Spudnik Press’ “Hashbrown 2012” event is this Saturday Feb. 25th, and once again they are hosting a big ol’ chili cook-off featuring a diverse line-up of Chicago printmakers-turned-chili-cooks vying for the honor of winning the 2012 Golden Squeeguee.

Last year I attended as a private citizen, and it was a blast. This year I’m excited to be a part of the action. Come hang and have some chili! I have no idea what I’m doing, but I just may have enlisted the help of a great chili-cookin’ pal…

Here’s all the info from Spudnik, but you ought to just read it on their website where you can also buy tickets in advance. I wouldn’t be terribly surprise if they reached capacity, I think last year did. They’re quite cheap and of course include your chili tastings! (Click here for map of Spudnik’s West Town print shop, and you should be able to use this link to add the event to whatever calendar you use, unless it’s one of those big tear-off ones like my Moms has on her desk.)

The Hashbrown 2012
Featuring 12 Chicago Printshops in a cut-throat Chili Cook-Off

• Saturday, February 25, 2012
• at Spudnik Press Cooperative
• 1821 W Hubbard, Suite 302
• 6 pm – 10 pm

Cook-off winners announced at 9:30 pm or when chili runs dry

• $10 for 5 tickets
• $20 for VIP Package*
• Redeem tickets for chili and tamales
• The first 25 guests will receive a commemorative Hashbrown poster.

Beer Sponsored by Windy City Distribution.

It is becoming a tradition that each winter, Chicago printmakers set aside their squeegees and brayers, head to the kitchen, and concoct a pot of chili worthy of “The Golden Squeegee”.

The Hashbrown 2012 features vegetarian and meat-filled chili provided by printmakers across the city. Competing presses include Spudnik Press, One Horse Press, Kyle Baker, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Hummingbird Press, Rar Rar Press, Fugscreens, Dan Grezca, Letterform, Harold Washington’s “Printstitute”, and the student printshops at Columbia College and SAIC. Each shop is donating their chili in support of Spudnik’s mission to keep printmaking approachable and affordable. Each shop will have a selection of their artwork on display and for sale.

It is no secret that Chicago houses perhaps the most vibrant and supportive print community in the country. However, it is a rare event to share a meal with a dozen of city’s most revered printers and institutions.

Less than a year has elapsed since Spudnik’s epic expansion. In that time, the young studio has followed through on their promises to double class offerings, expand their hours, acquire new equipment, introduce letterpress and offset printing, all while beginning both publishing and youth programs!

Come support Spudnik’s mission. Help keep access to high quality equipment and education available to every Chicago resident that has the desire to sling ink on paper.

*VIP guests receive larger chili portions through out the night, a commemorative golden spoon and a complimentary signature cocktail.

I should ask Angee if it’s cheating to provide Gas-X at my table… Hope to see you there!