Maker of the Month: Kay Lyle’s printmaking an approachable form of expression

Kay Lyle, a graphic designer and printmaker, is The Making Place’s Maker of the Month for April. 

Letterpress printing is a traditional printmaking technique that involves inking raised surfaces, such as metal type or plates, and pressing them onto paper to create beautiful, tactile prints.  

“I love teaching letterpress because it is a very accessible way to enter both printmaking and graphic design,” Lyle said.  

Usually, in two to three hours, people can leave with a small stack of their own posters.  

“It's a way for people to express themselves not just symbolically, but actually in the words they want to put down,” Lyle said. “For people who don't necessarily identify as artists, it feels approachable.”  

In her own work, Lyle incorporates engaging ideas with creative composition to form something beautiful and give people hope.  

The Making Place and Lyle will host an introduction to letterpress workshop at Uptown Hearth on April 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The workshop is open to adults and limited to 20 participants. 

Uptown Hearth is located at 619 Nucleus Ave. in Columbia Falls.  

Sign up online at www.themakingplacemt.com/calendar. 

Maker of the Month is a program from The Making Place offering artists and makers a chance to share their passion. Chosen makers receive a $150 stipend to teach a workshop, lead a group activity or give a presentation. They are also featured in an artist interview published on The Making Place’s blog. Learn more or apply to become a Maker of the Month online at themakingplacemt.com/post/maker-of-the-month.