Steamroller

June 24, 2024 - September 23, 2024

Steamroller Printing is a unique printing demonstration that is part of the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. A crew of 4-5 volunteers from Printers' Hall work for months to create exquisite hand-carved plates that become one-of-a-kind prints. During this demonstration, each ink-covered carving is laid on the ground and then covered with a layer of rubber. A steam-powered 1905 Kelly Springfield Road Roller then transforms into a printing press with 12 tons of pressure forcing ink from the massive plate onto paper.

In 2017, on a hot July day, Kirsten Heerdt and Melinda Stockwell tested out this process. Accompanying them was Kenny Huffaker, who was key to the Kelly Springfield Road Roller's restoration process, and owner, Dave Gross. For years, the idea of steam roller printing at the Reunion was considered. With Traction Steam and Printers' Hall volunteers working together, they established the steamroller printing that is annually demonstrated at the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion. This year it is scheduled for August 29 - September 2 in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. If you want to witness this process in action, the event occurs at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Reunion.

Featured artists in this exhibition include Melinda Stockwell, Suzi Morrison, Ann Klingensmith, Dawn Ripley Wiley, Willow Barton, and Samantha Rose.