Anchor Graphics was founded in 1989 and incorporated in 1990. Since it's inception Anchor has offered printmaking classes and exhibitions as well as access to equipment and technical assistance for Chicago area artists. In 1994, Anchor moved from its original location in Wicker Park to a larger space in River North. This move allowed for an increase in programming, expanded facilities, and easier accessibility for the public. In 1998 Anchor Graphics launched its Artist-in-Residency program bringing professional artist from across the country to Chicago. 2001 saw the start of the Press On Wheels outreach program that takes a portable etching press into Chicago Public Schools bringing printmaking to the students of schools that could not otherwise afford to provide such specialized programming. Since it inception Anchor Graphics has been creating partnerships with other arts, education and social organizations in the Chicago area to better carry out its mission. On January 1, 2006, Anchor Graphics embarked on its most ambitious partnership to date, by becoming part of Columbia College Chicago. This innovative partnership gives Anchor Graphics access to the resources of Columbia College, allowing our programming to be carried out to its fullest potential and to reach an even wider audience. Under the purview of Columbia College, Anchor has continued to provide educational and professional opportunities to students, artists, and members of the community with an even more fully developed vehicle for their delivery.

Anchor Graphics @ Columbia College Chicago is a not-for-profit fine art printshop that brings together, under professional guidance, a diverse community of youth, emerging and established artists, and the public to advance the fine art of printmaking by integrating education with the creation of prints. Anchor Graphics is the only fine art printshop in Chicago that offers a synthesis of printmaking opportunities and educational programs within a professional environment, encouraging professional practice, and promoting art as a valuable educational tool. The outcome of this mission is the advancement of the fine art of printmaking through the development of emerging and established artists, and the creation of new and continuing generations of youth and adults who have experienced the formative power of art in their lives.

Free High School Classes: High school students can learn the dynamics and complexities involved in making prints, free of charge. Students create their own imagery, while learning in depth the various processes of printmaking from professional artists. Artists working and exhibiting in the community guide students all the way, from the initial steps of creating an image through to curating their final editions. Classes are open to students of all skill levels and class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one time between students and instructors. Classes meet on Saturday from 11am-2pm, for 10 weeks. All materials are provided. Adult Classes: Ten-week printmaking classes are offered for adults on weekday evenings. Classes focus on a variety of printmaking techniques and are taught by professional artists active in the Chicago area. Classes are designed for all skill levels and meet once a week. Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one time between students and instructors. Advanced classes conducted by highly experienced artist/printmakers are also offered, providing students the unique opportunity to take printmaking in their own direction while receiving individualized advice and assistance. Fees for Adult Classes are $300 and include Open Studio time for the duration of the class, as well as all materials except for paper and plates. Scholarships are available. Adult Workshops: Throughout the course of the year Anchor also offers adults one, two, and three-day workshops. Taught by local artists and held on weekends, these workshops focus on a variety of non-traditional printmaking methods. Fees for workshops vary. Scholarships are available. Press On Wheels: This outreach program brings traditional printmaking processes into classrooms, galleries, museums, libraries, and community centers through hands-on workshop and demonstrations. Professional printmakers travel with a portable press and all the necessary materials to instruct program participants in various forms of printmaking. Demonstrations and workshops can be modified to accommodate the needs of participating groups. The fee is $350 for a single day workshop. Multiple day workshops are also available. Workshops and Demonstrations: Educational, arts, social, and community groups may visit Anchor to participate in hands-on workshops or to view demonstrations on various forms of printmaking. Workshops and Demonstrations can be modified to accommodate the needs of all participants. Workshop fees are $300 and Demonstration fees are $150. Lectures: Anchor hosts lectures by artists, curators, collectors, art dealers, art historians, and conservationist throughout the year. Lectures focus on a variety of topics related to prints and printmaking. All lectures are free and open to the public. Internships: Anchor Graphics offers internships to college students from around the country who wish to learn about printmaking and how to run a non-profit arts organization. Interns assist artists and Anchors master printers as they work at the presses. In addition, interns learn administrative skills and are encouraged to work on their own projects. Shop Visits: Visitors interested in learning about prints and printmaking are always welcome during normal business hours or by special appointment. Staff is on hand to give tours and discuss the various forms of printmaking as well as Anchor Graphics history and mission. Visits are open to individuals or groups and are free of charge. Artist-In-Residence Program: Each year, Anchor welcomes six artists into for 2 to 3 week residencies. This program is offered to artists who are proficient in printmaking and who want an uninterrupted stretch of time to develop a body of print-based work. Anchor provides residents with materials, access to presses, the technical assistance of master printers, and a stipend. In exchange, resident artists work with Anchor's interns on the completion of their projects, interact with students in Anchors printmaking classes, and host a "Meet the Artist" reception during which the general public is encouraged to visit the shop and meet the resident. Publishing Projects: Anchor invites artists from around the country to come to the shop and create limited edition prints in collaboration with master printers. Both the artists and Anchor Graphics benefit from these partnerships by sharing ideas and splitting editions. Anchors prints are available for sale to the public, providing an important source of revenue for Anchor's programming. All the costs of these projects are covered by Anchor Graphics. Open Studio: Experienced printmakers may use the shop independently during Open Studio sessions, which occur Thursday evenings from 6 - 9pm and Saturday afternoons from 2 - 5pm. Fees are $22 per session or $136 for eight sessions. Open Studio is provided free of charge to participants in Adult Classes and Workshops. Exhibitions: Anchor Graphics partners with arts and culture organizations around Chicago and the Midwest to present exhibitions of emerging and established artists working with print-based media. The work represents a variety of printmaking methods, from traditional to those incorporating new technologies. Shop Rental: Artists may rent shop time during regular business hours for a fee of $10 per hour to work independently, or $35 an hour with the assistance of a master printers. Contract Work: Artist may contract the shop to edition prints or to help with their creation. Fees vary depending on the requirements of each project.