key holder membership

Red Bird is now accepting applications for new Key Holder members!

Our Key Holder Members receive key access to our fully-equipped printmaking facility, including resources for letterpress, book arts, relief, intaglio, alternative image processes, and screen printing. Members enjoy the freedom to work independently in the shop from 7 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

Interested? Fill out our interest form at the bottom of this page to get started.

Key holder membership plans

Month-to-month

$200/Month - Paid Monthly

Ideal for hobbyists and beginners, the Month-to-Month Membership provides studio access on a monthly basis with no long-term commitment.  

6 - month

$180/Month - 6 month contract

Ideal for artists seeking a mid-term commitment, the 6 Month Membership offers the flexibility to reassess every six months. This options comes with the right to defer use for one month within the contract period.  

12 - month

$150/Month - 12 month contract

Ideal for artists committed to long-term projects, the 12-Month Membership offers stability and studio access for a year at a 25% discounted rate. This options comes with the right to defer use for one month within the contract period.  

COLLEGE STUDENT / *RECENT GRADUATE

$130/Month - Paid Monthly

College students and recent graduates have the opportunity to gain membership at a discounted rate without long term commitment.

*Eligible up to three years after graduation date

  • Presses:

    • Vandercook No. 4

    • Vandercook Universal 1

    • Showcard presses

    • Platten presses

      • C&P Chandler and Price 8x12 Treadle Letterpress

      • Mercury Model X Excelsior 6x10

    • Wheelan Xpress Etching Press (bed: 30in x 60in)

    • Dickerson Combination/Litho Press (bed: 27in x 55in)

    • Kelton Machine Co. Etching Press

    Tools and materials:

    • Lithography stones ranging in size: 10in x 10in up to 24in x 36in.

    • Wood and metal type

    • Letterpress equipment

    • Intaglio equipment

      • Ferric Chloride Vertical Etching Tank

    • Relief equipment

    Other:

    • Book Arts equipment

    • Paper making equipment

    • Guillotine Paper Cutter

    • Stack paper cutter

    • Wi-fi through facility

    • Large work area with seating

    • Portable rulers, tear bars, and cutting mats, brayers

    • Miscellaneous studio supplies including shop rags, solvents for clean up and newsprint

    • Lounge area for studio members with refrigerator, microwave, sink, tea and coffee makers

    • Communal library

  • Members receive studio access 7am - Midnight, 7 days a week.

    The studio will limit access for contract printing, classes, and events.

    Letterpress equipment may be reserved in advance by any studio member.

    • 15% off workshops and store items

    • Use of presses, press blankets, drying racks, rollers, solvents, and other communal studio supplies

    • 1 flat file drawer included, additional flat file drawer and lockers available for rental at an additional $10/mo rate.

    Members must provide their own consumables, i.e. project supplies, such as inks, paper, litho crayons or drawing supplies, etc.

    Red Bird Press will provide printing equipment and presses, solvents, etches, newsprint, etc.

HOW TO APPLY

Prospective members are interviewed to assess their technical ability and complete a thorough studio and safety orientation before gaining access to the studio. You can complete the application form below, download the contract and application or you can stop by Red Bird and ask for one. If you have questions call 713-489-2893 or email chirp@redbirdpresshtx.org.

Please email your completed application to chirp@redbirdpresshtx.org with “KEY HOLDER APPLICATION” in the subject line or drop it off in person at the studio. Please keep in mind that our hours are currently by appointment only.

DOWNLOAD THE CONTRACT

KEY HOLDER Member interest form