About Us
Experience Something Unique!
Desert Trail Press is open to visitors free of charge! Stop by our gallery to see the current exhibition <!–link or jump link to area about exhibitions–>. If the presses are in action in our studio, come observe and ask questions. Demonstrations can also be arranged by appointment.
Our Facility
Our home base in Aztec, New Mexico features a 1000 square foot gallery space for rotating exhibitions and a 1200 square foot working letterpress studio. This “living museum” houses of thousands of historic hand-carved wooden letters, a variety of cast metal fonts, four antique printing presses, and bindery equipment all used for classes <!–link or jump link to area about classes>, outreach programs, <!–link or jump link to area about outreach–> and projects by our staff <!–link to staff on the home page–>, community members, and resident artists.
TOURS
Self-guided tours of our studio are available during regular business hours. The reception desk provides a brochure outlining the history, mission, and points of interest at Desert Trail Press. You can also view the guide <!–dummy link to guide.html–>online. Please contact us <!–link or jump link to contact form–> to arrange a guided or group tour.
EXHIBITIONS
<–The client would like an image paired with each exhibition–>
Current Exhibition
Desert Trail Retrospective
October 30 to November 21 2026
Closing Reception, November 20, 2026, 5–7 pm
Desert Trail Retrospective is a dynamic look back at our first two years in operation.
Included are community and resident artist projects as well as artwork by our staff. Experience wall hung pieces, sculptures, handmade books, and a floating installation that pushes the boundaries of what letterpress printing can be! Meet the participating artists at our closing reception on Friday, November 20, 2026
Upcoming Exhibition
For the Glory of My Peoples
New Works by Amos Kennedy, 2026 Desert Trail Press Artist-in-Residence
December 4, 2026 to January 15, 2027
Opening Reception, December 4, 2025 (First Friday), 5–8 pm
Desert Trail Press has something for everyone! Join us for a class <!–link or jump link to area about classes–>, get involved with our outreach program <!–link or jump link to area about outreach->, donate to our organization <!–dummy link to donation.html–>, or become an artist member <!–link or jump link to section about artist members–>. Try Something New!
Trail Snack Press Upcoming Events
Aztec Senior Community Center Print Day
Saturday, November 14, 2025, 11 am–4 pm
Our mobile Trail Snack Press will be at the Aztec Senior Community Center making prints with the residents. Come by to see us in action!
At What Cost?
December 1 to 5, 2025
Donation-Optional Luncheon December 4, 12–1:30 pm
“At What Cost? is a unique collaboration between San Jan Community College art students and Aztec and Farmington High Schools social studies classes. Together they are exploring what it really costs to attend college, including the price people pay financially, emotionally, and physically for higher education.
An exhibition of letterpress posters created using the Trail Snack Press will be on display from December 1 to 4 in the Student Center on SJCC’s main campus. On Thursday, December 3 from 11:30 to 1:30 pm, students will present their research at a donation optional luncheon. R.S.V.P to by November 27 to reserve your spot! All proceeds are donated to student scholarships at SJCC.
