YOUTH PROGRAMS

The Mancos Common Press hosts youth groups and art classes from our area schools to share the experience of letterpress and the history of printing techniques and technology. Visits to the Press combine hands-on creative opportunities with a practical understanding and application of letterpress printing.

Youth activities are geared to various age levels and can accommodate groups of up to 10 students in the historic building and more in the Mancos Commons. Past projects have involved setting and printing type and image blocks, printing linoleum blocks, collaborative printing projects and creating posters.

Tours are free

• Learn about the history of the Mancos Times Tribune Building and the Cranston newspaper press. Both have been renovated by the Mancos Common Press non-profit organization. 
• See how artists use our antique presses to create new work.

Please contact Jody Chapel, Program Director – [email protected] to discuss and arrange your tour.

School Groups

We invite school groups of all levels to explore the rich history of the press through hands-on activities. Participants can learn about the origins of letterpress printing, its impact on communication, and how the craft has evolved over time. Engaging with the equipment and techniques used throughout history, students can gain a deeper understanding of this important part of printmaking heritage.

• K-12: $50 for up to 4 hours with a school group (funded by our Youth Scholarship Fund)
• Higher Education: $100 for up to 2 hours, additional time $25/hour (funded by our Youth Scholarship Fund)
• We supply ink and basic paper. Larger size paper or paper amounts are extra.

Please contact Jody Chapel, Program Director – [email protected] to discuss and arrange for your school group.