The Co-op at Highpoint Center for Printmaking

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:

Kristoffer Shideman

“Evol Hare” by Kristoffer Shideman © 2009

I was born in 1984 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have spent my whole life here in the Twin Cities and have always been interested in creating art since a very young age. I continued my arts education at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities where printmaking as a profession first came into focus.

Starting primarily as an illustrator and sculptor, I discovered the art of printmaking halfway through my undergraduate program. I was immediately drawn to the process and technique involved in relief printing. Carving became an obsession of sorts and the time spent both carving and printing seemed far too natural to ignore. My process starts with selecting the most desirable block for the sketch, either linoleum slab or a hand-selected piece of wood (pine or birch ply). Most recently I have been experimenting with various line quality/texture in linoleum carving as seen in my recent prints entitled “Lilypedals”, “Evol Hare,” and “Senseless Violence.”

Highpoint’s new space has been a blessing. After finishing studies in undergraduate studio — I was concerned with finding a place to continue progressing work as a printmaker. The community within Highpoint’s studio has been so welcoming that the transition from old to new studio felt innate. Kris’s work can be viewed at www.ink-cartel.com

Jan Shoger

“The Trio’s Dance” by Jan Shoger © 2009

Jan Shoger began making prints at the Highpoint Co-op over 6 years ago upon retiring from St. Olaf College Studio Art Department where she taught printing and drawing for 20 years. She doesn’t mind the 45 minute drive up from Northfield. A place to park behind the studios next to the Kinji Akigawa Rain Garden always awaits her.

Jan recently commented:

Recently, Jan has been making a series of lithographic prints on the theme of weathering, using natural phenomena as a metaphor for ways which we all age, focusing on new strengths and beauty that emerge as one weathers life experiences. She often likes to use monoprints for the colored layer under the lithographs because of the painterly effects made possible. Jan’s work can be viewed at www.stolaf.edu/people/shoger/