our very grand opening
12.09.11
Last night was amazing.
I know amazing is an overused word but I mean it sincerely. Our warehouse grand opening was something I had been dreaming of for over 10 years, no kidding.
Apologies for the nostalgia but I bought my first press because it fit my 8x8x6 basement. Then I spent the next 3 years down there, printing hunched over because the ceiling was shorter than I was. When my wife started it only eliminated space. 2 of us crawling over each other to print, or fold, or whatever…commonwealth press has always been a cramped but determined situation.
Since then we have turned every space we ever occupied into a printshop (whether it wanted to be one or not). First our basement, then a loft above the beer distributor, then the shop on carson, they all worked – but we sure as hell forced it.
Now into our current warehouse space – arms stretched out and up as far as we can stretch. I know that doesn’t sound like that big of a thing but its huge, literally. Trust me we aren’t taking it for granted. We know why this is all possible and I guess that’s why it was such a proud and humbling moment – looking at everyone that has supported us, that came to celebrate with us. These are all faces that have made this space and our very means of making a living possible.
So thank you. Thank you for coming to our event. Thank you for sharing your time with us. Thank you for giving a shit about supporting a small local business and being the reason for our growth. I’m honored to work with you.
Thank you. For everything.
I promise we wont let you down.
sincerely (and on behalf of shannon and all of commonwealth press),
dan rugh
Notes on our event:
The letterpress studio is Sapling Press – run by the very talented Lisa Krowinski. www.saplingpress.com
The food was catered by Pipers Pub www.piperspub.com here in the south side. I cannot recommend them enough, but I certainly will try.
We had Clover Bakery make our custom keystone shaped cookies:
cloverbakeryllc at gmail.com. Phone. 412-849-5593
The beer was all local and as follows:
Penn Brewery: Penn Kaiser Pils,Penn Pilsner,Allegheny Pale Ale www.pennbrew.com
East End Brewing co: Fat Gary www.eastendbrewing.com
Full Pint: 1 Lager and 1 Amber, www.fullpintbrewing.com
Flat Rock: Incline plane ale. www.flatrockbeer.com
Also, we have a limited amount of invitations left over. If you would like one as a keepsake – please let me know or just stop by. They are 2 color screenprinted with 3 spot letterpress – and one color screened on the envelope. One of my favorite pieces to date.
