About Hullabaloo Press

Hullabaloo Press is the curricular printmaking entity at the University of Indianapolis Department of Art & Design. Printmaking and letterpress courses focus on the artistic development of studio artists and designers, community projects and collaborations, as well as the growth and maintenance of the physical printshop and letterpress studio and its equipment.

Hullabaloo Press was established in 2016 under the direction of Katherine Fries, associate professor of art & design. By reestablishing printmaking within the department and introducing letterpress to the UIndy curriculum, Fries created a new avenue for students to develop their own artistic vision, engage the community, and participate in research and preservation. Printmaking and letterpress courses are open to all students, regardless of major.  

Since 2016, Hullabaloo Press has developed in many ways; growing from one pilot class operating out of a small storage area with two presses and zero cabinets of type, to print classes offered regularly, access to 12 presses with others awaiting restoration, and over 20 cabinets of type.

While the physical growth has been tremendous, thanks in part to generous donors, students’ growth and participation have been even more impressive. As a group, these printers have exhibited on and off-campus, attended and been represented at national conferences, had booths at local art fairs, were awarded grants, internships, and scholarships in relation to their print work, and took part in UIndy’s Scholars Day and the Shaheen Community Engagement Scholars.  

Hullabaloo Press students have had collaborations on and off-campus, creating thoughtful and purposeful works for others, and have taken active roles in research such as the Peat Project, researching and documenting the remarkable collection of David Peat. Through these achievements, they have created a vibrant community and helped build a program through their dedicated investment. This commitment is seen through their work, the traditions Hullabaloo students have started and carried on, and their passion for print.