It's no secret we're big fans of letterpress, so when Cindy Iverson, local artist and co-founder of Letterpress Central mentioned a Wayzgoose slated for this summer, we took a few notes.
The traditional Wayzgoose began as a celebration hosted by a master printer for his workmen that marked the end of summer and the beginning of working by candlelight. The celebration evolved with the industry and was later known as an annual outing of printers on a newspaper staff. Today, the word's used by a few printing associations as a celebration of letterpress and a great excuse to spend time swapping secrets, learning techniques, and showing off new tricks.
And if that sounds enticing, you better get your calendar out.
See also: - A Sneak Peek at Letterpress Central: The Paper Studio's New Workshop Space - Letterpress an Election Day Keepsake at the ASU Book Arts Studio - Hazel and Violet INK's Vintage Printing and Modern Inspiration
From June 5 through 9, hundreds of letterpress printers and fiends will gather at Letterpress Central to listen to lectures, participate in workshops, auction off their equipment, and share stories.
The event's an annual occasion for the Amalgamated Printers' Association, started by Letterpress Central's Mike O'Connor in 1958.
"This will be the first time an APA Wayzgoose will be held in Arizona," writes O'Connor. "It may be our first, but one thing I can guarantee you, is that it will be one you will truly enjoy and long remember."
And you'll believe him as soon as you see the lineup.
On Thursday, June 6, there will be two workshops, one with Jessica Spring of Daredevil Press that will focus on type composition and printing techniques -- including setting type that curves -- as well as a workshop with Michigan-based artist James Horton on wood engraving and hand-set type.
Friday, June 7, will be an opportunity for members and guests to talk shop, hear from printers around the country, and discuss the state of the industry "including a detailed look at small studios (and one that sets all the type by hand) and where this relatively new letterpress phenomenon is going," according to Connor.
Keep an eye out for guests including the founders of Ladies of Letterpress, ASU professor of fine printing and founder of Pyracantha Press and Cabbage Head Press Jon Risseeuw, Chicago-based printer and founder of Starshaped Press Jennifer Farrell, and more.
On Saturday, June 8, the letterpress swap meet and auction will take over The Radisson Hotel in Chandler. The auction kicks off at 1:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Iverson says you can count on plenty of letters, prints, equipment, and more.
And on Sunday, June 9, Sky Shipley of the Skyline Type Foundry in Prescott will be hosting an all-day open house and studio tour.
Registration is open to APA members now through April 25 and is open to the public after April 25. Workshop costs vary, so be sure to check out the Phoenix Wayzgoose website for more info.
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