15 Prints on the Erie Canal
American Printing History Association (APHA), Upstate New York Chapter
PRINT FOLIO
On July 4, 1817, construction began on the Erie Canal in Rome, New York. The early history of printing in Upstate New York coincides with the opening of the Erie Canal (1825) as the primary passageway between New York City and the Great Lakes. Along the 363 miles and 83 locks there popped up many canal towns and cities that became powerhouses of industry and commerce. Notable episodes in printing history happened throughout New York State. To commemorate the great canal and its environs, the APHA Upstate New York Chapter has assembled this collection of prints, ephemera, and booklets which celebrate the Erie Canal.
A general call was issued for printed contributions with “topics related to printing in New York State or the Erie Canal including history, songs, folklore, etc.—printed using presses, type, and methods that may have been used in the 19th century in these places.” The resulting contributions came in at exactly 15 prints, thus the working title of 15 Miles on the Erie Canal (from the famous canal song) was adapted to reflect what is actually in this collection. The prints came as individual expressions of their creators. Their responses to the call for contributions rose to the challenge. All printed in early 2022, the collection gives a glimpse of collective memory and artistic expression from those of us living in the shadow of events from 200 years ago.
Letterpress prints included by:
• Chris Charles Moon Rabbit Press Rochester, NY
• Mitch Cohen Rochester, NY
• James M. “Jim” DiRisio The Norlu Press Fayetteville, NC
• Lauren Emeritz Abstract Orange Washington, DC
• Shelly Kuzniarek French Press Rochester, NY
• Harold Kyle Boxcar Press Syracuse, NY
• Amelia Hugill-Fontanel Victor, NY
• Leah Mackin Rochester, NY
• Robert Oldham Ad Lib Press Turrialba, Cartago, Costa Rica
• Madelyn Posey Posey Letterpress Rochester, NY
• Joanne Price Starpointe Studio Bagdad, KY
• Risa de Rege, with Stephen Sword Massey College, Toronto, ON
• Patti Swanson Chicago, IL
• Carrie Valenzuela Amaranth Press and Bindery Syracuse, NY
• Plus a brochure from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Prints are contained in an 8x10" lidded box with a letterpress printed label by Richard Kegler
Price - $150 for 15 prints in Box
APHA Member Price - $100