Firestation Print Studio: A Creative Haven in Armadale’s Historic Heart

From Fire Station to Print Station

The studio’s distinctive name and location pay homage to its architectural roots. The solid, character-filled structure provides an inspiring setting for creativity, with its high ceilings and practical layout perfectly suited to housing heavy printing presses and expansive workspaces. Established as a not-for-profit community organisation, Firestation Print Studio opened its doors in the early 1990s and has since grown into a dynamic centre for artistic development.

Today, it serves as both an open-access print workshop and a public gallery, supporting artists from diverse backgrounds at every stage of their journey—from initial concept to finished exhibition piece. Its curatorial approach emphasises inclusivity, welcoming makers with varied cultural and socio-economic experiences.

 

Facilities and Workshops: Hands-On Creativity

At the heart of Firestation Print Studio is its well-equipped workshop. Members and workshop participants have access to professional-grade equipment, including etching presses, relief printing tools, and facilities for techniques such as linocut, monoprint, drypoint, collagraph, woodcut, and monotype.

The studio offers a rolling programme of workshops suitable for complete beginners and experienced printmakers. Recent and upcoming sessions include introductory linocut, monoprint techniques, monotype explorations inspired by landscape, collagraph, drypoint, and woodcut. These hands-on classes provide all materials and expert tuition in a supportive environment.

Public Print Clubs run multiple times a month, offering supervised access with ink provided—an excellent, affordable way for newcomers to experiment. Life drawing sessions also take place weekly, adding another dimension to the studio’s creative offerings.

Qualified members enjoy 24/7 access (subject to induction and bookings), fostering a genuine community of practice where knowledge is shared and skills are honed.

Exhibitions and Community Engagement

The on-site gallery showcases a changing calendar of exhibitions featuring member works, invited artists, and collaborative projects. It hosts solo shows, group exhibitions, prizes such as the Artist Book Prize, and partnerships with other printmaking groups across Australia.

 

 

These exhibitions highlight the rich variety of contemporary printmaking—from delicate etchings and bold relief prints to experimental mixed-media pieces. The gallery’s welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for art lovers to browse, purchase original works, or simply soak up the creative energy.

Firestation Print Studio actively contributes to Melbourne’s cultural landscape and is proudly supported by the City of Stonnington. It runs outreach activities and maintains strong connections with the broader printmaking community.

Visit Firestation Print Studio

Whether you’re an aspiring printmaker, an established artist seeking facilities and exhibition opportunities, or simply someone who appreciates fine art and traditional craft, a visit to Firestation Print Studio is highly recommended.

Contact Details: Firestation Print Studio 2 Willis Street Armadale VIC 3143 Australia

Telephone: 03 9509 1782

Website: www.fps.org.au

Instagram: @fpsfirestationprintstudio

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 4pm (or by appointment)

Getting There: Conveniently located near High Street and Glenferrie Road. Limited on-site parking is available, with additional council parking nearby. Tram routes 6 and 16, or a short walk from Malvern Railway Station, provide easy public transport access.

Firestation Print Studio embodies the joy of making and the value of creative community. In an era of instant digital imagery, it reminds us of the tactile pleasure, skill, and artistry involved in pulling a fresh print from the press—an experience that continues to inspire generations of makers in Melbourne’s south-east.