September 2022 Newsletter
/8 YEARS, ALREADY??
One thing I can say definitively about running a printmaking studio in South Florida is that it is never ever boring… ever. Therefore, it is really hard to believe that 8 years have passed since we first opened our doors to the public here and started practicing the line “hold the large sheets from corner to corner to avoid denting them.”
Year 8 has probably been the most intense year of all when we think about it
We found out at the end of October 2021 that our building in Fort Lauderdale would no longer be a building come May 2022 (though I believe as of now, it still is) and began the search for a new home.
We managed to find the perfect location in Little River, Miami (thank you so much to everyone who helped make that connection happen and thank you to all the folks at MVW for finding a space for us!)
We had some pretty major changes as far as team, offerings, and mission (Welcome to the team Brooke and Amber! Yay memberships! Hurray for a streamlined focus on artists and community!)
We moved about 50,000lbs of equipment in 8 26’ box truck loads over 30 miles in less than 30 days (Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this happen, don’t you feel extra strong now?)
We managed to reopen the studio in a relatively low key way and have already hosted workshops, resident artists, interns, visiting artists, a mini exhibition, and several private events (and would love to have you, your friends, and anyone you’re trying to impress in the studio, too!)
And now here we are, a hurricane for our 8 year anniversary!
We could not have done it without your support and encouragement. We were hoping to have some kind of birthday party but the hurricane really foiled those plans so we’ll have to celebrate in the studio in small bursts, perhaps over a cutting mat or printing press. On that note, how about a studio anniversary workshop sale? Please use the code OMG8YEARS for 15% off any of our upcoming workshops :) (Coupon Valid until October 10th)
Our etching presses are looking good!
NEW FACES AROUND THE SHOP
Charlisa Montrope, Liming, 2022, Mixed Media print on Arches Aquarelle, 44 1/4 x 58 7/8"
KEY HOLDER RESIDENTS
It is our pleasure to welcome to the studio Charlisa Montrope and Nat Sassine as a part of our Special Session Keyholder Residency. The Keyholder Residency provides experienced print and book artists in South Florida with access to our common studio space in exchange for 4 hours of work per week.
Each of these artists will be bringing so much to the studio. They come to us with beautiful ideas and lots of essential skills and knowledge, and we are cooking up some exciting ways for our community to spend some time with them.
If you are interested in learning more about Charlisa and Nat, definitely stay tuned. We are so grateful to be able to say that they will be working with us through January. We can’t wait to see what they make here!
Interested in becoming a Keyholder Resident yourself? The Winter Session is December through February and the deadline to apply is October 15th.
Fall intern Lorraine Cruz reclaiming screens on their second day!
MEET OUR NEW INTERNS
Part of our mission at IS Projects is helping print and book artists to grow, whatever their level of experience. Our internship program has historically been one of our favorite ways to create pathways to new skills for artists in our community. This program is always growing and changing for the better, and if you or anyone you know is interested in getting involved in it, please read about the program on our website and apply before the October 15th deadline.
Meanwhile this fall, we are thrilled to welcome three new interns to the team! They all start this week, and will be with us through December. We can’t wait to see what we’ll learn from each other. If you see them at the studio next time you’re around, be sure to give them a warm hello and to ask them what they’ve been working on.
Keep and eye out for Aliya Gordon, Lorraine Cruz, and Nicholas Waguespack, and click through to see what they’re into!
NEW CLASSES!
The new workshops are here! We are super stoked to have a ton of new workshops to keep you busy until 2023. Whether you’re looking to learn something new or dive deep into something you love, we think you’ll be able to find something to get excited about here. We are particularly thrilled to be offering workshops lead by guest artists we adore: In October, recent Skill Exchange residents Carol Todaro and Lisa Haque will be co-teaching a two day accordion binding intensive, and in December, Gabriela Gamboa will be teaching participants how to plan a photo book. Sign up as soon as you can to secure your seat! If you have any question about our upcoming workshops, please reach out to Brooke Frank via email at brooke@isprojectsfl.com and she will be happy to help.
MEMBERSHIPS
Feeling inspired? Anyone looking to come in and make their own art here could benefit from one of our membership programs. Membership is the only way to rent studio time here, so check out all four of our exciting membership programs here and see what makes the most sense for you! We would love to see you in the studio making your work soon. We would particularly like to recommend our Portfolio Development Membership — it is our most community-focused membership program and there is a limited number of spots available. If you want to get to know an intimate group of thoughtful, print-focused artists, this might be exactly what you need. Check it out!
