History

Early History (1900s)

Mullowney Printing, founded by Paul Mullowney, traces its roots back to his grandfather J.D. Mullowney’s commercial print studio, established in the early 1900s in Minneapolis. The original studio specialized in traditional commercial printing techniques, including patented window ad displays (Patent October 1926) and marketing materials. It did not survive the labor disputes and economic turmoil of the Great Depression, and ceased  operations circa 1929.

Paul Mullowney’s own journey in printmaking was shaped by his experiences working at Sol LeWitt’s Brooklyn studio in the late 1980s, then at San Francisco’s Crown Point Press where he reached the level of master printer.  From San Francisco, he went on to work in Nara, Japan,  as a printer for Shoicih Ida, and later founded Tokugenji Press, named after the 17th century Zen temple of which he and his wife Cait were caretakers.  Building connections from Japan to Maui, Hawaii, which would later influence the collaborative approach of the  Mullowney Printing.

San Francisco Years (2011–2019)

Mullowney Printing was founded in San Francisco in 2011, initially collaborating with artists such as Sandow Birk, Elyse Pignolet, Don Ed Hardy, Brad Brown, Robert Kushner, and Josephine Taylor. One of the studio’s earliest major projects was Sandow Birk’s Imaginary Monument series of etchings inspired by the monumental prints of Albrecht Durer.

The studio developed a reputation for excellence in fine art printmaking, collaborating with leading artists and institutions. Notable partnerships included work with Catharine Clark Gallery, and acquisitions by major museums such as: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Yale University, The New York Public Library, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

Mullowney Printing also maintained a longstanding relationship with Don Ed Hardy, publishing his work alongside prints by a diverse array of nationally recognized tattoo artists. Other notable collaborations included projects with Josephine Taylor, Alison Saar, and Stephanie Syjuco. Training the next generation of printmakers was a key part of the studio’s mission from the very beginning  and Mullowney Printing has mentored numerous talented interns, many of whom went on to significant careers in the arts. In 2018, Mullowney Printing began work on Copacetic, series of linocuts by Alison Saar that would be published in 2019, further expanding the studio’s commitment to contemporary printmaking.

Portland  (2019–Present)

In 2019, Mullowney Printing relocated to Portland, Oregon, where Harry Schneider joined as a partner and co-director. The move allowed the studio to expand its services, offering photogravure, lithography, screen printing, and letterpress printing while continuing its work with leading contemporary artists.

The Portland years have been marked by continued collaborations, public exhibitions, and a deepened focus on education and community engagement. In 2021, the studio established The Undergrowth Educational Print Fund (UEPF) to support artists’ careers in printmaking. This initiative provides opportunities for artists to refine their skills in a professional studio environment, emphasizing printmaking’s role in visual communication and cultural dialogue.

UEPF has since grown to support multiple programs, including: The Federico Sevilla Sierra Printmaking Residency, Ford Family Foundation Hallie Ford Residency, Studio Apprenticeship Program, Gather:Make:Shelter Partnership, New Avenues for Youth Partnership/Internship, and High School Internship Program. You can learn more about UEPF programs here.

In current form, the studio is a multi-faceted printshop. We publish traditional print media by leading contemporary artists and offer an array of community workshops, internships, residency programs, contract printing and public exhibitions.