Back to All Events

Printing on the Handpress

Thursday, October 15, 2026
6:00 PM 9:00 PM

Minnesota Center for Book Arts 1011 South Washington Avenue #100 Minneapolis, MN, 55415 United States (map)

Google Calendar ICS

MCBA-wksp-CadwalladerHandPress-11.17.2025-1.jpg

MCBA-wksp-CadwalladerFinePrintingOnTheHandPress-03.05.2026-2.jpg

Thursday, October 15; 6–9pm CT

250 years ago, printers composed and inked type to print the first copy of the Declaration of Independence on a handpress.

Experience printing on a handpress yourself in this in-person workshop, where you will learn how to print effectively and how handpresses can expand your artistic pursuits. All participants will have the opportunity to print on dampened, handmade paper—just one of the unique capabilities of the handpress that truly shines.

Level: Beginners. All levels are welcome.
Certificate: 3 hours, Category B or D

Pricing

$70 | $35 Scholarship | $105 Pay-It-Forward

$20 materials fee

Scholarships are available for individuals facing adversity as it relates to identity, income/wealth, and lack of access to arts resources. The Pay-It-Forward rate (tuition, plus 50%) supports MCBA’s efforts to make scholarships available. We leave it to you to choose the rate that is meaningful to you based on your income, wealth, and privilege status. MCBA members receive a 10% discount on tuition.

Please note: Registration closes 10/12 at midnight (CT).

More Printing Workshops

Introduction to Screen Printing: Weeknight

Oct 29

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Introduction to Screen Printing: Weeknight

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and practice the photo emulsion process, from positive creation and screen coating to exposure and reclaiming.

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Nov 11

Workshop, Virtual, Beginner, Printing

Alternative Printmaking at Home

Workshop, Virtual, Beginner, Printing

This virtual printmaking workshop focuses on using accessible materials to make prints and embellish existing art projects.

Workshop, Virtual, Beginner, Printing

Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints (November)

Nov 12

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing

Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints (November)

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing

Letterpress 3: Two-Color Prints focuses on printing multiple layers and building printers’ confidence using Vandercook presses through practice.

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing

Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (November)

Nov 21

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (November)

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

This in-person letterpress workshop offers an introduction to MCBA’s print studio—including key equipment, tools, and terminology—in addition to an opportunity to experience the satisfaction of printing a message through the hands-on process of letterpress printing.

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Woodcut Printmaking for Beginners: November

Nov 28

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Woodcut Printmaking for Beginners: November

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Experience the process of relief printing while carving and printing your own design in this in-person workshop.

Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing

Letterpress 4: Collaborative Calendar (December)

Dec 3

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing

Letterpress 4: Collaborative Calendar (December)

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing

Letterpress 4: Collaborative Calendars focuses on planning and printing editions (a group of identical prints) by planning and printing a 12-month, perennial calendar (applies to any year).

Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing