Mimeograph Revolutionaries

Made famous during the mid-20th century during the “Mimeograph Revolution,” these low-cost “Mimeo” machines allowed poets, artists, and civil rights groups to spread their messages, free from the confines of the traditional book and periodical publishing industries. Now more of a niche hobby, mimeography continues to be an easy, low-cost way of duplicating artwork or printed text. 

Using the original design of the mimeograph and a simple table-top stencil duplicator, you will create your very own version of a mimeograph print! Learn how to create a frame using everyday materials, burn art using an old fax machine, and with other commonly found paints and paper, you will be able to make multiple copies of your art.

This event is part of a larger project through Mural Arts called Printmaking by the People which aims to empower local printmakers and small arts organizations while discussing the relevance of print in the birth of our country. If you were to write the Declaration today, what kind of rights would you include? We want to capture the voices of Philadelphians as the 250th anniversary of this document approaches in 2026. Come be part of this citywide project and have a chance for your work to be shown at the Free Library or serve as inspiration for an upcoming mural!

Teachers: Dre Grigoropol & Corey Bechelli

Host or Publisher Mural Arts Philadelphia