Printer membership
There are two main active Printer Membership levels, as well as a Printer Pass for those with short-term or infrequent projects. Completion of the member training workshop and Studio Apprentice hours are required for all membership levels. Memberships are summarized below, details and agreements are available upon request.
If you are interested in becoming a Printer Member, or if you have questions please click HERE.
TraininG WORKSHOP
This mandatory 6 hour workshop will familiarize people with the studio, teach the basics of layout, typesetting, and letterpress printing, and instruct proper clean-up and care of presses. The students are assisted but also expected to take notes, with the goal to start working independently. We cover 3 types of printing presses, typesetting, press work, lock up, make ready and the nuances of each. After this workshop, attendees will be formally “Studio Apprentices.”
- Completion of the member workshop is required for all membership levels -
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STUDIO APPRENTICESHIP
Open studio hours are available during day and evening times at least 4 times per month. Open Studios feature an in-studio Shop Tech to help with any questions and light tasks at hand as Apprentices get more familiar with their presses. Apprentices must sign up by scheduling Open Studio Press Time on our website. Open Studio fees are $25 an hour. After 12 hours of of Open Studio time, Studio Apprentices may apply to become a member of NBLA.
- Completion of 12 hours of Studio Apprenticeship time is required for all membership levels -
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Printer membership Levels
STUDIO PRINTER
Studio Printers are the core group of printers, bookbinders, writers, artists and crafts people who create their own individual and collaborative work at the NBLA print shop. Each printer participates in monthly meetings wherein shop craft, projects and community & governing concerns are discussed.
Membership is offered after Introduction Workshop + completion of at least 12 Open Studio hours.
Full Membership includes:
Unlimited studio time during open hours (excluding events and workshops.) Presses can be reserved up to four weeks in advance.
Use of any press, other equipment (when scheduled) and use of wood and metal type collection.
Yearly group shows
Work inclusion and ability to sell at NBLA table at craft fairs
Membership in the Studio Printer Members Committee for North Bay Letterpress ARts
Ability to teach workshops (paid per percentage of participant fee)
10% NBLA workshop discount
Studio Printers fees are $175 per month or $475 for 3 months (prepaid).
Shop Helper Membership
Shop Helper Members are part of the core group of printers, bookbinders, writers, artists and crafts people who create their own individual and collaborative work at the NBLA print shop. Each printer participates in monthly meetings wherein shop craft, projects and community & governing concerns are discussed.
Shop Helper Membership is offered after the Introduction Workshop + completion of at least 12 Open Studio hours.
Helper Membership includes:
Unlimited studio time during open hours (excluding events and workshops). Presses can be reserved up to four weeks in advance.
Use of any press, other equipment (when scheduled) and use of wood and metal type collection.
Yearly group shows
Work inclusion and ability to sell at NBLA table at craft fairs
Ability to teach workshops (paid per percentage of participant fee)
10% Workshop discount
Agreement to volunteer 10 hours a month
Volunteer opportunities include Open Studio helper, workshop assistant, shop tech, and administrative support. Please coordinate with Studio Manager for volunteer hours and tasks.
Shop Helper members fees are $50 + 10 hours per month of volunteer time.
PRINTER PASS
Printer Pass holders are trained printers who are working on short-term or infrequent projects, are seeking less commitment, or who would like to get to know the shop before applying to become members.
Printers Passes are offered after the Introduction Workshop + 12 Open Studio hours.
Passes can be pre purchased for hourly studio use.
Great for project printers and gift givers.
Discounted way to prepay hours
Printers Pass includes:
Up to 12 studio hours per pass
Use of any studio equipment and presses (when scheduled).
Printer Passes are $12 an hour
