STATION 16

 

Station 16 stands as a central pillar in the vibrant urban art scene of Montreal, operating as both a creative print house and a contemporary gallery space. Established with a specific focus on the intersection of fine art and street culture, the studio has spent years championing the work of local and international artists who find their inspiration in the raw energy of the city. By specializing in the traditional craft of silk screen printing, the house provides a tangible medium for artists to translate their large scale murals or digital concepts into tactile, limited edition works on paper and wood. This dedication to the manual process of printing ensures that each piece retains a sense of artisanal quality while remaining accessible to a broad spectrum of collectors.

The history of the print house is deeply intertwined with the rise of the Mural Festival in Montreal, an annual event that transforms the city into an open air museum. Station 16 serves as an official partner and creative hub for many of the creators involved in this movement. While the massive paintings on the sides of buildings are transient by nature, the print house allows these fleeting moments of public expression to be preserved in a permanent format. Through this synergy, the studio has helped cultivate a market for urban art that previously existed only on the fringes of the traditional gallery world. The physical space on Boulevard Saint Laurent acts as a bridge between the street and the home, inviting passersby to witness the transition of graffiti and pop art into the realm of high design.

Technique is at the heart of the operations at Station 16. The printers utilize high quality inks and heavy stock papers to produce editions that are striking in their color saturation and precision. Because silk screening requires a separate screen for every color layer, the process is labor intensive and requires a high degree of technical expertise. This method resonates with the ethos of many urban artists who value the grit and layers of physical production. By collaborating closely with the creators, the print house ensures that the final output is a faithful representation of the artist's vision, often incorporating unique textures or hand finished details that make every edition feel distinct.

Beyond its technical output, Station 16 functions as a community catalyst. It fosters an environment where established figures and emerging talents can coexist and collaborate. The gallery exhibitions hosted by the house are known for their inclusive atmosphere, often drawing diverse crowds that mirror the eclectic nature of the art itself. By focusing on themes of pop culture, social commentary, and graphic experimentation, the studio has carved out a unique niche in the Canadian art landscape. It remains a vital destination for anyone seeking to understand the pulse of Montreal's creative spirit, offering a specialized look at how the visual language of the streets can be elevated through the timeless craft of printmaking.