It was the first print shop of its kind in Western Canada and a focus of printmaking production and distribution for artists, both in the Prairies and Canada-wide.
These were replaced by the Grand Western Canadian (GWC) Screen Shop which he formed with partner Len Anthony, a knowledgeable technician and master printer,[3] in 1973,[2] hoping to make original art more affordable and generate revenue for artists.
[4] From 1973 to 1987, the screen shop provided a "transformative catalyst in contemporary printmaking"[3] and social and cultural hub[4] for artists in Winnipeg such as such as Ted Howorth, Chris Finn, Don Proch and Tony Tascona; from Saskatchewan David Thauberger, Victor Cicansky, Joe Fafard and Russell Yuristy; and from Quebec Pierre Ayot[5] as well as guests such as Daphne Odjig and General Idea and many others[6] to make and distribute their prints.
[2] In 2010, The Grand Western Canadian Screen Shop Collection: the Bill Lobchuk Donation, curated by Robert Epp was held at Gallery One One One in Winnipeg.
He also taught printmaking at the University of Manitoba (1973-1974), served as a member of the Canada Council Art Bank juries (from 1973 to1989), as a Visiting Guest Artist, Canada Council Art Bank Commission, and in the 1980s served on boards of magazines and cultural centres.