At Purgatory Pie Press, encasing artwork is as much a creative pursuit as what’s inside of each book, card, zine or other vehicle of expression. New York City-based husband and wife Dikko Faust and Esther K. Smith operate the company. They focus on letterpress printing from handset wood and metal type, plus various hand binding, hardware printing, photoengraving and other paper-related projects. Overflowing with DIY ideas, the two are frequent teachers in their field. Following the launch of a retrospective exhibit at Asheville BookWorks — which runs through August and surveys Almost 40 Years in Purgatory — the couple will host two workshops there. On Friday, July 8, Faust discusses hand-colorizing images on letterpress ($141), and on Saturday, July 9, Smith distills knowledge from one of her publications, Magic Books & Paper Toys ($125). The exhibit’s opening reception is on Thursday, July 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free. ashevillebookworks.com. Image courtesy of Purgatory Pie Press
Smart bets: Purgatory Pie Press

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