Printmaking Sampler for 6 - 8 year olds
4 Thursdays: May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Students will learn a new fine art printmaking technique every week. They will create a monotype print, carve a relief block and silkscreen a shirt with their own unique design.
Class size is limited to 15, so please register early!
Fee: $40.00

Printmaking Sampler for 9 - 12 year olds
4 Thursdays: May 6, 13, 20 and 27, 5:15 - 6:15pm
Students will learn a new fine art printmaking technique every week. They will create a monotype print, carve a relief block and silkscreen a shirt with their own unique design.
Class size is limited to 15, so please register early!
Fee: $40.00

To register for classes click here to download a registration form. Please send completed form and fees to:

Bridgewater, NJ
Bradley Gardens Firehouse
24 Old York Road
8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Adults......$8
Children...$6
Seniors....$7

Free silkscreening art program
for children
please bring your own T-shirt

July 31 - October 9, 2010

Sally Spofford, Juror

JUROR'S CALL FOR ENTRIES:
A long immersion in the art of the Maya turned out to be my gateway into the iconography of other and older civilizations. During the search for archetypes my head became jammed with fragments and details. Eventually insights began to lead to assimilation and fusion.
Our culture seems cut off from its past without myths or heroes. My fascination with history and other cultures has taken me on a search for beginnings, essences, and links to contemporary culture.
We all make up answers to the same questions: Who are we and how did we get here? We tell similar stories and use similar images in our art.
Shapes, rhythms, and patterns appear again and again and these are the stock of symbols we've preserved within ourselves throughout time.

Download the prospectus and entry form here: Myths&MarksCallForEntries.pdf

Let's get together on February 18th at 7 PM to discuss the beginning of an Artist To Artist Network!

Here is a little background that may help to explain...
I have been a long time PCNJ member, sometimes active/ sometimes not. I have recently retired and am thrilled to be spending much more consistent time in my studio. All of this working in solitude has me craving interaction with other artists. I look for the opportunity to meet with like-minded artists who are willing to share. I have heard others expressing a similar desire.

There are no pre-conceived plans, other than that some members have expressed a similar interest in organizing "something". So, let's start and see what develops!! Bring some ideas yourself or come and listen and weigh in on ideas expressed. This comes from a desire to develop a place to come together with other artists in an open and encouraging environment. Who knows where this might take us?

Refreshments are welcomed. Hope to see you at PCNJ on the 18th.

Leokadia Stanik

Saturday, 2/20 & Saturday, 2/27, 10 - 4
Less is More: The Haiku Broadside
Fees: $180 Members, $210 Non-Members. Explore the theory that less is more by designing and letterpress printing visually cohesive broadsides using a small amount of text and image. After writing haiku, participants will set their poems in metal type and consider the best way to utilize a blank page to create a powerful visual statement. Experiment with methods of adding color, image and texture such as sandograph, pressure printing and stenciling. The workshop will introduce the easy-to-use Vandercook printing press.

Monday, 2/22, 10am - 2pm
Content Development
Fees: $75 Members, $90 Non-Members. One of the biggest challenges in art making is how to use personal experience as inspiration for work in a way that is accessible and interesting to the viewer. Explore how to successfully incorporate ideas, events and narratives from our own lives into our artwork through a series of exercises. Learn how to incorporate content generated from these exercises into the participants' medium of choice and how to add conceptual depth to ideas through the color, image and text.

Tuesday, 2/23 or Thursday, 2/25, 10am - 3pm
The Single Page Book: 10am - 12noon
Fees: $80 Members, $95 Non-Members. The single page book serves as a great platform to introduce students to book arts, publishing and editioning. Explore several different ways to make a book using a single 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, and how to use a photocopier or printer to edition and publish.
Building Creativity: 1 - 3pm
This workshop will explore a series of art-based exercises that can be used to stimulate creativity, beginning with the surrealist exercise The Exquisite Corpse, a collaborative project.

Wednesday, 2/24 or Friday, 2/26, 10am - 3pm
Paste Paper: 10am - 12noon
Fees: $80 Members, $95 Non-Members. Paste paper is a method of making decorative paper using paint and wheat paste. Developed by German nuns in the 17th century, this easy technique can be used to make exciting decorative papers for book covers, wrapping paper or greeting cards.
The Pamphlet and the Accordion Books: 1 - 3pm
Participants will learn two of the most popular and versatile book structures: the soft cover pamphlet and the accordion book. We will use the paste paper from the morning session to make covers for these structures.

