The Press
Farrington Press is an off-grid print shop and collaborative space nestled in the mountains in an undisclosed location between the San Bernardino National Forest and Joshua Tree National Park. We work with selected artists to create unique works and editions, all while immersed in an inspiring and unconventional setting.
Kyle Simon, founder of Farrington Press, sought the High Desert and its dark night skies to study the art of observing celestial objects; a research project that led to his design and construction of a series of sculptural and functional telescopes. In 2018 Kyle and partner Sarah LaChance purchased an abandoned observatory and an accompanying cabin on a small, remote hilltop. Having sat unused for over 40 years, with nature taking over, Kyle and Sarah dedicated several years—and braved many rattlesnake encounters—to restore the observatory with their own hands and transform the cabin into their home.
At the onset of the pandemic, Kyle and Sarah embarked on a 2,000-mile road trip to acquire a Ray Trayle etching press. After hauling the 2-ton machine back home and with no dedicated space to house it, they poured a concrete slab on their property. Before the slab had even fully dried, plans were already underway to ship Tara Donovan’s behemoth hydraulic press from New York to the desert. With the help of a determined neighbor and amazing friends, the press was hauled up the mountain, and the studio was built around it—just in time for its inaugural collaboration with fellow desert resident Lily Stockman.
Farrington Press thrives on limited resources, isolation, and the rugged landscape that surrounds it, cultivating a philosophy of resourcefulness—what we call “McGyverness.” Our printers and artists navigate unconventional challenges by creating tools and solutions from the materials found on the 20-acre property, including natural elements. The remote setting, free from distraction, fosters a strong sense of camaraderie—a shared spirit that fuels every project. Collaborations at Farrington often blossom into lasting friendships, making the studio feel like a growing family with each new endeavor. Every artist who works at Farrington leaves behind a legacy of creativity and insight, enriching the artistic process and the place itself.
Who We Are
Kyle Simon moved to the Joshua Tree in 2016 from New York City, where he had been a master printer at Pace Prints for 10 years. While at PACE, Kyle collaborated with acclaimed artists such as James Turrell, Kiki Smith, and Francesco Clemente, cultivating a reputation as an innovative and trusted collaborator. Inspired by these experiences, Kyle established Farrington Press, which has gained attention from leading contemporary artists, with its prints now featured in major museum collections.
In addition to printmaking, Kyle is also a multimedia artist whose work explores the intersection of art, science, and storytelling through experiential installations and close collaborations with experts and artists across various fields. His personal artworks are narrative environments, telling original stories through diverse techniques and mediums.
Sarah LaChance moved to the high desert in January 2019 after spending time in Japan, where she studied Ikebana and taught English. After earning her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California, she became deeply involved in creating educational opportunities for the youth of the Morongo Basin. Over the years, she has been involved in developing arts-focused programs throughout the region. Sarah is the backbone of Farrington, overseeing behind-the-scenes operations, keeping things running smoothly, and ensuring everyone is well-fed.
