This interview was conducted via email by one of our researchers, Emma Grace Avery, with Kathy Garrou on September 27th, 2023.

 

Emma Grace: How was the Atlanta Printmaking Studio created, and what sparked your interest in printmaking?

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Kathy Garrou: Atlanta Printmaking Studio (APS) was founded to create a fully equipped printmaking studio for both the education of the general community and a community of artists who are interested in and dedicated to fine art printmaking. Its founders, Stephanie Smith, Andrea Emmons, and Kathy Garrou are experienced professional artists who are active as teachers and practitioners of the art. They saw that the community did not have an existing resource to support that goal. By reaching out to the community of artists in the area, they have gathered together seasoned art-makers, educators, and arts administrators to support their efforts. 

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Emma Grace: Can you please give a brief history about your business in around three sentences or less?

 

Kathy Garrou: The Atlanta Printmakers Studio (APS) was established to support the fine art of printmaking in metro Atlanta. Founders envisioned an organization that would provide a well-equipped printmaking studio for local artists as well as raise the awareness of printmaking as an art form. In August 2005 the incorporation papers were signed and in December 2006 APS’s 501c3 non-profit status was approved – Atlanta Printmakers Studio was founded. 

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Emma Grace: Do you offer internships or work with your community for any outreach projects? 

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Kathy Garrou: Yes to both. 

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Emma Grace: How many letterpress machines do you have, what make/model, and how did they come into your possession? 

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Kathy Garrou: All but 2 of our presses were donated to APS:

Vandercook 215
Vandercook SP15

Challenge Press

Chandler & Price Old Style platen presses, 8x12

Chandler & Price Old Style platen presses, 10x15

Pear Press, floor model

Poco Proofing Press

Pill Press

3 small table top presses 

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Emma Grace: Please feel free to add any information you feel is important!

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Kathy Garrou: 

• Atlanta Printmakers Studio is a printmaking studio and not a letterpress studio. 

• Mission: Nurture the practice of printmaking as an original art form among professional artists and everyone who wants to learn.

• APS exists to provide studio space and equipment for artist renters and offers community outreach through classes, workshops and exhibitions in order to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for fine art printmaking.