Portland Printshops

I was in Portland recently for the Marathon and took the opportunity to visit a couple of Printshops. The first, Atelier Meridian is a for profit printmaking studio set up and run by Jane Pagliarulo. They were having an Open Studio event so I was able to pop in, take a little look around and chat to Jane and a few of the members. The studio offers 24 hour access to it's presses and other facilities as well as offering workshops to the public.

The second Studio I visited was Flight 64 on NE Alberta Street. Tucked down a small alley, Flight 64 is a non-profit co-op based studio which also offers 24 hour access to its members. This studio had more of a feel of a grass roots organisation with some home crafted facilities and tools that reminded me of the print room at UAA.

It seemed like a great studio to visit and compare with Atelier Meridian. Heather, who seemingly is doing most of the running of the place right now was happy to welcome us and tell us all about the studio, how it got started and how it runs. She was full of advice and support should I plan to open a studio here in Anchorage and her enthusiasm was infectious. I am sure I will be in touch to pick her brains at some point in the future. It was certainly inspiring to see what a group of people could put together, with some help from some generous donors along the way. Food for thought.