Open Studios at Grounded Printshop

Grounded Print and Paper Shop

Whether you want to practice or try out a new artistic skill, work on a project around other creative minds, or use large-scale equipment to achieve something you wouldn't be able to at home - consider attending a regular Tuesday Open Studio at Grounded Print and Paper Shop.

CONTINUING TUESDAY, JAN. 16

Every Tuesday, the local print and papermaking space Grounded Printshop hosts their Open Studios. The purpose of the weekly event is to provide a space for individuals to use the facility's equipment and work on independent projects. Different from scheduled classes or the rented studio space that Grounded offers, owner Ashley Pastore explained Open Studios are "more like being in a creative space with other people."

Since Open Studios are self-directed, participants come with their own ideas and projects. "Maybe you've already taken a class at Grounded, or maybe you already have prior knowledge, like how to use an etching press or how to do a monoprint," Pastore explained. "You come in and are able to use the heavy equipment that we have there that you wouldn't necessarily have in your house to complete that project."

Additionally, Pastore has begun hosting Open Papermaking at the same time as Open Studios for an additional fee. "The idea is that I would like to be able to get more people having access to and understanding what papermaking is," Pastore said. People who want to hone their papermaking skills are asked to send Pastore an email prior to Open Studios so all of the necessary materials such as recycled paper pulp and pigments are available.

The equipment available for use includes two etching presses, two letter presses, and a new screen printing system. People using the space also have the tools for monoprinting, easy cut and woodblock carving, and painting.

"It doesn't even have to be printmaking related," Pastore said. Some artists who come to Open Studios work on projects outside of printmaking and papermaking, including felting alpaca fur and quilting.

The space provides another opportunity in Erie to engage with other creative people. "It's nice to work and be creative when I know that there are other people around me essentially prioritizing that same thing," Pastore said.

Every Tuesday // 5 to 9 p.m. // $10 entry fee, $30 for open papermaking // Grounded Print Shop, 1902 Cherry St. // For more info: groundedprintshop.com