Ron Ribant takes an intaglio press off the bed of a trailer with a forklift.
History of Highpoint Center for Printmaking

Highpoint Center for Printmaking was established in April 2001 and is the only accessible, community-oriented facility of its kind in the Upper Midwest. Until Highpoint opened its doors, broad public access to the printmaking arts was virtually non-existent in this part of the country. Highpoint is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art of printmaking. Its goals are to provide educational programs, community access, and collaborative publishing opportunities to engage the community and increase the appreciation and understanding of the printmaking arts.

Image of Highpoint early in the construction process. Image of Highpoint during the middle of construction.

Highpoint Center for Printmaking during construction.

Highpoint provides these opportunities through four focus areas:

  • Educational Programming & Community Programs for all ages and backgrounds in printmaking.
  • A Printshop Cooperative which provides access for local artists to create and show their work in a supportive workshop environment.
  • A Visiting Artists Program—local, national and international in scope—through which invited artists create original prints under guidance and support of a Master Printer.
  • An Emerging Artists Program, funded by the Jerome Foundation, provides access, support and a group show to three emerging printmakers each year.
Image of Michael Kareken, Ron Ribant, and Cole Rogers guiding a press into pro shop. Image of Tyler Starr & Jason Miller during construction

(left) Michael Kareken, Ron Ribant, & Cole Rogers guide the intaglio press into the professional shop. (right) Tyler Starr & Jason Miller reviewing the miniature of Highpoint Center for Printmaking, during construction.

Co-founders Executive Director Carla McGrath and Artistic Director & Master Printer Cole Rogers are building Highpoint with established reputations in, and extensive knowledge of the arts, education and printmaking. Prior to starting HP, McGrath was Art Lab Coodinator at the Walker Art Center (1995–2000). Rogers served as Print Shop Director at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1995–2000) and earned his Master Printer’s Certificate from the Tamarind Institute, NM.