In this keynote address for the CU Small Press Fest, Eric Von Haynes—artist, designer, and President of the Chicago Printers Guild—will delve into his enduring connection with printmaking as both a craft and a community endeavor. Eric will reflect on the role of print as a medium for communication, resistance, and connection, drawing from his 15 years of experience leading Flatlands Press, the Chicago Printers Guild, and co-founding The Love Fridge initiative. Through narratives from his projects, workshops, and design residencies, he will present a vision of print that highlights slow media, attentive listening, and mutual support. This presentation will encourage attendees to explore how print can serve as a conduit for collective memory, shared authorship, and the creation of beautiful spaces.
Eric Von Haynes is an experienced printmaker and designer with over 15 years of experience leading Flatlands Press, an imprint known for its focus on innovative design and community-based projects. In addition to being President of the Chicago Printers Guild, he serves as an Instructor in Graphic Design at the UIC School of Design. He teaches offset production in the print media department at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he shares his knowledge of design and print techniques, substrate knowledge, and documentation. His work, blending creative and analytical approaches, has been acquired by prominent collections, including the Joan Flasch Artist Book Collection in Chicago, the Center for Book Arts in New York, and the Illinois State Museum. His work has been in exhibitions spanning esteemed venues such as the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver, Tiger Strikes Asteroid, and the Elephant Room Gallery. A committed community advocate, Eric co-founded Love Fridge Chicago, a mutual aid initiative supporting community fridges throughout the city. His practice extends to collaborative projects and public workshops, reinforcing his commitment to skill-sharing and community engagement.
