Tucson native Amy Dunn has been an artist since she was very young. Her mom, a visual artist and teacher, always nurtured Amy’s artistic side.
After graduating from high school, Amy studied at Pima Community College where she earned an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design. She continued to study Graphic Design at University of Arizona, but after taking an elective Relief woodcut class, she switched to printmaking. Amy loved the print making process and earned a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with an emphasis in 2D printmaking in 2014.
After graduating, Amy founded Red Collar Press, a printmaking company that keeps traditional techniques alive…and creates radical artwork using her graphic design skills.
Red Collar Press embraces the history of printmaking, what Amy calls, “processes for the people.” She loves the smell of ink, the feel of quality paper, the vibrant ink colors, and the impressions left from a carving are only a few perks of printing through laborious means.
Amy located her business to Launchpad Artspace in October, 2018. She was looking for a location for her business among other artists. When she checked the Launchpad, she felt very comfortable and at home with the other artists.
As far as her goals for Red Collar Press, Amy says, “I’ve only just begun. I feel as though I’m starting to find my stride, balancing working as a bartender with my art business.” Her goal is to be fully supported by her art business.
Amy’s learning the ins and outs of how to manage and market her business. She is working on building her portfolio through social media to increasing her business’ online presence to reach a wider audience. She also finds support by connecting with other local artists in Tucson through markets and social media. She says, “The Tucson art community is very friendly. Artists are helping other artists, with art and technology.”
Check out the Red Collar Press Facebook.
You can also see some of Amy’s designs at Tucson Pop Cycle, a gift shop that promotes local art made from recycled materials, re-used products and refurbished goods. On December, Tucson Pop Cycles featured Amy’s “Love Tucson” t-shirt in a Facebook post saying, “We have been in love with Amy Dunn’s sweet LOVE TUCSON T for a long while. She has graciously agreed to share it with us at Pop Cycle. There are so many reasons to love Tucson, and Amy has highlighted a multitude of them here.”
Amy is excited about the synergy at Launchpad Artspace. She looks forward to group art shows and open studio tours in the future, maybe even a small market.
You can learn more about Amy’s business and her artwork at the Red Collar Press website.