Since 1995, Sweetwater Print Cooperative, a non-profit educational organization, has served the people of Gainesville and Alachua County by providing a specialized studio for printmaking and its allied arts, by mentoring artists, and as a cornerstone for downtown ArtWalk. Sweetwater remains a unique asset of Gainesville and is one of a small number of publicly accessible printmaking studios in the United States. The Cooperative operates out of the downstairs studio of the Tench Building, a facility maintained by the City of Gainesville Department of Cultural Affairs, located on the corner of Main Street and SW 2nd Avenue.
Primarily a studio for printmakers, the studio also welcomes artists in other media. We currently provide workspace for artists working in the fields of encaustics, drawing, painting, calligraphy, collage and digital printmaking techniques. Artists working in the space have equipment available to create images using various techniques, such as relief, etching and silkscreen.
The co-operative members share the rent and have 24-hour access to the studio. In addition, the co-operative houses a gallery space open to the public during most business hours and during Gainesville’s monthly Artwalk. Stop by and see us, or send us a message for information about how you can get involved!