WCA Events
2004 Print Exchange

Co-Curators
Melinda Laz (303) 871-7869 (w); (303) 715-5007 (h); email: melindalaz@yahoo.com
Alicia Bailey (303) 340-2110; email: ravenpress@earthlink.net

Project Description: Each artist will create one edition of 30 prints that will become part of the complete portfolio of prints created by each participant in the exchange. We will limit the size of each edition to no more than 30 total prints: 25 prints will be given to all 25 participants; 5 prints will be put into 5 portfolios which may be sold as fundraisers, and potentially exhibited in a gallery at a later time.

2004 Print Exchange Parameters

Size: All artists should plan to create their prints on 11x15 paper (¼ sheet of standard 22x30 printmaking paper). Even if you choose to work very small, please print onto a piece 11x15 paper to maintain continuity within the portfolio. The curators are currently exploring portfolio options, which will be presented at a later meeting.

Theme: This print exchange will not have a theme. Feel free to explore any topic or idea that interests you. Please remember that all 30 prints must look as similar as possible (i.e. same ink color, same position on the paper, etc.)

Date Due: All prints must be ready for the print exchange, which will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2004. Artists will exchange prints and will each take home a complete portfolio.

Numbering: All prints should be numbered 1-30/30 (example 1/30; 2/30; 3/30; etc.) on the lower left hand side of the image; the title should be written in the middle; your signature should be written on the lower right hand side of the image. See attached example. If you don't wish to number your prints on the front, you may number them on the back.

Press Time: If you do not have immediate access to a press, the curators will be organizing several dates throughout the year for press time in a printmaking facility, which may or may not require a small fee. Dates will be announced in advance via email.

Printmaking media allowed: This print exchange is focused on traditional methods of printmaking including: Intaglio - printing from the bottom of the incision (etching, drypoint, collagraph, etc.); Relief - printing from the top of the incision (woodcut, linocut, letterpress, etc.); Stencil - printing through an opening (silkscreen); Planographic - printing from a single plane (lithography, monotype, etc.)

Media not allowed: For the purpose of this print exchange, digital media and glicée prints will not be allowed, nor will monoprints (since they are not editionable). In future years, the group may wish to organize other print exchanges that are open to all media. The curators wish to focus on traditional forms of printmaking in an effort to help all artists, both printmakers and non-printmakers alike, experience and learn about the many forms of printmaking.

* Keep in mind, not all printmaking methods require the use of a press! Relief prints are easily created with hand pressure and with water based media. Consult the library and the Web for books and other resources about printmaking and printmakers.

Commitment Deadline: All artists interested in participating in the 2004 print exchange must make a commitment by September 9, 2003. At that time, the curators will notify all participating artists with the final edition number, as well as release a schedule of dates throughout the year for press time, demos, etc.

Resources: If you are new to printmaking, we suggest that you keep your eyes open for workshops and classes offered throughout the region. For example, The Art Students League offers ongoing monthly classes or weekend workshops in a variety of printmaking techniques. Their new open studio program offers very affordable press time outside of organized classes. Open Press is another facility that offers press time and professional printing assistance for a fee, and, on occasion offers special workshops.

The Art Students League of Denver
200 Grant Street in Denver
(303) 778-6990; www.asld.org
* You must become a member of the League in order to take classes or use the printmaking facilities. Lowest level of annual membership is $30.

Open Press
Attn: Mark Lunning
40 W. Bayaud in Denver
(303) 778-1116

Meininger's and Guiry's sell limited printmaking supplies so you may wish to explore the Web. Other good suppliers include:

Renaissance Graphic Arts www.printmaking-materials.com
Graphic Chemical Company www.graphicchemical.com
Daniel Smith Art Supplies www.danielsmith.org
Dick Blick Artist Materials www.dickblick.com

Printmaking inks and papers are specifically designed for the printmaking process. Using oil paints is not recommended since they will ultimately corrupt the paper (the oil will bleed through the paper). There are many types of papers designed for different types of printmaking. Heavyweight textured paper, such as Rives BFK or Arches Cover, will work well for intaglio techniques that require soaking the paper; Stonehenge and Arches 88 or other smooth papers work well for relief printing and silkscreen.

To add a WCA-CO event to this page, email your listing to Jennifer Sebastian at least two weeks in advance of the scheduled date.

All text and photos copyright Women's Caucus for Art - Colorado Chapter unless specified otherwise. No text or photos may be reproduced without permission of WCA-CO.