September 2021 Newsletter
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7 years of printmaking in paradise!
This Saturday’s Artwalk will mark 7 years of IS Projects being open to the public in the FATVillage Arts District in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! It started out as a dream to own a press and spend a lot of time talking to other people about how cool printmaking is while making prints and while it’s grown significantly, the core of the dream is still the same. We’ve gone from one Vandercook (shoutout CB) and about 400 pounds of type to a full scale fine art printmaking operation that can accommodate artists interested in practicing letterpress, etching, relief, book binding, paper making, screen printing, cyanotypes, and much more! We went from commission printing and weekend workshops only to a diverse list of offerings including a robust exhibition program, residencies, open studio hours, internships, private classes, assisted printing, and our latest addition: Fine Art Print and Artists’ Book Development Programs! If you have a print or book project in mind but need help getting started or help with production, definitely check this one out! Availability is limited so we can be sure to give the time and attention needed to each project but applications from 2021 and 2022 projects are open now!
You may have been expecting a heartfelt anniversary-related note here and don’t be alarmed, it’s coming! But it has gotten too long for the newsletter and needs a little more time for editing and reflection so it’ll be going live on the ISP Blog early next week. Thank you for your support and for helping to keep the dream alive!
IN THE GALLERY
IS Projects Presents a Collaborative Show
with Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA)
On View I Sept 20 - Nov 7, 2021
Opening Reception I Sat, Sept 25th 7-10PM
Virtual Artist talk I with ILSSA co-founders, Bridget Elmer and Emily Larned, Sat. Sept 25th at 6PM on @isprojectsfl Instagram
Bridget Elmer and Emily Larned originally founded Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA) in 2008 to find and connect with other impractical laborers—those interested in cultivating a considered, thoughtful, and balanced creative practice. They were looking for alternatives, interested in blurring disciplinary lines and searching for a community of makers who valued process over product. The impetus for that search was born from their friendship and the rare, immediate connection that they discovered when their paths crossed many moons ago. With MakerMatching, they are returning to that genesis and working together with IS Projects to create space for other paths in their orbits to cross with our community.
MakerMatching is a collaborative project and exhibition organized by ILSSA and IS Projects all about matching makers—searching for potential connections within our communities and creating space for new conversations to begin. MakerMatching culminates in an exhibition at IS Projects highlighting the importance of connection and support within creative practice. Whether they're members of ILSSA or creatives from the IS Projects' community, makers of all disciplines were mailed a handset letterpress survey to be filled out and returned in order to match them with other makers. Gallery-goers are invited to harness their ‘inner matchmakers’ as they participate in connecting makers. The MakerMatching exhibition will be on view through November 7th, 2021 with programming including a virtual artist talk and opening reception during the FATVillage Artwalk (And IS Projetcs' 7 Year Anniversary!) this Saturday, September 25th from 6-10pm.
ABOUT OUR COLLABORATORS
Impractical Labor in Service of the Speculative Arts (ILSSA) is a union for reflective practice and membership organization for artists and makers that fosters community, new ideas, tools, and resources. ILSSA observes a an annual holiday, the Festival to Plead for Skills; organizes participatory exhibitions and events; and facilitates an annual group residency.
More information >>
MORE STUDIO AVAILABILITY!
We are now offering an Open Studio EVERY WEEK with dates on weeknight evenings and weekend afternoons so that tending to your printing practice is more convenient than ever.
During Open Studio, experienced printers gather to explore self-directed projects in our print shop. Whether exploring woodcut, letterpress, intaglio or screen printing, our open studios not only offers the support of a technician but the equipment and space required to see your projects come to fruition.
Sign up for as many dates as you’d like on our website!
*Sign-ups should have experience working in a print studio. While there will be a shop tech present, they will not be able to give you their full assistance.
GUESS WHAT PRINT FOLKS? APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Small Press Fair ‘21
SPF, Fort Lauderdale's first and only Small Press Fair is looking for a diverse group of exhibitors to show their visitors the unique and expansive world of Print / Book / Zine
VISIT US AT ARTWALK
We invite you back into the studio for the FATVillage Artwalk this Saturday, August 25th from 6-10pm. Come by and say hi!
NEW ON THE BLOG
