Toledo residents gathered on Adams Street this past weekend for a unique celebration of craftsmanship. The Arts Commission hosted its first Print Jam, an event dedicated to the distinct world of printmaking. This gathering moved beyond standard gallery viewing by offering live demonstrations and hands-on stations for the public.
Nationally recognized letterpress printer Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. anchored the event. Kennedy, known for his bold typography and social commentary, led sessions where attendees pulled their own prints on antique presses. His goal was to encourage participants to find joy in the act of creation, regardless of whether they identify as artists.
Beyond letterpress, the festival showcased a range of techniques. Local artists introduced visitors to methods such as cyanotype production, where light-sensitive chemicals and pressed plants create detailed imagery, and stamp-making using everyday household objects. These activities provided a tactile connection to an art form that often stays behind the scenes in quiet studios.
Michelle Harvey, events manager for the Arts Commission, stated that the festival was designed to connect the community with local talent. By bringing more than 30 artists into a shared space, the event highlighted the technical skill involved in printing while making the practice accessible. For many attendees, the event served as a way to engage with downtown Toledo and support the local creative economy.
Participants and organizers noted the value of imperfection in the printing process. As volunteer Amanda Nuno observed, printmaking celebrates the unique marks and variations that occur when a human hand guides the press. The success of this event suggests a growing appetite for hands-on, community-based art experiences in the region.