TAMIU’s Laredo Mobile Letterpress Brings Art-Centered Projects to Campus and Community at Large
Traditional letterpress printing has made its way to Laredo with a series of community-based events organized by Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students, faculty and staff members. Together, they have collectively spent the past year creating vibrant work crafted from antique letterpress equipment.
During the Spring 2020 semester, TAMIU assistant professor of Art Jesse Shaw received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). Assisted by the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Projects, the grant funds helped start the Laredo Mobile Letterpress.
The proposed project purchased vintage letterpress equipment with wood and metal type and aimed to provide a year’s worth of public programming, Shaw explained.
“For the programming, we hosted two visiting artists to lead letterpress-based projects. The project's mission was to give Laredoans a voice through the tradition of handmade letterpress posters and prints and teach the history of the process,” said Shaw.
While the COVID-19 Pandemic placed a strain on finding the necessary equipment, Shaw and his students found a letterpress contractor who would restore and deliver a letterpress in time for the Fall 2020 semester.
The first project for the Laredo Mobile Letterpress was a collaborative opportunity between Alexander High School art teacher Erika Buentello’s students and University students. The high school students worked on their designs from home remotely and sent them to University printmaking to be printed physically by socially distanced students in the on-campus printmaking studio. University students then hand dyed the paper and created designs to match the text.
View some of the artwork created by Alexander High School and TAMIU students at https://www.instagram.com/p/CH_azG5lNij/.
During the Spring 2021 semester, Romero, Shaw and research assistant Elizabeth Kennedy also completed an outdoor event at The Outlet Shoppes at Laredo that resulted in a mural display. To view the mural display, visit https://www.instagram.com/p/CNGee06FM4j/.
Through the summer and Fall 2021 semester, Romero, Shaw and research assistant Melissa Arredondo hosted several outdoor events and workshops on-campus through the Laredo Public Library.
A popular campus workshop was the LAREDO Language letterpress project which resulted in a gallery of letterpress-based works on display at Dusty’s Gameroom. Here’s a look at some of the created artwork: https://www.instagram.com/p/CT15w0eFCDt/.
Students also took part in a Dia De Los Muertos celebration at the Laredo Center for the Arts. The prints created during the community-based festival used ink mixed with copal incense powder. View additional photos of the event at https://www.instagram.com/p/CVzJ_eoMFX0/.
The Fall 2021 semester also brought two visiting artists who met with University students. Visit artists included Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder, who specializes in bookmaking, and Cynthia Marsh, a pioneer in the revival of letterpress printing and preservation, said Shaw.
Schroeder conducted a bookmaking workshop with students and produced an edition of 70 zines titled, "Unseen City." Photos from this project are viewable at https://www.instagram.com/p/CVLBzXGlu4_/.
Marsh conducted four workshops, with two held at the Laredo Public Library and two held on campus. The workshops helped piece together Marsh’s newest project, “Printed River,” which includes a fabric piece that measures six feet wide and over 40-feet in length.
“The piece is comprised of Laredoans thoughts, memories, and hopes for the Rio Grande River,” said Shaw.
A preview of the project is available at https://www.instagram.com/p/CWLnyNQl8o3/.
The latest venture of the Laredo Mobile Letterpress is an exhibit at the Laredo Center for the Arts, which features works created through the letterpress throughout 2020-21.
Through the letterpress initiative, Shaw and his students hope to continue collaborating with community partners, as well as the University community.
“The Laredo Mobile Letterpress remains accessible to TAMIU students and visiting artists. Special print events will still occur to continue the mission,” Shaw affirmed.
For individuals interested in pursuing a degree in art, the University currently offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art and a Bachelor of Art with an All-Level Certification for those looking to transition to a career in teaching.
More information on these degree programs is available at http://catalog.tamiu.edu/undergraduate-information/arts-sciences/fine-performing-arts/. Additionally, students can also choose to minor in Art History or Studio History.
For additional information, contact Shaw via email at jesse.shaw@tamiu.edu.
To read TAMIU’s 2021 Annual Report or access a downloadable PDF file, go to: https://www.tamiu.edu/annualreport/
TAMIU’s Spring 2022 Registration is now underway. Classes begin Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022. Late registration ends Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. To learn more about TAMIU’s Registration processes, visit the dedicated Registration Hub at https://www.tamiu.edu/reghub/.
University offices will close in a State-authorized holiday observance at noon on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021. University offices will reopen at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. In the event of an emergency, please contact University Police at 956.326.2100.
The Laredo Mobile Letterpress exhibit at the Laredo Center for the Arts features works created through the letterpress throughout 2020-21.
