July 20 from 11 AM – 4 PM
A Community Artmaking Event & Fundraiser
Bring a creature to life by mashing it with a 3,000-pound steam roller!
How It Works
Artists carve designs into large wood blocks
30 total blocks are available.
Each block is a body part of a creature
A head, torso, or legs.
On July 20, we’ll combine the blocks to create unique creatures
Over 4,000 unique combinations are possible!
Create an art print by mashing your creature with a 3,000 lb. steam roller
It is totally appropriate to giggle while doing so.
Purchasing a creature print raises money for ECAT’s Teen Arts program
Only 40 prints will be made at the event on July 20, so act fast!
Ways to Participate
Carve a Block
$35
Create a creature body part by carving your own design into a 16” x 24” wood block. Your block will be added to the library of creature parts used at the event. A limited number of blocks are available. Completed blocks must be submitted by Tuesday, July 16 at 6 PM. Your registration includes a 4 ft x 2 ft print of your creature and a ticket to the pre-event party on July 16. Learn more.
Print A Creature
$100
On July 20, create your own unique creature by running over it with a 3,000-pound steam roller! You’ll be hands-on and guided through the entire process including selecting your creature parts, inking, and pressing your print with the steam roller. Take home your final art piece measuring 4 ft x 2 ft in size. Learn more.
Key Dates
June 16
5 PM
Block Registration Begins
Community members can begin registering to carve a wood block. Registration is first come, first served. Learn more about carving a block.
June 18
5 PM – 8 PM
Community Carve Day
If you registered to carve a block, this is an opportunity to learn about carving techniques, ask questions, have access to tools and make friends with a creative community. Free.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
June 25
5 PM – 8 PM
Community Carve Day
If you registered to carve a block, this is an opportunity to learn about carving techniques, ask questions, have access to tools and make friends with a creative community. Free.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
July 2
5 PM – 8 PM
Community Carve Day
If you registered to carve a block, this is an opportunity to learn about carving techniques, ask questions, have access to tools and make friends with a creative community. Free.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
July 9
5 PM – 8 PM
Community Carve Day
If you registered to carve a block, this is an opportunity to learn about carving techniques, ask questions, have access to tools and make friends with a creative community. Free.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
July 16
5 PM – 8 PM
Carving Celebration
Everyone who completed a block carving is invited to celebrate at Grounded Printshop. All registrants can share their work and print a creature of their own.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
July 20
11 AM – 4 PM
Big Art Day
Register to print a creature with a 3,000 lb. steam roller.
Grounded Printshop, 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502
Carving a Block
A limited number of wood blocks are available to carve. Blocks are MDF board and 16” x 24” in size. In our experience, blocks this size typically take between 5 and 15 hours to carve.
To register to carve a block, sign up here. The $35 registration fee covers the materials, access to tools, and a 4 ft. x 2 ft. creature print using your creature part.
Each registrant will be assigned a body part to carve: head, torso or legs. What this looks like is entirely up to you! Your body part will be added to the creature part library that community members will choose from when making their creature print.
Completed blocks must be submitted by Tuesday, July 16 at 6 PM. That evening, we will host a celebration at Grounded Printshop where everyone who carved a block can share their work and print a creature of their own.
There will be a series of free Community Carve events where artists can access free carving tools, ask questions, get inspired and make friends. You are not required to attend these events, but they are available if you want help or feel like being social. See the calendar above for dates.
Print a Creature
You can support ECAT-and have a memorable experience-by printing your own creature with a steam roller.
Printing will be available one day only: July 20 from 11 AM to 4 PM @ Grounded Printshop located at 1902 Cherry St, Erie, PA 16502.
You can reserve a time to print in advance or register the day of the event. Due to time limitations, we anticipate only being able to print 40 creatures. On the event day, print reservations will be made first come-first-served.
The $100 fee supports ECAT’s Teen Arts Program which provides no-cost, high quality, afterschool arts programs for teens in grades 8-12.
What Does Printing Look Like
When you make a print, you will first choose from a library of 30 creature parts made by local artists and community members. You can choose any combination of heads, torsos and legs to create your own unique creature. There are over 4,000 unique combinations so every print will be uniquely yours.
With the help of ECAT and Grounded Printshop staff, you will be guided through inking the creature blocks, placing the blocks on the ground, placing the paper or fabric you want to print on, then guiding the 3,000 pound steam roller to run over the print blocks, creating your finished print.
After printing, the finished artwork will be hung to dry. You can take the print home with you that day, or if it is still wet before you leave, we will schedule a time for you to pick it up.
If you are physically unable to help print your creature, our group of staff and volunteers can run the print for you. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
You will have your own, once in a lifetime unique print, made possible by the generous collaboration from Erie’s creative community.
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