Hebrew type workshop and residency (Pilot Program) at The Press and Letterfoundry of Michael and Winifred Bixler - Skaneateles, NY
A rare opportunity to cast, typeset, and print historic Hebrew/Yiddish wood and metal type over 4 days and nights! (July 24-27, 2023)
Open to all skill levels. Maximum 5 participants (PLEASE NOTE: The Course is now full and we have a waiting list—waiting list participants will be accommodated on a first-come-first-served basis)
This four-day intensive hands-on workshop/residency will provide an in-depth experience on all aspects of Hebrew letterpress printing type. Led by noted scholar Shani Avni, participants in this workshop will engage in the production and printing of Hebrew Type.
The geographic convergence of Avni’s visiting curatorship along with the Bixler’s typecasting facilities and recent additions to their hebrew mat collection—and the added proximity of Virgin Wood Type—all in the Finger Lakes region of New York State, allows for this unique concentration of experts in their fields to share their knowledge. This may be one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that may not repeat. For those interested in Hebrew typography, Monotype Casting, letterpress printing, and printing history, this is an event not to be missed!
Participants will be housed for four nights in a lovely Bed and Breakfast directly across the road from the Bixler Studios. Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks are included in the workshop/accomodation fee.
Topics and sessions will include:
- Hebrew and Yiddish Type and Typography—history and development
- Intro to Monotype casting
- The Hebrew typefaces of the Bixler Press
- Introduction to the Cary Collection Hebrew Wood type
- Type set and print with new Hebrew wood type from Virgin Wood Type
- Session with Virgin Wood Type and their historic Hebrew type patterns
- Monotype composition casting and Single sort display mat casting
- Printing with your freshly cast metal type
In addition to daytime seminar and hands-on type casting activities, additional time is available into the evenings to set type and print
Each participant will take home Hebrew Type Specimens, exchange prints, and metal type cast during the workshop plus other typographic souvenirs!
Staff includes
Shani Avni
Michael Bixler
Winifred Bixler
Richard Kegler
Plus guest visit from:
Virgin Wood Type
Since there is no direct institutional support for this workshop, all of the expenses can only be covered through a full participation of 5 participants. Because of the nature of this undertaking, we will have the following timeline that will allow for a confident commitment and plenty of time to book travel arrangements. We encourage early registration, as enrollment is limited. The non-refundable deposit is due with the registration. The remaining tuition and any fees are due one month before the workshop
Feb 21, 2023 - Registration Open
May 21, 2023 - Deadline for registration/application
Jun 26, 2023 - Balance of fee due
Jul 23, 2023 -Afternoon/Evening Arrival to check in
July 24-27, 2023 - Workshop sessions
July 27, 2023 - Check out from B&B, remainder of day event wrap up.
Workshop Fees: (the only variations in cost are based upon the large B&B that will be rented for housing across the street from the Bixlers Studio in Skaneatles NY. Options are limited to the space on the property and we hope to situate all participants in their preferred rooming scenario. Each room features an en suite bathroom. Full overview of property can be seen here.
A) Shared Room - (room shared with one other participant) $1600
B) Private Room - $2000
C) Private Room- (traveling with spouse or partner) $2300
D) Private Cottage -(traveling with spouse or partner) $2500
The above options can be registered for in full using the drop menu and online payment system. If only paying a deposit, we will be in contact to confirm which spot you are reserving. Please email extradryinc@gmail.com with any questions