Hartford Press Co-op: a home for our presses
Help the Hartford Press Co-op fundraise to secure a permanent space for our presses & community.
Project Description
Hi, we are the Hartford Press Co-op!
The Hartford Press Co-op (HPC) is a community printmaking and book arts artist cooperative, with a physical studio coming soon to Hartford, CT. The mission of the HPC is to make the democratic art forms of printmaking and book arts more accessible to our community by providing affordable workshops, classes, and sliding scale co-op studio memberships.
What is printmaking and book arts?
Printmaking is the process of making multiple originals of a work of art. This includes relief printing, intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting. Book arts includes all of the crafts that go into physically making a book, including papermaking, bookbinding, letterpress printing, and writing.
What is an artist cooperative?
As a co-op, we are a group of member artists sharing space, equipment, materials, resources, and opportunities. Working together allows us to support each other's work and keep operating costs low for individuals. Our co-op is democratically run by the member artists, taking the needs of the community into account. Because we do not have a physical space or formal membership yet, we have assembled a steering committee to make decisions democratically.
Why we exist:
HPC's founder, Krista Narciso, created the press co-op for two reasons. First, there was a need in the community. A professor of printmaking and book arts, her students would frequently ask her where they could go after graduation to continue making their work, and she didn't have a good answer for them, so she decided to create one. Making prints requires access to specialized equipment and printing presses, and the average press is more than $10,000, an amount that is inaccessible for an individual artist.
Many people are drawn to the craft of printmaking because of the communal aspect facilitated by the need to share equipment and space, which fosters an inherently collaborative community environment. However, in our area, most printmaking studios exist within universities and are not accessible to the general population who want to learn about the media.
Printmaking is often referred to as a democratic medium because of the concept of the multiple, but if only select people have access to it, then it really isn't democratic at all. The goal of the HPC is to make printmaking accessible and affordable to anyone who wants to practice or learn about it. We welcome the recent art school grad, the lifelong printmaker seeking a community, the artist wanting to try something new, and the hobbyist looking to learn a new skill. Everyone is welcome here, and we hope you will join us.
Our market & demographic:
The HPC will be the only printmaking studio in the greater Hartford area that is open to the public, and will be the only printmaking co-op in the state of Connecticut. There are many ceramics studios and co-ops in our area, as there are in most cities, and ceramics co-ops exist for the same reason - so that artists can share cost prohibitive equipment like kilns and work together in community. Many of these co-ops even have waiting lists for new members because the demand for these spaces is so high.
The HPC will provide opportunities to engage children, teens, and adults. Our studio space will allow us to offer after-school programs and summer programs for grades K-6, group learning and private instruction for middle school and high school students, internships and assistantships for college students, and community education for adults.
Our story:
For the past year, we have tested the market and raised funds by partnering with other local businesses and organizations to offer our classes and workshops. We have successfully hosted pop-up printing events at outdoor markets and festivals with our mini printing press. We have sold out every workshop and class that we have offered. In this time, four printing presses, along with other studio equipment, including letterpress type and paper cutters, have been donated to us by individuals and local businesses who support our mission.
Right now, we have an estimated total of about $50,000 worth of donated presses and equipment in storage and we are raising capital to secure a permanent space where they can be utilized and enjoyed by our community of artists and makers.
If we reach our funding goal, we project we will be able to open the doors to our new studio in the fall of 2024.
Who we are:
Krista Narciso is the founder of the Hartford Press Co-op. The steering committee is Jenni Freidman, Alexis Crowley, Katie Woodward, Zoe Chatfield, Brandon Brownlee, and Chris Roque. We have an incredible intern from the University of Hartford, Rachel Gary. Click here to learn more about our team.
To see a full list of artists, organizations, and businesses we have partnered with, please click here.
Thank you.
From the very beginning one year ago, the HPC has been a community effort. When Krista first reached out to her network of fellow printmakers and artists to tell them her idea for a printmaking co-op, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone asking what they could do to support the initiative and offering to donate supplies, equipment, and even presses. We are so deeply grateful for every individual who has supported us by donating funds, time, and resources, by attending one of our workshops, classes, or pop-ups, and by spreading the word about our growing community. We hope that if you've read this far, you will consider contributing to the campaign for our permanent studio space. As our committee member Jenni has reminded us, it takes a village, and we are grateful to have you in our village!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
When will my rewards ship?
If you purchased a physical reward, such as a print, t-shirt, tote bag, apron, or sticker, we will ship it following the completion of the campaign in mid-late July. Please keep in mind that if we do not reach our funding goal, the campaign may be extended which would result in rewards shipping later than expected. We will keep you updated along the way!
When will my membership begin and how long will it last? Can I renew my membership at the discounted price?
