We’ve set up shop at the Soap Factory and are ready to begin printing, which is quite exciting! We’ve got nice work tables (all the better for Thursday Work Nights), and a couple swings (for fun, of course).

During Artery Twentyten, we’ll be at the Soap Factory printing, binding, and presenting the first ten editions. We’re also printing a special Artery Twentyten poster with a different panel released each night. So it behooves you to come every night and collect them all!

Ariel & Kelly on the swings

Kelly, working on the Artery Twentyten poster

Artery Twentyten poster after a night of performances and their respective ephemera

Ok. We made it through our first weekend at the Soap Factory—Artery 2010 weekend no less. There were performances everywhere (intentional and non). All the while, and with the help of volunteers to boot, we were collecting bits and pieces from each performance, which we would then very carefully slip into the squares of the delicate organza Artery 2010 poster. And, of course, we’re running our printers like they’ve never been run before. Turns out: those printers love to run out of toner. As Tiff might say, “have you ever met a printer?” Next, we’ll be running prints on the Ditto machine (a.k.a., mimeograph, spirit duplicator). We’re looking forward to it!

On another note, Red76 is hosting a book-related project as part of the Walker Art Center’s Open field. Make a cross-town trek and visit us both!

PS: Our swings have become hot items! They’ve also been host many a romantic interaction. We even heard someone say, “So, do you come here often?” Really.

Friday was a pretty good day: Ariel facilitated a tour of the Legal Ledger print shop, Tiff guillotined our first set of books, Scott and Kelly took the day off from H.O.T. (for much needed rest, we’re sure!), and H.O.T. minted “money” for the Futurefarmers auction in September. “A People Without a Voice Cannot be Heard.”

All that said, there is still much work yet to do—and time does not seem to be on our side! But then, have you ever met Time?

“Titin”, Adam Weisner

currency, Futurefarmers

The web press at Legal Ledger

Bill Wolfe of Legal Ledger, with a pin that says, “Makes Stuff Up.”

Marco Braunschweiler and Martine Syms of Golden Age Books (Chicago, IL) are paying a visit to Hot Off The this upcoming week! We’re super excited. Come by the Soap Factory on Thursday from 6-8pm to hear about their experiences with the shop and about their publishing ventures. Then, stop by again on Friday from 2-4pm and check out Golden Age’s mini-shop at Hot Off The.

Should be great! See you there!

Marco & Martine told their story, beginning to end, and briefed us on what it’s like to run a book shop/art space. Their mini-shop will be set up Friday (August 13) afternoon, 2-8pm. Come see!

Martine & Marco avec mini-shop.

Martine & Marco avec mini-shop.