Call for Visiting Artists

Selected artists may use the Hot Iron Press letterpress and silkscreen facilities for free for a period of up to two weeks in order to work on and complete their proposed project. Hot Iron Press staff will be available in whatever capacity the artist needs - anything from occasional technical assistance to hands-on collaboration in the art-making process. The ultimate goal of the program is for the artist to use our facilities to complete an editioned work of art. Upon completion, the artist retains 3/4 of their edition while Hot Iron Press receives the other 1/4 to sell in our online catalog, display in art shows, or use for other promotional purposes. While visiting artists are allowed to use our facilities for free, they are also expected to provide paper for their project at their own expense as well as any other items they may need that we don't have on hand. It is also the artist's responsibility to find and pay for his or her own accomodations and transportation while in New Orleans, though we can be of assistance in helping locate affordable options.

Our facilities include:

Showcard sign press (printing area of up to 14.5" x 44.5")

Showcard sign press (printing area of up to 22.5" x 28")

Vandercook Universal I proofing press (printing area of up to 21" x 15")

Chandler and Price guillotine paper cutter (cuts up to 30" x 30" and 3.5" thick)

120 different typefaces

Various old cuts and engravings

Vaccuum table with hinge clamps for silkscreen (printing surface area of up to 36" x 60")

Exposure unit (capable of burning image area up to 26" x 42")

Various size silkscreens

Various inks - acrylic for silkscreen; rubber-based, oil-based, and water-based for letterpress or relief

AB Dick 360 offset press (prints up to 11" x 17")

Drying rack

Epson Stylus Pro 7800 large format printer (prints up to 24" wide from a roll)

How to submit a proposal:

There is no deadline for proposals as this program is open year-round. Interested artists should submit a detailed written description of their proposed project accompanied by some sort of visual representation of what they're envisioning (sketches, photos, etc.). Additionally, artists must submit a resume and 10 to 20 images of previous work (jpegs are preferred, but slides may also be sent). Proposals may be submitted by email to hotironpress@hotmail.com or by regular mail to Hot Iron Press, 1422 Kentucky St, New Orleans, LA 70117.

Previous visiting artists:

FAUB.ORG Design Collective

CLAIRE RAU

HOPE AMICO