Studio and Darkroom Rental

The Printmaking Council has professional printmaking and photography studio facilities available for our members to rent. Please read below for more information.

Candidates for Studio Use

Candidates must  be current members of the Printmaking Council and need to submit a resume and/or record of their training or experience. Staff or a designated Board member will instruct you on studio procedures. The Executive Committee must formally ratify approval.  We specifically request that potential studio users be familiar with workshop equipment, printing processes, and health and safety procedures. You must be familiar with the PROPER use of an etching press. No instruction or supervision is available during your studio visit. To submit an application (you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader™)

Fees

The fee for darkroom and studio use is $30 per day or $8 per hour.  Special discount rates are available at $150.00 per month, or $300.00 for the entire year of unlimited studio use. Membership fees are additional.

Reservations

Print Studio Equipment

The print workshop equipment includes two Charles Brand etching presses (28”x 50” bed), one Fuchs-Lang lithography press (26”x 39”), paper pulper and related equipment, water and acid trays, solvents, acid,  rollers of various sizes and densities, blankets, foam rubber blanket, hot plate, Dremel saw with flexible shaft drill, litho stones, buckets, sponges, files, stone grinding trough, and a paper cutter.

Any other materials and supplies will be provided by the individual member.  The Council provides information as to where one can purchase graphic supplies.  Orders for some materials such as color inks can be made through the Council and can be delivered here. Storage space for individual users is not available.

The Council also has a supply of printing paper, newsprint, blotters, tarlatan, plates (zinc and copper), etc., on sale on the premises. Ask a staff member for assistance before your visit.

Darkroom Equipment

The darkroom is equipped with a Beseler 45MXII enlarger with 50, 75, 105, 135mm lenses, contrast filters (1-4in half-steps), enlarging easels up to 11”x14”, negative carriers for 35mm, 2 and 1/4 x 3 and 1/4, 3 and 1/2 x 4 and 1/2, trays, tongs, timers, film developing tanks and reels, temperature controlled sink, ventilator fan, paper safe, silver reclaimer, etc.

All other materials, such as papers, chemicals, and storage vessels, will be provided by the individual member. Storage space for individual users is not available.

Papermaking Equipment

Available equipment for papermakers include a Hollander beater, bookpress, molds, deckles, felts, and tubs of various sizes.

Letterpress

The letterpress studio is equipped with a Vandercook Universal I Reproduction proof press, a Berkey Ascor exposure unit with vacuum frame (30”x40”) and 60 type drawers.

Printmaking Council of New Jersey
440 River Road
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-2110