Open Studio

RESERVATIONS

Get access to the Red Bird Press studio for your print and book arts projects! Available by appointment once a month, open studio offers artists and hobbyists supervised access to its resources and equipment at an affordable flat rate. Staff or volunteers will be on hand for questions or assistance.

Open Studios are meant solely for independent work time for artists. Sign-ups are expected to know how to use the equipment they reserved without assistance. RBP will not offer instructional help for registrants; we will only be able to answer general questions about the shop. RBP will provide cleaning supplies and some general tools. Consumables such as paper and ink are the responsibility of the artist.

Experience in at least one craft we offer is required; all artists must have either taken at course at RBP before or demonstrated equivalent experience through a portfolio review with staff. All artists are required to take a shop orientation and sign a waiver form with RBP staff before using any tools, equipment, or materials.

Reservations are good for 4 hours of continual use in the shop. Additional time may be added to your reservation for $15/hour upon request. Ask the shop monitor and pay for additional time during your reservation.

SILKSCREEN RESERVATIONS

Silkscreen sign-ups are limited to 2 dry, pre-coated screens per visit. Each reservation guarantees the two screens and a base; we have one vacuum table that is first come, first served. Screens must be cleaned after use and emulsion must be completely removed. Cleaning chemicals and supplies are available for your use. Mishandling of any silkscreen equipment, including power washers and exposure unit, may result in the dismissal of the artist from Open Studios with no refund.

Participants may print their own inkjet film using our Epson printer. Each inkjet print on a large sheet (11x17- 13x19) will be $2; a small sheet inkjet print (8.5x11) will be $1.50. 13x19 inkjet film is available for purchase for $1/sheet. Scanners are also available for use at no cost.

LETTERPRESS RESERVATIONS

Letterpress sign-ups have a variety of different reservation types: A long or short show-card press (used in Ink + Drink workshops), the Vandercook Uni, the Vandercook No. 4, Large treadled (8 x 12) Chandler and Price Platen press, and the small (6 x 10) Chandler and Price Platen press. Please sign up for equipment you already know how to use.

Contact our shop manager, Hannah, at neonhannah@redbirdpresshtx.org with any questions or concerns.

book your

reservation

SHOP EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS

BOOKBINDING EQUIPMENT

  • Paper guillotine

  • Finishing tools

  • Sewing frames

  • Long-arm stapler

  • Corner rounder

  • Paper drill

LETTERPRESS EQUIPMENT

  • Vandercook Universal I

  • Vandercook No. 4

  • Chandler & Price Pilot Platen Press

  • Chandler & Price New Style 10×15 Platen Press

  • Typesetting room with an extensive collection of wood and metal type, borders, and cuts

PRINTMAKING EQUIPMENT

Monotypes, etchings, and linocuts are just some of the editioned work you can print in the printmaking studio. Equipment includes:

  • Whelan Xpress 30×44

  • Dickerson Litho Press (bed: 27×55in)

  • 25 stones ranging in size: 10×10in up to 24x36in.

  • Ferric Chloride vertical etching bath

  • Kelton Machine Co. Etching Press

  • Silkscreen darkroom, exposure unit, washout booth,

  • and printing bases

  • Top-down exposure unit

  • Inkjet and laser printers

  • Assorted drying racks

GUIDELINES

Participants must

  • Have more than 4 hours of group or 1:1 instruction in bookbinding, letterpress, or printmaking at RBP or demonstrated equivalent experience through a portfolio review with staff.

  • Bring their own consumables. Some inks are available, but bring your own to ensure a specific color. Cleaning agents and disposable gloves are available for use. We do not provide paper.

STUDIO PROTOCOLS

Participants are responsible for cleaning tools, equipment, and surfaces after use, returning used equipment, and leaving the workspace area in the same condition as it was found.

Cancellations

Cancellations and refund requests must be made a minimum of three days (72 hours) prior to the reserved date. Red Bird Press reserves the right to cancel a reservation at any time for a full refund.