Co-Op Studios

The Union’s Co-Op Studios provide access to art-making equipment and communal studio space for developing and professional artists (ages 18+). Co-Op Passholders will have access to five studios:

• Ceramics Studio
• Darkroom
• Digital Design Lab
• Fiber Arts Studio
• Print Shop

Want to know more? CLICK HERE to visit the Co-Op FAQ page.

Email Co-Op Studios Manager, Ryan Smith, at ryan@u-ca.org with any questions or to be added to the Co-Op newsletter.

Purchase or Gift a Co-Op Studios Pass

Gain access to the Co-Op Studios by purchasing a monthly pass! A Co-Op Pass offers artists access in all five studios during building hours. Passes are available at varying rates, beginning at $15/month*.

* Scholarships are available for anyone who wants a Co-Op Pass, but cannot afford the fee. Please email ryan@u-ca.org or visit our front desk to inquire.

Thursday Night Workshops

Our Co-Op Workshops offer Co-Op Passholders and the wider community* an opportunity to expand their skills and learn new techniques in each of the Co-Op Studios. Click the button below to see a list of the currently scheduled workshops.

*You do not need to be a Co-Op Passholder to attend Thursday Night Workshops!

Ceramics Studio

Works made in the Ceramics Studio are regularly fired by our staff. Storage shelves for works in progress or ready for firing are available.

Kiln Bisque and Glaze Firing dates are posted in the Ceramics Studio.

Equipment:

• six pottery wheels
• one gas kiln
• one electric kiln
• glaze spray booth
• two large work tables
• wedging table
• a variety of tools

Photo Darkroom

The Photo Darkroom includes the equipment needed to develop and print photographs from black and white film.

Equipment:

• one black and white enlarger
• one color enlarger
• black and white developing and printing chemistry
• film drying cabinet
• light box
• mat cutter

Digital Design Lab

The Digital Design Lab has an Apple computer with the Adobe suite, document/negative film scanners, and a large-format printer.

Equipment:

• one iMac
• Adobe Software: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom, and Premiere Pro
• Epson large format graphics scanner (max image size 11"x17")
• Epson V600 scanner capable of scanning 35mm and Medium Format Film Negatives
• 24" Epson large-format printer

Fiber Arts studio

The Fiber Arts Studio is well-suited for everything from minor mending and tailoring projects to complete garment production, artistic embroidery, and quilting.

Equipment:

• two Janome Heavy Duty sewing machines
• Juki serger
• two 32" looms (available upon request)
• large work/cutting table
• tackable wall for pattern layout

Print Shop

The Print Shop houses a wide range of printmaking tools for everything from screen printing on t-shirts and posters to relief, intaglio, and collagraph printing. The shop is fully ventilated and contains a 30”x48” print drying rack.

Equipment:

• American French Tool relief/intaglio floor press
• brayers
• an acid bath for zinc plates
• screen printing material
• multiple printing tables
• large exposure unit
• four color/one station garment press
• flash dryer
• wash out booth
• Risograph

When using the Co-Op Studios, some supplies are available to purchase in house, and some must be supplied by the artist.

Ceramics Studio

• All clay fired in The Union's kiln must be purchased via the link below. This ensures that all ceramic projects can be fired together. Purchase of clay includes firing and access to black, white, and clear glazes (cone 5).

• Artists will supply any additional glazes.

Darkroom

• Chemistry for Black and White film development and printing is available for purchase at the Co-Op. A price sheet is posted in the Darkroom and is based on volume.
• Artists may bring their own chemistry, but must take it with them at the end of each session, or store it safely in their Co-Op locker
• Artists will supply their own photo paper.

Digital Design Lab

• Prints made using the large format Epson printer will be priced based on square footage. The printer is loaded with a Premium Luster Photo Paper.

Fiber Arts Studio

• Artists will supply all materials for fiber arts projects.

Print Shop

• Use of emulsified screens, inkjet transparencies, and Risograph master sheets/prints are available for purchase.
• Artists will supply screen printing ink, any carved/etched substrate for printmaking, and paper/garments for printing.