Text and conText Lab now open at Hillman Library and offering classes

The Text & conText Lab, a joint project of the Center for Creativity and the University Library System is finally open on the third floor of Hillman Library.

The space will launch with some intimate, casual workshops to explore the Lab's resources (especially the Vandercook press) and connect with other University makers with a special interest in print, paper and text. Workshops are especially designed for beginners. 

All workshops are held in the lab, and materials and aprons are provided. (These get messy, so don't wear your best clothes!)

Find upcoming workshops below. Space is limited.

Letterpress 101: Bookmarked!: 2:30-4 p.m. July 8. Register here

Get acquainted with the Vandercook proof press, typesetting, and the basic terminology you need to manually print anything from books to broadsides. Then get hands-on with the press and go home with your own custom bookmarks. Facilitated by Mike Campbell, Center for Creativity.

Letterpress 101: Cloud Collaboration: 2-3:30 p.m. July 13. Register here

Get acquainted with the Vandercook proof press, typesetting, and the basic terminology you need to manually print anything from books to broadsides. Then get hands-on with the press and go home with your own collaborative word cloud poster. Making word clouds together can help us find shared meaning while having fun!  Join us for a creative workshop where we'll put this idea into action. Facilitated by Jasmine Green, Center for Creativity.

Paper Marbling: 2-3:30 p.m. July 27. Register here

Come experiment with the ancient art of painting on water. During this informal workshop, we will discover the basics of paper marbling and use different techniques to create and print beautiful patterns. Facilitated by Anaïs Grateau, Archives & Special Collections.