Pondside Press in Rhinebeck NY was founded in 1985 on a small country road with a tranquil pond view. The Tamarind trained printers, Melissa Katzman Braggins and Ted Braggins have collaborated with many artists over the years. The workshop historically offered printmaking services in stone and metal plate lithography working individually with artists to produce limited editions. They also provided services for producing monotypes and other works on paper.  The workshop afforded artists with a quiet place to concentrate free from daily distractions while working directly with a master printer. In addition to working with others, the printers are also producing their own works. 

Utilizing a Takach-Garfield press and a Karl Krause press dating from the early 20th century, the printers have been able to produce works up to 30 by 40 inches. The printmaking process used limestone and aluminum plate lithography to hand print limited editions. The printing elements were drawn directly by the artist on the printing surface, processed and proofed with their participation. Only prints achieving the highest standards were included in the edition. The prints were then signed and numbered by the artist, embossed with the workshop blind stamp, and documented.

The workshop has also produced monotypes for artists in addition to lithography. The monotype medium is often called the painterly print as an artist can work directly on the printing element. The use of brayers, stencils and painting with printer’s inks allow artists to create unique, one of a kind images. Monotypes can make use of the ghost impression to develop additional one-off works. While working in collaboration with a master printer, artists have been able to use the medium in generating new original works. Pondside worked on the Monotype Project at Art Omi International for 25 years.