Five years ago, Ashley Town, the owner of Bay View Printing Company, was just trying to print her own thesis paper as a student at MIAD. That’s when she discovered the antique printing equipment that the previous owner housed in the basement of the old building on Howell Ave.
From the moment she learned how to print by hand, she knew she had to bring this business to the community.
Bay View Printing Co. currently offers Drink & Ink classes in the evening, and Open Studio hours for members. But now they’re expanding their workshop opportunities to families with a Family Poster Workshop, and we got to try it for their first go round!
Here’s the lowdown:
Who: Ages 5 and up
What: Family Poster Workshops are held in the basement, which is filled with antique printing equipment and unique wood pieces to create your poster. First, you’ll get a chance to look around and gather inspiration for your poster. Then, the friendly staff will demo the process for you. You and your kids can take your time picking out wood pieces, designing your poster, and laying them on a metal tray. You’ll get to choose your colors, roll ink over the pieces, and crank the antique machine. We got three prints of a 11×17 poster.
Where: Bay View Printing Co. is located at 2702 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207.
When: Check their schedule for upcoming family workshops. They also hold Drink & Ink events for adults at night, and Open Studio hours for members.
What else? Check out the colorful mural with uplifting quotes on the side of the building. It’s a community collaboration and it’s still in progress.
Website: https://www.bayviewprintingco.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayviewprintingco/?hl=en
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
