The Co-op at Highpoint Center for Printmaking
Interested in Co-op Membership?
More information is available online
or download a PDF Application here: coop_contract-end2009-02_info.pdf [198 KB]
Highpoint Center for Printmaking is an environment dedicated to the practice of fine art related printmaking. We offer classes for people of all ages, host community related events and exhibitions, invite artists to collaborate with Highpoint Editions, and provide the community an opportunity to join a vital group of artists by offering the Highpoint Co-op Membership. Through this Cooperative program members have access to a state-of-the-art printmaking studio and a chance to interact with other artists.
The Highpoint Co-op Membership grants the personal use of Highpoint’s Co-op facilities, a 50% discount on most classes, and inclusion in Highpoint Co-op member shows.
A listing of past shows is available online here.
Co-op members work at Highpoint on an independent basis to produce their own prints. The Co-op at Highpoint is designed specifically for individuals who have demonstrated an appropriate level of experience in printmaking and are granted access to work in one or more printmaking techniques, including relief, lithography, intaglio, and screenprinting. While not all new members have extensive experience in their chosen medium, we do require that they have the ability to use the facilities correctly, independently, safely, and with consideration for other members.
Prospective members need to read and fill out a full application form, interview with the Studio Manager to assess technical ability, and complete a thorough studio and safety orientation before using the studio.
Tales from the Co-op:
Highlighting two current members of our Printshop Cooperative:
Roberta Allen
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“Grass Portrait #3” by Roberta Allen © 2008 |
“I avoided taking printmaking in art school. The classroom, located in the basement of the century-old Boston Museum School, was dark and dank, and those who emerged were bleary-eyed and covered in black ink. They seemed possessed. Instead, I painted, drew, and dabbled in sculpture. Fast forward past growing up in Boston, marriage, two kids and a dog, a house in the suburbs, to 1996, when we moved to Minneapolis. In 2002 I was fortunate enough to receive a State Arts Board grant in sculpture. I was seeking a new challenge and enrolled in a weeklong, intensive intaglio class in Vermont. After that week, I felt a pull to continue making 2-dimensional work, hoping to incorporate my love of assemblage. My collages, constructed from “failed” intaglio and screenprints, are broken down and then rebuilt layer by layer. Over the last six years at Highpoint, I have met many generous and talented people, all willing to help when asked. But, from time to time, we walk around shaking our heads, wondering: What went wrong? Why didn’t this work? Now what? It’s those questions that keep me coming back. And yes, we are possessed.”
Patrick Higgins
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“The Third Station” by Patrick Higgins © 2007 |
“I was born in 1939 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1944 my father returned to Oklahoma to take over his family's ranching and oil interests. That's where I grew up and why the ranching and western cultures have always been important to me.
In 1969 I finished architecture school at Washington University, where I was first exposed to printmaking. Hand printing woodblock prints and drawing from life nurtured visual decision-making, but I'm afraid I spent about as much time across the street at the St. Louis Art Museum as I did in the design studio.
After twenty-five years in architecture I left the field and got another Master's degree in counseling psychology and alcohol/drug counseling at the University of Minnesota. I spent several years in that field, ending up at a community mental health center in Minneapolis. During the time I was working with homeless and mentally ill adults, I returned to the University of Minnesota and began to study intaglio printmaking. That pursuit led to Highpoint after final retirement. I treasure the exposure to professional publications and the artist community that Highpoint nurtures.
In addition to printmaking my retirement includes large measures of family, travel, music, theater, gardening, and several volunteer activities. I've never had it so good!”