Event Registration

STAFF CONTACT 

Office Phone (541) 345 1571  

• Tony Hooks, Director of Arts Education - education@mkartcenter.org

PRINTMAKING STUDIO USE AGREEMENTS - Updated September, 2024

• Printmakers must be at least 18 years of age and either enrolled in an MKAC class or have completed an orientation. No guests or minors are permitted in the studio without prior authorization from MKAC Staff.

• Printmakers must demonstrate proficiency in the process they will be using. Prior experience with a printmaking class or current enrollment in an MKAC printmaking class is a requirement.

• Printmakers may not use the facility during a Maude Kerns Art Center class or other special event and must schedule all visits in advance by phone (541.345.1571), then sign in at the front desk.

• At present, there is a 2-person limit in the Printmaking studio. Printmakers are expected to communicate and respect others working in this shared space

• Printmakers are expected to clean up after themselves, keep their materials and supplies in a designated space, and report any disarray left from previous users to staff immediately.

•  If you think you may have damaged or broken a piece of equipment, you MUST alert MKAC staff immediately. We understand that accidents happen, but those who damage equipment through negligence or failure to report equipment issues to staff may be held responsible for repairs and/or replacement.

• Any supplies that are left in undesignated areas or are unidentified will be moved to the lost and found in the MKAC front office for the remainder of the term. After the term has ended, items will be disposed of or become the property of MKAC.

• Printmakers must clearly mark all prints on the drying rack with their name and remove them within one week. If prints are not moved after one week, they will be moved from the drying rack to the lost prints flat file drawer for one term. The lost prints are emptied at the end of the next term and all works are disposed of. 

•  All MKAC studio art supplies are for printmaking classes and may only be used by printmaking studio artists enrolled in MKAC classes

In the event of a serious accident or emergency, call 911 for Eugene City Police or Paramedic, or Eugene Urgent Care: (541) 636-3473.

PRINTMAKING STUDIO PROCEDURAL MANUAL 

This manual contains procedures and appropriate safety precautions for the MKAC Printmaking Studio, located on the lower floor of the Maude Kerns Annex Building. This is a shared space with other studio artists and classes run by the art center. Please use appropriate behavior and precautions, as your actions affect the entire studio including the Artists Resource Studio and Garden Classroom

STUDIO USE ETIQUETTE

• Be aware of the needs of other people working around you in the studio. Music (content or volume), the amount of time you need for the exclusive use of a press or piece of equipment, the amount of space you take up with a project, and other personal work habits can directly impact fellow users. Different styles and work habits are taken into account, and artists who consistently interfere with others' ability to work may be asked to alter their behavior. Repeatedly problematic or disruptive behavior may result in termination of access, as decided on a case-by-case basis. 

•  You may ask the studio monitor and others in the studio for advice and help occasionally, but as a studio artist, you are expected to know the equipment and techniques that you have applied to use and should be able to work independently. We have a variety of classes and workshops scheduled so you can learn new things and expand your skills.

• When a monitor is present, they are responsible for speaking to anyone who is behaving in a disruptive or dangerous manner. Unacceptable behavior includes reckless use of chemicals and flammables, misuse of equipment, repeated failure to clean up properly, inconsiderate behavior towards others, noise, or music. The monitor may request that the disruptive person leave the premises. 

• Please be mindful when using MKAC materials. A limited amount of supplies and tools are available for use in the printmaking studio. Printmakers are welcome to bring their own supplies.

GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES & POLICIES

• Know where fire extinguishers are located: One is located next to the sink in the printmaking studio. A second is located in the Artist Resource Studio by the sink on the upper floor. 

• Know where the first aid kit is located: Ours is located on the shelving by the drying rack. 

• Know where the nearest eye wash station is located: Ours is next to the sink. Flush the eye for 15 minutes and seek medical evaluation. 

• Know where the appropriate waste bins are located: Flameproof cans are provided to collect hazardous waste, such as rags used with mineral spirits or other solvents. 

