About

Join us for a non-technical exploration of letterpress. If you’ve ever been curious about whether this kind of printmaking is for you, here’s an easy way to find out. BARN has the equipment; all you’ll need to bring is your creativity. This introduction will expose you to the simplest form of relief printing: ink, paper, and the workings of a basic press. By the end of the session—through collaboration and individual expression, you’ll have an assortment of colorful prints to take home. And maybe even frame!

Ellie Mathews and Carl Youngmann are partners in The North Press (and partners in life) in Port Townsend. They focus on the production of poetry broadsides with occasional adventures in ephemera, posters, cards, and whimsies. They have taught a variety of letterpress and print-related workshops at BARN and elsewhere.

After taking this class you may be interested in furthering your skills by signing up for Letterpress: Taking the Plunge that begins in September. Please click here to read more about this class and to register.

Details:

• BARN is practicing safety measures for the health and well-being of all participants, in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. Masks are required. Please review the overall BARN safety policies here.
• For this class, we are requiring that you bring proof of your Covid-19 vaccination card to show your class liaison, Peggy Graving.
  
• Tuition assistance is available. Click here to apply.  

Instructor Bios:

Instructors are Ellie Mathews and Carl Youngmann. Carl began setting type letter by letter in 1960; Ellie combines her experience as a designer with her willingness to explore the techniques of relief printing. Together, they operate The North Press in Port Townsend, where they focus on the production of poetry broadsides with occasional adventures into ephemera, posters, cards, and whimsies. Working as a team, they will share with you their passion for the craft while guiding participants step-by-step toward taking independent command of the process.

Letterpress image credit: Ellie Mathews