Entry No. 72 — the Dallas file — filed under: hands-on
We Are 1976
A design-forward gift shop and gallery founded in 2009 that doubles as a real letterpress studio with several vintage operating presses behind the storefront. They host hands-on printmaking workshops where you ink up and pull your own prints, plus rotating guest-led classes in things like calligraphy and jewelry stamping. Check their site or call ahead for the current workshop schedule and prices.
The story
Walk past the glass storefront on North Bishop Avenue expecting standard boutique retail, and you might miss the rhythm humming from the back of the room: the metallic click and heavy mechanical thud of vintage cast-iron presses at work. Founded in 2009, We Are 1976 is an Asian-American family-owned gallery and design shop that doubles as a working letterpress studio.
The front of the shop showcases curated paper goods, ceramics, and print-wall art sourced from independent creators and friends of the studio. But behind the retail shelves sits the real engine of the operation: a fleet of operating vintage presses where hand-set type, oil-based inks, and heavy cotton paper meet old-school machinery. You aren't just looking at finished prints—you can book a slot in one of their periodic workshops to ink up the rollers and crank the press handles yourself to pull custom cards or coasters.
What it's like
Step inside 313 N Bishop Ave and you'll find a brightly lit gallery space upfront packed with art prints, cards, and ceramics, backed by the low mechanical buzz of presswork from the studio rear. It's a low-pressure shop to browse on a quiet weekday, but if you're coming specifically for a hands-on letterpress or craft workshop, note that sessions are scheduled occasionally and seats fill quickly—check their schedule online or drop them an email before heading over.
The move: Spend an evening cranking a vintage press to letterpress your own cards or coasters, then browse the shop's oddball gifts together afterward.
📍 Before you go Workshops are scheduled occasionally and fill up; check their site or email hello@weare1976.com for the current calendar.
- 📍 Bishop Arts District, Dallas
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 313 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX 75208
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Dolly on Bishop — Pair your print-gallery browsing with a look through vintage oddities, old photos, and folk art right on the same street.
- The Candle Bar — Make it a full tactile workshop afternoon by combining a letterpress session with a 45-minute candle-pouring class just a block away.
- Texas Theatre — Finish your visit to the print shop by walking 0.3 miles north to catch repertory film programming inside Oak Cliff's historic 1931 movie palace.
Good to know
Where is We Are 1976 located?
The shop and studio are located at 313 N Bishop Ave in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas.
What kinds of hands-on workshops do they offer?
They host letterpress printmaking sessions where you ink up vintage presses to pull your own cards or coasters, along with guest-led workshops covering skills like calligraphy and jewelry stamping.
How do I sign up for a letterpress workshop?
Workshops are scheduled on specific dates and require registration in advance. Check their website at weare1976.com or email hello@weare1976.com for current calendar dates and pricing.
Who owns We Are 1976?
It is an independent, Asian-American family-owned business that originally opened in Dallas in 2009.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · boxcarpress.com · Yelp · dallasobserver.com · Instagram
last checked: 2026-06-23