• Take precautions to reduce the risk of chemical intoxication. Toxins can enter the body in three ways: skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. 

• No eating is permitted in the printmaking studio, and closed containers for drinks are required.

• No smoking or open flame is allowed anywhere inside the building.

• No working under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.

• Seek medical attention for serious injuries.

• Notify MKAC staff in the event of any injuries or accidents. 

• ONLY USE EQUIPMENT THAT YOU KNOW HOW TO USE PROPERLY! Do not use tools or equipment without proper knowledge/instruction.  

SUPPLIES & TOOLS ARTISTS MUST PROVIDE:

• Color etching, relief, and screenprinting inks 

• Plates, blocks, & screens 

• Printing paper 

• Extra Tape 

• Gloves 

• Any other personal supplies such as hand tools, brushers, dust masks, and more 

GENERAL STUDIO USE & MAINTENANCE

• Do not cut on the work tables or glass palettes – all cutting must be done on a cutting mat. They are located upstairs on the cabinet with the paper cutter. Paper tearing can be done on tables and other work surfaces. 

• Use glass tables or portable plexi palettes for inking. 

• Take care not to waste expendable materials (such as ink, rags, solvents, etc.) This is a safer practice for the environment and helps to keep studio costs low. 

• Do not leave paper soaking in the paper soaking tray when you leave the studio. Place wet paper on the drying rack then empty the water. 

• Users must clearly mark all prints on the drying rack with their names and remove them within one week. If prints are not moved after one week, they will be moved from the drying rack to the lost prints area. The lost prints area is emptied at the end of each term and all works are disposed of.  The flat file is for class use only. 

STUDIO CLEAN UP 

• Damp towels used as blotters should be hung to dry at the end of each work session. 

• Use rags to clean up with solvents and paper towels to clean vegetable oil and water-based materials. 

• Return any tools that you use to their designated space 

• Clean up any work surfaces you have used (counters, tabletops, palettes, sinks, etc). Don’t forget to wipe up press beds, and check the floor for spills around the area you have worked. 

• Clean all tools thoroughly, wiping all sides and edges (palette knives, brayers, razor scrapers). This is critical for keeping our shared tools in the best condition possible. 

• Sweep up metal filings, wood/linoleum chips, scraps and debris from the floor. A broom, mop, and other cleaning supplies are located in the studio. 

• Make sure the studio is clean when you leave. Cleanliness adds GREATLY to the safety and overall function of the studio. 

• Make sure all appliances and lights (hot plate, fans, heaters, etc) are turned off before you leave. There are two sets of light switches, one by the tear bars and another by the lower studio door. 

• Any supplies that are left in undesignated areas or are unidentified will be moved to the lost and found in the front office of MKAC for the remainder of the term. After the term has ended, items will be disposed of or become the property of MKAC.

STUDIO ACCESS & AVAILABILITY (OUTSIDE OF CLASS HOURS)

• Upon arrival for your scheduled time, visit the front desk to sign in and check out the key. When your reserved time is up, reset the space, return he key to a staff member at the front desk, then sign out.

• Contact a staff member in the office area if there are any issues that arise during your session. Weekday availability is from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and weekend availability is only on Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Holidays, classes, special events, or gallery closure may impact studio availability so be sure to call in advance when scheduling.

• Artists are responsible for bringing their own personal supplies.

Studio Use Agreement Signatory for Term: Due to periodic updates to the studio, you will be asked to update your agreement each term you take a class. 

Link to full, downloadable Manual and Agreement

By clicking "Yes, I agree", I am agreeing to these terms and to follow and uphold the procedures, rules, and responsibilities outlined in this document. I certify that I have received a copy of the procedures and have been made aware of the hazards associated with working in this studio. I understand that failure to do so may result in loss of access to the space without refund and that MKAC reserves the right to revoke my access at any time and for any reason.