We had the good fortune of connecting with Marie Oberkirsch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marie, how do you think about risk?
Measured risk taking has kept me engaged in my work and active in achieving a desired outcome. Seeking support and advice also brings perspective and keeps the risk in check.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Working with historic equipment we are always inspired by the printers of the past to try new techniques for today. Found imagery, old type, and vintage materials inform the content of our work with their character while we create meaningful prints relevant in today’s culture. Managing a business demands constant maintenance and creative solutions. Putting in the time for necessities first allows me find time to be creative without distraction. Community support keeps the non-profit functioning. Thanks to advice, volunteer hours, and donated supplies and equipment we are able to host printmaking programs that are inclusive and inspiring.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our neighborhood in Old North St. Louis is our favorite spot for a milkshake, a tour of historic architecture, visiting art galleries, and African American history museums. A stop in downtown St. Louis is just a mile away with the Arch grounds and museum, a sculpture garden, and historic buildings to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In 2014 Eric Woods and I started Central Print and he serves as our Board Chair today. I am grateful for his support as we worked together in setting up the business, establishing a mission and vision, and designing programming. We continue to review and revise our goals to stay relevant as the needs of our community change.

Website: www.centralprint.org

Instagram: centralprintstudios

Linkedin: Marie Oberkirsch

Twitter: @centralprintstl

Facebook: centralprintstudios

Image Credits
Jon Alexander Kirsten O’Loughlin

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.