Polka! Press's mission is to promote a vibrant local printmaking culture by providing access to printmaking facilities and offering educational opportunities to the Madison community. Polka! Press is a member-run and fully volunteer-led cooperative, run by artists who are passionate about printmaking and community-based art.

For over 10 years, Polka! Press has been a makerspace for artists and the community. We provide equipment and tools for screen printing, letterpress and relief printing. Our current members include full-time professional artists, art educators and print enthusiasts. Polka members produce a variety of original printed artworks and provide a variety of opportunities for the community to engage in creative processes.

Polka! Press will be moving to the Atwood neighborhood in April 2025. We are fundraising to establish a fully wheelchair accessible and safe space for all ages and abilities in the Madison area to explore printmaking. In our new location, we plan to improve our resources for artists and expand community access to open studios and programming.

Specifically, this fundraiser will help us cover moving costs and allow us to invest in:

Polka! Press has a committed membership of professional working artists with a range of skills and backgrounds including fine art, art education, graphic design and public service. The majority of our members hold BFAs or MFAs. Collectively, we have taught in many settings including public elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, universities, community centers and public libraries.

To learn more, check out our website & instagram feed!

A view of our screenprinting workspace and printing press.

Member Bernie Witzack helps a community member print at an Open House.

Member Phil Hassett demonstrates Letterpress at an Open House.

A few of our current members.

Member Bernie Witzack teaches a screenprinting workshop.