The history of itinerant printers is as old as the history of printing itself; movable type being moved by peripatetic practitioners of the black art. In this talk, the nomadic lifestyle of journeymen printers is examined critically and comically, and careful consideration is given to the indispensable role tramps played in the dissemination of information, techniques, and knowledge.
The Itinerant Printer (aka, Chris Fritton) shares stories and images from his journeys on the road, along with an overview of the cities, shops, and institutions to come. Show and tell with the postcards and prints that have been made to date, with Q & A about techniques, challenges, and little victories.
Chris Fritton is the former Studio Director of the Western New York Book Arts Center. A poet, printer, and fine artist, Fritton has over a decade of experience writing, printing, and making his own books, in addition to collaborative efforts with other authors and artists. As a former designer and printer for Mohawk Press at the Western New York Book Arts Center, Fritton was lucky enough to create gig posters for dozens of bands, including Sleater-Kinney, Dead Kennedys, Deerhoof, of Montreal, & Wu Tang Clan.
Fritton has been working on a new project called The Itinerant Printer, where he’s visited over 160 letterpress print shops throughout North America in four years, covering over 65,000 miles and making over 20,000 prints on the road. He recently culminated the journey in an over-sized coffee table book featuring all the places, prints, and people from along the way.
The project intended to capture the spirit of the analog revival, send real samples of it into people’s mailboxes, and convey the ethos of the handmade to a broader audience via social media, and as a culmination, resulted in a coffee table book that features photos all of the people, prints, and places from the adventure.
Doors open at 6pm for the social hour. Light bites and NA beverages available.
Speaker presentation begins at 7pm. There is a parking lot near the Mary Harris auditorium, with overflow parking on RMCAD campus.
Ticket Prices:
General Admission $15, Friends of The Letterpress Depot $10, AIGA Member $10, Students $5, RMCAD Students - free.
If you are a friend of The Letterpress Depot or a RMCAD student, please email events@aigacolorado.org for your ticket discount code.
About AIGA CO:
AIGA: The Professional Association for Design
AIGA advances design as a professional craft, strategic advantage and vital cultural force. As the largest community of design advocates, we bring together practitioners, enthusiasts, and patrons to amplify the voice of design and create the vision for a collective future. We define global standards and ethical practices, guide design education, enhance professional development, and make powerful tools and resources accessible to all.
Who We Are
At AIGA Colorado we are determined to advance design as a professional craft. Our goal is to build a more dynamic and inclusive creative community where everyone can grow, network and participate. To make that happen, we are dedicated to providing opportunities to further your education and help enhance your role as a designer within our community by offering diverse programs, events and initiatives.
Founded in 1989, we’re an affiliate of AIGA, the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of designing. Nationally, AIGA represents over 25,000 designers through more than 70 chapters and 240 student groups.