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Mission Gráfica Printmaking Studio

About Mission Gráfica

Mission Gráfica was established in 1977, at the same time the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts was founded. Our name is a melding of meaning: Mission in english, is an undertaking and a political commitment to social change, and Gráfica in Spanish, established a Latino identity and defends our roots and values. Mission Gráfica offers low cost screen cleaning and exposing services, classes and studio rentals to the community. We also offer great support for established and emerging artists who are new to printmaking to produce great and consistent prints.

Mission Gráfica Archive

Within our archive, we have cataloged more than 4,000 Latino/Chicano prints and posters, making it one of the most important collections in the country. With this archive MCCLA possesses an important artistic tool to educate the general public and the Latino community, about its artist and their printmaking. The preservation of this body and work is vital to our rich Chicano and Latino cultural history, and it serves as a powerful monument not only to our culture but also to the artistic talents of our proud community.

Mission Gráfica Coordinator

Eduardo Valadez Arenas, Mission Grafica Coordinator
Eduardo Valadez Arenas is a Mexican-American Mixed Media Artist from Mexico City by way of the Coachella Valley. He is currently residing and working in the bay area. His art explores themes of diaspora, his Mexican-American heritage, and California street culture. His mixed-media works on paper and handmade panels contain elements of cartoon illustrations, sign painting, traditional printmaking techniques, and street art.

Outside of the studio, his work as an educator has led to collaborations with art-based organizations like Kala Arts Institute, Ryse Youth Center, Riverside Museum of Photography, Oakland School for the Arts, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and Centre International des Récollets Paris.

He Holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Community Arts / Printmaking From California College of the Arts and a Single Subject Teaching Credential From Otis College of Art and Design.

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Weekly Schedule

Tuesday

Thursday

Special Workshops

Facilities

Mission Gráfica Agreements and Workplace Rules

Etching and Relief Room

  • 32” x 56” Griffin etching press
  • 27” x 47” Griffin etching press
  • 19” x 32” Griffin etching press
  • Two areas for inking
  • Assorted work tables
  • Guillotine for large format paper
  • Two light tables
  • Vertical and Horizontal Phosphoric acid bath for copper plate etching

Screenprint

  • Exposure Unit with 43” x 62” bed
  • Dark room for screen coating
  • Pressure washer
  • Assorted work tables
  • Squeegees

Facility Fees

  • Half day rental: $30
  • Daily: $45
  • Textile: $65
  • Monthly: $150
  • Monthly Student: $100
  • Screen preparation flat fee (transparency and screen not included): $25

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring to a Class/Open studio?

  • Acetate Film
  • Screens (Limit to 3 screens Max)
  • Paper or fabric
  • Tape
  • Opaque Markers for Positives/ Color separations
  • Registration pins
  • Adjustable spray mount
  • Water based screen printing ink

If using the relief studio: water or oil based relief and etching ink.

At this time we do not sell inks or any other materials except Simple green, Emulsion, Emulsion remover and degreaser for artists to use.

Can I leave my Supplies?

Students and artists can leave a maximum of 3 screens in the screen storage racks. Artists who rent monthly are given a flat file drawer to keep their prints, paper and are allowed their own storage shelf.

When can I register for classes?

Our classes work on a drop-in basis so you can start any time. Beginning students are welcome and you can visit any of our classes before you start.

Anybody that is new to Mission Gráfica and would like to start using the screen printing studio will need to take a beginning screenprint workshop in order to have access to Mission Gráfica open studio. This Workshop is basically a studio Orientation on how to use the facilities in the studio and also get the basics on screen printing and preparing Positives/ Color separations.

Are there limits to printing work?

Students taking classes and half day renters are limited to an edition of 25 prints and 3 screens. Day Rentals are available for anyone needing to print larger editions and clean more than 3 screens.

How do monthly rentals work?

We are open 6 days a week and your month begins when you sign up. Monthly renters get their own flat drawer, access to Monday and Tuesday Open Studio and a designated storage shelf from 1pm to 9pm.

Can I use the textile Facilities for printing T-shirts?

Artists or students wanting to use the textile facilities must make an appointment with the Gráfica Coordinator.

If you are new to T shirt printing, you would need to organize a time with the Gráfica Coordinator to work and teach you how to use the equipment. (This service will require a service fee.)

Where can I Purchase supplies?

  • Dick Blick
  • Anthem screen printing supply
  • Artist and Craftsmen
  • Mid West sign and Screen-Printing Supply

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