Shows & Events
The studio's exhibition program has long been a gathering place for artists, families, and curious visitors alike. Across the seasons, the walls have hosted a rotating selection of work that ranges from bold, large-format prints to delicate, hand-finished pieces. Many of these shows have been built around a shared love of color and storytelling, with imagery that appeals to children and adults side by side. Visitors often remark on the sense of calm the space carries, a quiet invitation to slow down, look closely, and let the printed page do its talking. Each opening has felt less like a formal event and more like a neighborhood conversation.
Beyond the exhibitions themselves, the studio has collaborated with local schools, libraries, and community groups to bring hands-on printmaking activities to a wider audience. These events have introduced young visitors to the joy of creating their own images, from simple stamped designs to more involved multi-layer projects. Teachers have found these sessions especially valuable as a complement to classroom lessons, offering students a tactile break from screens and a chance to work with ink, paper, and their own hands. The emphasis has always been on process over perfection, encouraging experimentation and play at every age.
From time to time, the studio has also hosted themed events tied to the changing calendar, offering printable activity sheets and coloring pages that families can take home and enjoy together. These gatherings celebrate the small rituals of the year, from autumn afternoons to spring mornings, with designs that reflect the season's colors and moods. Children have been invited to color, cut, and assemble their own keepsakes, while parents browse the studio's collection of books and printed goods. The result has been a warm, informal atmosphere where creativity feels accessible to everyone, no prior experience required.
Looking ahead, the studio intends to keep this tradition alive, welcoming new collaborators and fresh ideas while honoring the printed word and image that have always been at its heart. Whether through a solo showcase, a community workshop, or a family-friendly afternoon of coloring and conversation, the goal remains the same: to make art approachable, to make space for making, and to remind visitors that the simple act of putting color to paper can be both personal and profound. The doors stay open to anyone who loves imagery, pattern, and the quiet pleasure of a well-made print.
Shelf Life 2: Homebrewer & Artist Collaboration
May 17, 2014 • 6–9 PM
The second edition of the label-design show pairing homebrewers with illustrators and designers. Featured contributors included Greg Christman, Rory McClure, Lucy Price, Shannon K. Alsop, Nate Harris, Ryan Roat, Adam Smith, JP Flexner, Keith Warren Greiman, Alex Peltz, Joel Evey, Joey McAteer, and Dan Kna.
Screen Fiends
October 26, 2013 • 7–10 PM
The yearly Masthead Monster Show — a tribute to The Misfits. Artists contributed screenprinted pieces inspired by the band's imagery and music. A Halloween-season staple at the studio.
The Cafeteria Show
Saturday • 7–10 PM
Food-inspired prints from a roster of artists, sponsored by Blackbird Pizzeria. A playful, themed group exhibition celebrating culinary creativity through screenprinting.
Locals Only
Past event
Presented in collaboration with Greyhood, this show spotlighted Philadelphia-area artists and their screenprinted work, reinforcing Masthead's commitment to the local creative community.
More Past Events
- Shelf Life: Homebrewers & Artists Collaboration — March 2013, closing reception May 10, 2013
- Adventures in Design at Masthead — Past event
- Screens N' Spokes Seven-Year Retrospective — October 19, 2013, 6–10 PM
- House Industries Lecture — September 15, 2013
- The National Poster Retrospecticus — September 14, 2013
- Steve Speir Solo Show (Part Time Studios) — May 19, 2013
- Norris Street MixTape — Past event
- This Is Just A Test – Test Print Show — Past event