Master Printer & Director of Professional Printmaking Program at Self Help Graphics & Art

Master Printer and Director of the Professional Printmaking Program 

Full time, Exempt; includes relocation stipend

Compensation: $68,000; Medical benefits included

Reports to: Executive Director; Direct Reports: Studio Coordinator

Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG) is seeking an experienced Master Printer and arts administrator to oversee and implement the community building, artist mentoring, and publication of serigraph prints through the Professional Printmaking Program. The Master Printer/Director of the Professional Printmaking Program (DPPP) manages the printmaking studio, the production schedule and completes day-to-day administrative tasks with the support of the Studio Coordinator. The Master Printer/DPPP will work closely with the Executive Director,  Director of Artist Programs and Education, and collaboratively with the artists invited to publish in the studio through week-long residencies.

SHG’s Professional Printmaking Program is the artistic foundation of the organization that has produced over 2,200 fine art serigraph editions. An international treasure, this program is an important documentation of the Chicano/Latino art movement and has been the entry point for Latinx and Chicana/o artists into institutional collections such as LACMA, Smithsonian American Art Museum (DC), Blanton Museum (Austin), McNay Museum (San Antonio), Mexican Museum (San Francisco), National Museum of Mexican Art  (Chicago), and numerous universities, and has included international exchanges with Scotland, Cuba, and South Africa.

The qualifying candidate will have knowledge of the history of print, technical expertise covering a wide range of printing processes, with an emphasis on all forms of fine art serigraphy. The Master Printer/DPPP will manage all aspects of the serigraph studio, manage documentation of the print production process for the archive, lead printmaking workshops, and participate in accompanying programming including panel discussions and interviews.

The Master Printer/DPPP must be intentional in a mentorship and educational role to support printmaking apprentices, including the Studio Coordinator, and the growth of the artists in residence who may or may not have any printmaking experience. The Master Printer is invested in elevating the next generation of printmakers for the sustainability of the field, fostering an environment of peer-to-peer learning, and values the experience of self-taught artists practicing and learning outside of traditional educational paths.

Collaborative Master Printer Duties: 

• Prepare and publish hand-pulled, limited-editions prints as specified by the collaborating artists to the highest standards of quality.

• Work collaboratively with artists to publish editions, series and special projects.

• Manage studio calendar and maintain appropriate operational workload to achieve quality and timely production.

• Maintain all relevant records pertaining to publishing (i.e. color runs, paper stock, dates of printing, image description, dimensions, etc.

• Must communicate with tact and be respectful of diverse perspectives, the artist’s time, and varying skill sets.

• Respect the artist’s vision and offer technical guidance to successfully publish the artwork, without influencing or compromising the vision of the artist

• Teach the Studio Coordinator and other printmaking apprentices how to set up and manage a workspace, working preemptively and proactively, to produce a successful edition of prints

• Maintain all aspects of professional print studio, including printing materials, supplies, tools, and equipment

• Monitor and/or maintain quality control standards

• Perform routine equipment and press maintenance

• Maintain a safe work environment and manage the proper handling and storage of chemicals or hazardous materials.

Administrative Duties: 

• Work closely with the Director of Artistic Programs and Education on selection process for print studio artists in residence and ensure the invited artists reflect our broader community – multi-generational, diverse, various abilities and skill levels;  ensure the selection process prioritizes BIPOC, women and women-identified artists, LGBTQIA, and artists with disabilities.

• Travel regionally, nationally, and internationally to represent SHG and the Professional Printmaking Program in conferences, universities and funder settings as needed

• Track and record publishing expenses and manage studio budget

Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years experience in a professional print studio, or equivalent setting.

• Knowledge of diverse printmaking practices, new technologies and drive to experiment to create innovative editions that push the boundaries of print.

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

• Prior collaborative printing experience required. Examples of collaborative prints will be reviewed.

• Cultural competency and experience working with culturally diverse populations is required, prior experience in the nonprofit sector is welcome, but not required.

• Possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.

• Ability and willingness to speak in public settings.

• Commitment to and passion for the mission of Self Help Graphics and Art and the community we serve.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution, MFA or equivalent experience preferred (ie. apprenticeships with master printers).

Working Conditions, Physical Effort and Location: 

• Moderate physical effort; may require occasional lifting, handling, pushing, or moving objects up to 50 lbs.

• Regular handling of presses of various sizes and types

• Constant standing/walking

• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating equipment or working with chemicals.