Print Futures: Spring 2024

What is Print Futures?

Print Futures is a free series featuring emerging artists and educators, whose virtual lightning talks and ensuing discussions build bridges, encourage, and support the next generation of printers. Print Futures is co-produced semi-annually by Partners in Print (PiP) and Letterpress Educators of Art & Design (LEAD) and made possible by community support.

Spring 2024 Presenters

Gabriela Rivera (Austin, TX) is a senior BFA student at the University of Texas at Austin. As a Resident within the School of Design and Creative Technologies, she showcases specimens from the Rob Roy Kelly Wood Type collection through experimental printing techniques, contributing to the contemporary relevance of this historical collection.

Maggie Murphy (Greensboro, NC) is an art and design librarian at UNC Greensboro who learned letterpress at Penland School of Craft. She now prints from her guest bedroom on a vintage sign press for a project she is calling Premonition Press. Her letterpress work explores existential disquietude—ecological, personal, and otherwise.

Nat McGartland (College Park, MD) is a PhD candidate in English at the University of Maryland, working in digital studies and the history of the book. She believes that the press has always been political. As a Graduate Assistant at BookLab, Nat researches craft activism and experiential learning. Her protest art has been featured in the New York Times, Reuters, Politico, and more.

Who should register?

Print Futures is geared toward emerging letterpress printers — whether students, interns, or independent letterpress enthusiasts. All levels of experience are welcome. Register to attend and apply to present in the future! 

Is Print Futures recorded?

Print Futures is best enjoyed live — you’ll find it’s a lot more fun and conducive to forming personal connections. Individual Print Futures presentations are recorded for educational purposes; Q&A and breakout rooms are not recorded. They are closed captioned using Zoom.