Making Impressions

The PAG Print Room will house printing presses, tools and equipment to support a variety of forms of letterpress and relief printing.

Making impressions
Artist Peggy West in the new Print Room

Last month the Peoria Art Guild announced the launch of a new Print Room and printmaking education programs, filling a critical need in the community for youth, artists and others who don’t have access to press equipment and tools. The new PAG Print Room will house printing presses, tools and equipment to support a variety of forms of letterpress and relief printing. Printmaker Peggy West will serve as artist in residence through December, leading its education and fundraising programs. 

As it expands into printmaking, the Guild is looking for community support to purchase high-priority press equipment and tools to make the space viable for classes and other initiatives. On September 18 and 19, members of the Peoria Print Club will host Print-A-Thon 2020, printing in marathon-style for 25 hours with the goal of raising $7,500+ for a proofing press and printing tools/equipment. Sponsorships are available—at $5 per minute—to move the Guild closer to being able to offer creative educational programs and services in letterpress, block printing, etching and more. Sponsorship and additional information is available at peoriaartguild.org/print-athon. Print Room orientations and open studio times are available at 309tix.com. PM