Edwina Tries... A Stamp-making Class
Grounded Printshop provides a variety of classes in a welcoming space
We live in a world where a gal like me can get hyperfixated on a new art or craft, get inundated with reels and ads for it, and spend about $47,000 on bits and bobs, only to find I have no idea what I'm doing. Luckily, here in Erie, we have Ashley Pastore (40 Under 40 Class of 2022) and Grounded Printshop to get us off on the right foot when we want to learn something new.
Pastore is an amazing resource with impressive credentials, including an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Pastore is a skilled printmaker and papermaker, knowledgeable and helpful without being judgy. I walked into a recent stamp-making class as an absolute novice, felt welcomed, got excellent guidance, was encouraged to jump in, and left feeling prepared to pick up what I need if I want to keep going at home. There are more stamp-making classes this month and next.
The vibe at Grounded, in Erie's Little Italy, is laid-back with good music, plants, shop cats slinking around, members, and artists-in-residence filling the space with a buzz of creativity and collaboration. It's in a converted warehouse and, in addition to artist residencies, they also have open studio memberships, risograph printing, classes, options for groups, and Liminal Space, which is available to rent for events and hosts regular yoga classes. In short, it is a place to get creative and try new things.
The class I attended included four other folks besides myself. We chatted, looked at each other's work, talked about our pets, and consulted one another on ideas. It was friendly and fun. I felt capable, I felt creative, and I left inspired. I'm no artist. I'm more of a dabbler. But Grounded made me feel as welcome as its artist regulars.
Grounded Printshop // 1902 Cherry St. // More info at groundedprintshop.com
Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com
