Exhibits & Events

WEST PHILADELPHIA–The Soapbox, a West Philadelphia-based community print-making studio and zine library, recently announced that the studio is moving into a new, expanded space in the 4500 block of Baltimore Ave. Since its opening in 2011, the Soapbox has grown from a zine library and a basement studio in a rowhouse on 51st and Baltimore Ave to a community studio with a screen printing darkroom, papermaking facilities, a risograph printer, and multiple small- and large-format letterpresses. The Soapbox’s zine collection includes more than 3,000 handmade publications going back to the 1980s and continues to be a space for joy and inspiration for zinemaking clubs, visiting students, members of the public who stop by, and zinemakers and artists.

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After operating at 47th and Kingsessing Ave for the past seven years, The Soapbox is ready to take the next step and move into a larger and more accessible location at 4542 Baltimore Ave in spring 2026. This move marks a significant milestone for the non-profit arts organization. In the new space, The Soapbox will be able to more than double the number of independent artist studios it offers, expand programming, and create more studio space for letterpress, screen print, risograph, and other book and paper arts.

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Soapbox co-founder Mary Tasillo remembers that “we named The Soapbox after the crates historically used for impromptu public speeches, with the goal of creating a space for self-expression.”

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Over the past 15 years, The Soapbox has lived into that vision, with members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences with the arts. Over the years, the studio has been home to artist residencies, art critique clubs, and drop-in zinemaking groups.

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The Soapbox has always been a grassroots led organization, with most of the labor over the past 15 years provided by dedicated volunteers. The enthusiasm of Soapbox volunteers speaks to the unique community within the studio, and to the value of accessible artmaking space in West Philadelphia. Now, with the move to Baltimore Ave, the Soapbox has launched a $50,000 fundraising campaign for renovationing the new space.

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Longtime board member art administrator at the Delaware Museum of Art, Erin Robin highlights how the new location will give The Soapbox new visibility. “We’re going to have more exhibit space, more studio space right on West Philly’s Main Street. We’re getting ready to have a lot more people walking into our art space,” Robin says. The new space was previously an auto mechanic’s shop. “Just imagine when we open up that big garage door between the studio and the street.”

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The crowdfunding campaign kicked off in December with the opening of an exhibition of Soapbox artists’ work at Knockbox Cafe on 45th and Pine. The exhibit showcased many of the distinct printmaking techniques supported by the Soapbox, including screen printing, risograph, relief printing, and letterpress. Artwork for sale in the show supports the campaign.

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Members of the public can support the Soapbox directly by making a donation.

For more information, updates, and to support the move, visit www.phillysoapbox.org