Business Details
20 Years
experience
Handcrafted Woodcut Prints | Tugboat Printshop in Pittsburgh
Established in 2006, Tugboat Printshop has built a reputation as an internationally recognized artist press dedicated to the craft of handcrafted woodcut prints. Our process begins with hand-drawn designs transferred to birch plywood blocks, meticulously carved using traditional tools. Each print is inked manually and pressed individually, ensuring a unique artistic outcome. With over 18 years of experience, we specialize in limited editions of 50-200 prints, emphasizing consistency while embracing subtle variations inherent in handmade work.Our founder, Valerie Lueth, brings expertise from decades of printmaking workshops and exhibitions at institutions like the Library of Congress. We prioritize archival materials and oil-based inks to ensure longevity, offering transparency in our methods and materials. Our work has been featured in prestigious publications and collected globally, reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation in traditional printmaking.
Services
Woodcut Print Creation
Limited Edition Prints
Custom Woodblock Art
Printmaking Workshops
Art Exhibitions
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 18 years of expertise in traditional woodcut techniques.
- Our limited editions ensure high-quality, collectible artworks.
- Each print is crafted using archival materials for longevity.
- Founder Valerie Lueth has exhibited in institutions like the Library of Congress.
- We maintain transparency in our handcrafted production process.
Services
Woodcut Print Creation
Handcrafted woodcut prints begin with hand-drawn designs transferred to birch plywood blocks. Each block is carved using traditional tools, then inked manually and pressed individually. Limited editions of 50-200 prints emphasize consistency while embracing natural variations inherent in handmade work.
Limited Edition Prints
We produce limited edition woodcut prints numbered, titled, and signed by the artist. Edition sizes range from 50-200 prints, with only the best copies selected for inclusion. Subtle variations between prints ensure each piece retains unique characteristics.
Printmaking Workshops
Tugboat Printshop offers hands-on woodcut workshops at institutions like the Womens Studio Workshop. Participants learn traditional techniques including block carving, inking, and press operation. Workshops emphasize both technical skill and creative expression.
Custom Woodblock Art
Custom woodcut prints are created through a collaborative process. Clients work directly with the artist to develop unique designs suited to their space or vision. The process maintains the same handcrafted quality as standard editions.
Art Exhibitions
Our woodcut prints have been exhibited at venues including the E/AB Fair NYC and Society for Contemporary Craft. Exhibitions showcase both completed works and process documentation, providing insight into the printmaking journey from sketch to final print.
People
Valerie Lueth
Artist/Printmaker/Owner
Valerie Lueth founded Tugboat Printshop in 2006 after studying printmaking at the University of South Dakota. With 18 years of experience, she has exhibited nationally and taught workshops at prestigious institutions. Her work is featured in the Library of Congress collection.
Questions
What types of woodcut prints do you offer?
We offer limited edition handcrafted woodcut prints in both black-and-white and color formats. Sizes range from small 2-block prints to large multi-block compositions.
How are your prints produced?
Each print is hand-carved from birch plywood blocks, inked manually, and pressed individually using traditional techniques without digital assistance. This ensures unique characteristics in every piece.
Are prints available for custom orders?
Yes, we accept commissions for custom woodcut prints. The process involves collaborative design development to create unique artworks tailored to client specifications.
What is your workshop's experience?
Founded in 2006, Tugboat Printshop has 18 years of experience producing handcrafted woodcuts. Our founder Valerie Lueth has taught workshops at institutions like the Womens Studio Workshop and Temple University.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship to locations worldwide. Packaging ensures safe delivery of archival-quality prints on premium paper using oil-based inks.
How can I stay updated on new releases?
Subscribe to our newsletter through the website to receive updates on new print releases, exhibitions, and upcoming events at the Pittsburgh studio.