Your membership will not be active until the Hartford Press Co-op space is officially open. If we meet our funding goals, we anticipate this will be in Fall 2024. All members must complete a safety training when the Co-op opens, and your membership will be valid for 3, 6, or 12 months following the date you complete your training, depending on how many months you purchased. The special discounted price is only valid during the crowdfunding campaign, and if you wish to renew after your initial membership period ends, you will be charged the full cost. Please keep in mind that we will also offer a sliding scale program and scholarship program for those who cannot afford the full cost.
Where can I learn more about the Hartford Press Co-op and your events and offerings?
Visit our website, hartfordpresscoop.com for more information and a list of upcoming events.
How can I follow along?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates on all of our happenings and studio progress!
Just Because I Care
A 3" round waterproof thick vinyl sticker featuring the HPC gear wheel logo.
High quality canvas totebag featuring HPC's "birddude." Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward.
A light blue cotton t-shirt featuring the HPC logo on the front chest and "birddude" on the back. Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward. Available in sizes S-3X. Please enter your size in the notes at checkout.
A thick canvas apron with 3 pockets. Featuring the HPC logo on the chest pocket and “birddude” at the bottom edge. Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward.
T-shirt and tote-bag combo. Save $10! Please enter your t-shirt size at checkout.
Get all the merch! Save $15. Please enter your t-shirt size at checkout.
A randomly selected print donated by one of 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
TWO randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
THREE randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
FIVE randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
TEN randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
Boxed set of all 22 prints by local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. Includes relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 20% on a three-month membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 3 months. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($360 value.)
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 30% on a six-month membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 6 months. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($720 value.)
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 40% on a one-year membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 1 year. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($1,440 value.)
This donation supports our sliding scale program by paying for a portion of a membership for a single middle or low-income artist for one year or two artists for 6 months each.
Sponsor a full year membership for a low-income artist. This contribution will support our scholarship program and will allow an individual artist to work in our studio for one year at no cost.
This reward also comes with an HPC t-shirt, tote bag, and apron for you.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our Pearl press, the smallest press we have, which was donated to us by Hartford Prints! You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our C&P press, which was donated to us by Hartford Prints! You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our Vandercook press, which was donated to us by Jenni Freidman. You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our offset press, out largest press, which was donated to us by Amanda Lebel. You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Rewards
Just Because I Care
A 3" round waterproof thick vinyl sticker featuring the HPC gear wheel logo.
High quality canvas totebag featuring HPC's "birddude." Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward.
A light blue cotton t-shirt featuring the HPC logo on the front chest and "birddude" on the back. Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward. Available in sizes S-3X. Please enter your size in the notes at checkout.
A thick canvas apron with 3 pockets. Featuring the HPC logo on the chest pocket and “birddude” at the bottom edge. Designed and hand screen printed locally by Katie Woodward.
T-shirt and tote-bag combo. Save $10! Please enter your t-shirt size at checkout.
Get all the merch! Save $15. Please enter your t-shirt size at checkout.
A randomly selected print donated by one of 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
TWO randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
THREE randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
FIVE randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
TEN randomly selected prints, donated by 22 local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. May be relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
Boxed set of all 22 prints by local artists. Sizes range from 8x10" to 9x12". Hand-printed. Includes relief, intaglio, lithography, and/or screen printed.
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 20% on a three-month membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 3 months. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($360 value.)
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 30% on a six-month membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 6 months. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($720 value.)
Pre-sale price only available through this campaign. Save 40% on a one-year membership. Memberships purchased through this campain will begin when the new Hartford Press Co-op studio opens, anticipated Fall 2024, and last for 1 year. Membership includes open studio access, access to our Vandercook press, Offset press, C&P press, and Pearl press, shared supplies such as ink and solvent, paper cutters, and other studio equiptment. Members recieve a 10% discount on all classes, workshops, and merch. Regular membership cost is $120/month ($1,440 value.)
This donation supports our sliding scale program by paying for a portion of a membership for a single middle or low-income artist for one year or two artists for 6 months each.
Sponsor a full year membership for a low-income artist. This contribution will support our scholarship program and will allow an individual artist to work in our studio for one year at no cost.
This reward also comes with an HPC t-shirt, tote bag, and apron for you.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our Pearl press, the smallest press we have, which was donated to us by Hartford Prints! You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our C&P press, which was donated to us by Hartford Prints! You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our Vandercook press, which was donated to us by Jenni Freidman. You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.
Help us name our presses! You decide what we will call our offset press, out largest press, which was donated to us by Amanda Lebel. You will also have the opportunity to join us at our grand opening where you can letterpress print the name of your choosing, along with your name or business name, which we will mount on a plaque above the press for the rest of time.
This reward also comes with up to 10 HPC t-shirts, tote bags, and/or aprons.