Pyramid Atlantic is a contemporary arts center dedicated to the creation and appreciation of hand papermaking, printmaking, digital arts, and the art of the book. Pyramid offers workshops, individual instruction, rental facilities and other programs. The facilities include the Printshop, Bindery, Screenprint Studio, Papermill and Letterpress Studio.
The Letterpress Studio has two Vandercook cylinder presses (a Universal 1 and a 4T), a Chandler & Price Pilot platen press and over 80 cases of foundry type.
Location
We are located on the first floor of the Pyramid Atlantic building at 8230 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.
Associates
The Pyramid Letterpress studio is maintained by the three Letterpress Associates: Melanie Karlins, Julia Louie and Leslie Smith. Feel free to email us with any questions!
Letterpress Happy Hours
Every first and third Wednesday, we host an open studio from 7pm-9pm. The cost is $10 for Pyramid members and $20 for non-members. This is a great time for typesetting, printing small projects and getting feedback on ideas. To sign up for email reminders, send an email to letterpress-happy-hour+subscribe@googlegroups.com. Please keep in mind that instruction is not provided at Happy Hour. You must have had at least one lesson or workshop before attending Happy Hour.
Workshops
Our letterpress workshops can be found in the "Printmaking" section of Pyramid's Workshop page.
Individual instruction/assisted rentals
Individual instruction can be arranged by emailing us. The rates are $50/hour for Pyramid Atlantic members and $55/hour for non-members. For groups of two or more, lessons are $40/hour for each member student and $45/hour for each non-member student.
Independent rentals
Renting the letterpress studio can be arranged by emailing us. The rates are $15/hour for Pyramid members and $20/hour for non-members. Renters must be certified before using the studio to ensure their safety and the safety of the equipment.
Certification
All independent renters must meet our studio experience requirements, complete the certification walkthrough with an Associate, sign the Pyramid Atlantic Rental Agreement Contract and pay a refundable $50 rental deposit. Required experience is generally 10 hours of hands-on studio time (from Pyramid workshops, lessons or happy hours). Prior experience at with other presses or studios will be taken into account.
Volunteering
We welcome volunteers who'd like to help out! Duties usually consist of putting away type and spacing with the occasional special project. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Pyramid's Volunteer Coordinator, Jody McLean at volunteers.pyramid@gmail.com. Volunteer hours can be traded for free time in the studio!