Hoofprint Workshop-Chicago, IL

Hoofprint Workshop is another printmaking studio I visited in Chicago. I stopped by there last Friday when they were having an open house and proofing up some awesome, giant prints for their woodcut show at the end of the month. Hoofprint was founded in 2012 by partners Liz Born and Gabe Hoare and they offer a variety of print services to the community. They function as both a gallery and a print shop. They host shows, invite artists to publish prints, create their own work, offer contract printing, and also teach beginners how to print. They have a large etching press which can print up to 3.5x7 foot woodcuts, a litho press, and a set up for silkscreen. What's incredibly unique and cool about Hoofprint is that they are actually housed in what used to be a funeral home with many of the same antique furnishings. Gabe and Liz live above the studio and then in the basement are all of the materials for the chemical processes including etching copper and steel facing plates. Gabe and Liz are extremely talented and very active in the arts community and often show work at other galleries in the area like the Pilsen Arts District. While at the studio, I found them to be quite generous and supportive. They made me feel right at home as a fellow artist in Chicago and even offered me a spot in the large-scale woodcut show that they are organizing for October 24th! So beginning this weekend I am actually heading back to Chicago to begin carving a 40x60 inch block for the show which I am more than excited about. Stay tuned for more details!

http://www.hoofprintworkshop.com