CENTRAL MN MADE: Local Artist Makes National Strides with Printmaking Business [AUDIO]

-

ST. JOSEPH - Before Mary Bruno inherited her late father's printmaking business in 2004, she hadn't completely settled on printing as a career. However, Bruno, who is a  St. Cloud State printmaking graduate, says she always had a knack for the art.

These days, Bruno is the sole owner and operator of  "Bruno Press" where she writes and designs cards for all occasions, as well as custom-made poster designs for businesses, causes and events throughout the area.

Bruno says she's been involved in several collaborations with other print-makers around the world, and the networking  has made a dent in getting her work in shops and exhibitions around the country.

Bruno's studio is unique - she uses rare antique letterpress printmaking machines, some dated as early as 1910. As a result, Bruno and her studio have been profiled in trade magazines, and even books about printmaking.

While Bruno has owned the shop for the better part of a decade, only recently has it become her full-time, bill-paying job. She says the connections she's made with printers and shops around the world have been key.

Bruno says the ultimate goal is to expand her business in the next few years with a larger studio, and her own retail shop.