About PCNJ

Mission and History

Hours and Contact Information

Sponsors

What is the Printmaking Council of New Jersey?

The Printmaking Council of New Jersey was created in 1973 to encourage and support the fine art of printmaking in all its varied forms for the benefit of artists and the public through outreach education and exhibition. Furthermore, we established and sustain a creative arts center that promotes interaction among artists of different abilities and encourages advancement of their artistic and professional growth. Finally, we promote participation of the public both at the PCNJ facility and throughout the State of New Jersey.

 The uniqueness of our organization lies in its focus on the historic yet innovative medium of printmaking. There are only a handful of organizations in the country, and the world, that focus on printmaking, therefore PCNJ brings an important facet of the arts to our members and our community. The PCNJ facility houses studios in photography, printmaking, papermaking and book arts, two gallery spaces, a library and administrative offices. Members, donations, corporations, foundations and program fees support us. Our major program components are as follows:

Youth Outreach: The Printmaking Council’s Roving Press program provides on-site arts education to schools and organizations throughout the state that have little or no resources for art classes. Art teachers, who are members of the Printmaking Council, travel to schools and community groups to provide hands-on experience with many printmaking techniques. For the past 10 years, PCNJ has provided urban school systems with grant-funded programs. As a result, thousands of students, whose exposure to the printmaking is limited, have had hands-on workshops with the Roving Press.

Education: Classes and workshops, presented by our artist members in printmaking, papermaking, photography and book arts, are held year round at the Printmaking Council facility. Professional artists and novices enroll in these programs. We are registered New Jersey Department of Education Professional Development Providers so educators also participate and can receive credit. In addition to our classes, Printmaking Council members may utilize our professional studios for a nominal fee. PCNJ also offers children’s classes, summer camp, and Girl and Boy Scout programs throughout the year.

Exhibition: PCNJ hosts eight exhibitions each year in two in-house galleries and at off-site locations such as Ortho Biotech in Bridgewater. Exhibitions are invitational or juried. Artists participate on the local, national and international levels. Special events are included within our exhibition activities such as international exchange programs, handmade book projects and festive opening receptions. All exhibitions are free and open to the public and docent led tours are available by appointment.

Printmaking Council of New Jersey
440 River Road
Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 725-2110