Letterpress 2: Setting Type (Weekday Intensive)

Letterpress 2: Setting Type (Weekday Intensive)

$ 147
Thu, Jun 11, 2026 • 11:00 AM—5:00 PM

About this event

Workshops

Thursday, June 11; 10am–4pm CT This in-person letterpress workshop focuses on setting metal type and building familiarity with printing on the Vandercook press. Learn how to navigate MCBA’s type collection, how type is stored and organized, and how to arrange it in a composing stick for setting a text. Training will be provided on line justification, kerning (space between letters and words), and methods for holding type together (or “locking up” a form) for printing. Procedures for maintaining a community type collection and print studio will also be covered, in addition to a review of basic press operation, care, and safety. This workshop is an excellent refresher and opportunity to get reacquainted with MCBA’s presses and print studio. Take a deep-dive into letterpress printing on Vandercook presses and register for Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (6/10) and Letterpress 3: Two-Color Postcards (6/12) for an intensive learning experience. By the end of the week, you will be ready to register for Letterpress Labs to print independent projects! Level: Intermediate. Experience is required. Participants must have taken Letterpress 1: Printing Basics or a similar introductory letterpress workshop before registering for this workshop. Certificate: 6 hours, Category A or B Pricing $147 | $74 Scholarship | $221 Pay-It-Forward $15 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 6/8 at midnight (CT). More Printing Workshops Apr 11 Workshop, In-Person, Printing, Beginner Screen Print Cards: April Workshop, In-Person, Printing, Beginner Get familiar with MCBA’s screen printing studio and print your unique design on a set of cards! Workshop, In-Person, Printing, Beginner Apr 16 Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing Multicolor Woodcut Printmaking  Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing Sharpen your technique and gain a deeper understanding of the reductive printmaking process. Workshop, In-Person, Intermediate, Printing Apr 18 Workshop, In-Person, Beginner, Printing Letterpress 1: Printing Basics (April) 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 Register with Bethany Rahn

About this calendar

Minnesota Center For Book Arts

Nonprofit visual arts center championing the art of the book. 💪 @shopmnbookarts & our galleries are open Tue-Sat 10–5, Thurs until 7, & Sun 11-3💌📚