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Date: 6/13/2023
SOUTH HADLEY — The dozen students crowded around a large silkscreen press and listened intently to Raylyn Pisano, an employee at GG Inks. She was explaining how the press works with the intent of each student learning to operate it to make their own silk-screen printed T-shirt.
The visit by Chicopee High School students on June 8, who are part of the graphic arts/communication pathway, was a first for them and the company, which makes custom silkscreen and embroidered apparel.
Tom Rivet, the group’s instructor, said he wanted to show the students – freshman and sophomores – the career potential of the silk-screening industry and GG Inks gladly accommodated.
“Go to Walmart,” Rivert said. “You’ll see everything is printed.”
The company’s owner and president, Gerry Geoffrion, explained to Reminder Publishing that he hopes the visit will become an annual event. He started the operation on New Ludlow Road in 2011 after doing it part-time in his basement.
He added the company produces hundreds of thousands of printed and embroidered garments a year.
Carl Ingram, who is the director of CTE for Chicopee Schools, said the district has silk-screening equipment which it uses and has purchased embroidery equipment as well. He sees the trip to GG Inks as “a serious investment in student engagement.”
Geoffrion explained the silkscreen printer — which resembles a mechanical octopus — has 14 stations and can print in eight colors as well as half-tones.
He added, “At GG Inks, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of trade professionals. By collaborating with Chicopee High School, we aim to inspire students to explore the exciting world of silk-screen printing and gain valuable skills for their future careers.”