025, Free Ink days are February 1, May 3, October 4 and December 6. 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.
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!
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
