Paperworkers Local was founded in 2013 with the intention to nurture a local printmaking community in Birmingham, AL and to foster a diverse and inclusive community of printmakers and paper artists in Birmingham, the state of Alabama, and beyond. Printmakers face the unique challenge of finding affordable public access to printmaking equipment, education, and resources. It is traditional for printmakers to work together in a shop environment where the exchange of knowledge and resources can occur. We believe the power of the press is best served when there is diversity in our community, in knowledge, and in artistic skills exchanged among the group. We also believe in serving a diverse local arts community. As a studio and exhibition space, PWL believes that the exhibition of art from artists of different cultural backgrounds, strengthens our community and expands our minds. We actively seek to build diversity among our membership, teaching artists, and exhibition programming to enrich our community. We see art as a tool to support the expression of identity and we are committed to creating an environment that welcomes and includes all regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, or cultural background.
Join Us
Any members who want to work in the studio must complete a shop tour, safety briefing, and also do one of the following:
Take a workshop with us. Afterward you'll be able to access the equipment used in the workshop.
Meet with a member and tell us about your experience with printmaking. Beginner levels are welcome.
Guests and family of members are welcome to visit but are required to become members if they want to use the shop.
Contact us at paperworkerslocal@gmail.com to get more information and schedule a shop tour
BASIC MEMBER
Benefits:
Shop access any time, except during workshops.
Opportunities to have work included in the annual members exhibition.
May curate exhibitions, portfolio exchanges and special projects.
Sell work in the shop racks (20% commission).
Have a voice in the running of the shop at the monthly meeting.
Use of a flat file drawer for storing your materials.
$50 per month.
SUPPORTING MEMBER
Many of our members are young emerging artists and we do our best to keep the cost of membership low for them. We appreciate that members who can afford to pay more voluntarily to do so in order to help support the co-op.
Supporting members receive all of the same benefits as basic members. Plus the satisfaction of knowing they are helping build a community of artists.
$75 per month.