Sunday, 2/21, 10am - 4pm
The Small Themed Book
Fees: $95 Members, $110 Non-Members. Using a galley proofing press and an array of wood type and metal cuts, students will print limited edition, themed books. Participants will learn the single page book structure, made by folding one piece of paper into a four-page book. Book content will be printed on a galley proofing press which is a safe and easy to use hand-operated printing press. This workshop will introduce students to the letterpress printing process, as well as simple techniques for making their own limited edition books at home.

Jessica Peterson is a letterpress printer and book artist who received her MFA in Book Arts from the University of Alabama. She currently teaches book arts at SUNY Purchase and University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Her work can be viewed at papersouvenir.com.

= These classes are open to everyone. They also qualify as Professional Development Classes for Teachers, as they are designed to expand and bolster art making and creativity in the classroom.

To download the class registration form click here.

Please help support PCNJ by making a donation through PayPal

LETTER TO MEMBERS DECEMBER 2 0 0 9

"We've barely entered December and I'm already looking forward to spring! It's not the cold weather that has me looking to March; I'm just completely jazzed to start a fabulous new program here at PCNJ. This spring we'll begin our first session of in-house printmaking classes for kids. Classes will be held in the new Stuart Berkowitz Children's Studio. The new children's program will offer classes designed for greater impact on its young participants by connecting printmaking with what matters to kids."

Dear PCNJ friends,

The above, is the first paragraph of the end-of-year letter that I began writing to members last week. That was before the phone call from the NJ State Arts Council, telling us that our grant (and those of 158 other arts organizations) had been frozen at the request of Governor-elect Christie. This news has tempered my enthusiasm. PCNJ and its colleagues in arts organizations around the state were already operating close to the bone. Our $10,400 state grant, approved last July, was to support the current fiscal year's activities. The money was expected last month, but now state officials say they don't know when or if the funds will be released. The arts industry supports 80,000 jobs and over $1.5 billion a year in direct and ancillary expenditures for the state economy. And while we all understand that the state is in a financial crisis, freezing grants that have been budgeted for, only exacerbates the already difficult circumstances in which we operate. This year's state grant was already a fraction of what it has been in past years. The grant was cut by 25%. The prior two years' grants were a reduction of 12% each, resulting in a 50% cut in state aid to arts organizations in past 3 years.

What is particularly frustrating is that reneging on our grant comes at a time when PCNJ was realizing so many true successes. When the economic downturn persisted we tightened our belts and cut staff hours to get through the tough times, but we didn't stop believing that we could continue to meet our goals. We set out to purchase a large press in honor of Eileen Foti, to attract a potential new demographic to the studio (young printmakers leaving university print shops after graduation) and we successfully raised every dime of that money, thanks to Studio Chair Melissa Pepin, and Eileen's many friends and supporters. We've had great success with our last two benefit events. The November Soiree yielded over $17,000, and the 2008 event grossed $15,000; a huge improvement over the $4,200 raised the prior year. News on the program side is also good, as enrollment in classes quadrupled this year. Exhibitions are drawing enthusiasm from gallery visitors, and yesterday's opening reception for ART AS ACTION was positively brilliant!

I offer this information not as a self aggrandizing exercise, but to demonstrate how hard staff, volunteers and the board have been working and how responsive and supportive PCNJ members have been to the changes at PCNJ. We are deeply grateful for that support and hope we can count on you to help us sustain this latest storm that threatens our stability.

Our goal is to raise $10,000 to bridge the gap in state funding. We offer you two ways to help. Long time friend and former PCNJ Artistic Director, Stephen McKenzie has created a 15" x 22" black & white linocut limited edition presentation print that will be given to each member who joins or renews membership at the $100 Sustainer Level. The other option is for you to simply click on the DONATE NOW button above to make a quick, easy and secure tax-deductible donation through PayPal. PCNJ is a unique and precious gem. We'll continue to battle the elements while we work to serve your printmaking needs and feed your creative souls, but we need your help. Thank you in advance for your support!

Warmest regards,
Linda Helm Krapf, Executive Director

Saturday, 2/20 & Saturday, 2/27, 10 - 4
Less is More: The Haiku Broadside
Fees: $180 Members, $210 Non-Members. Explore the theory that less is more by designing and letterpress printing visually cohesive broadsides using a small amount of text and image. After writing haiku, participants will set their poems in metal type and consider the best way to utilize a blank page to create a powerful visual statement. Experiment with methods of adding color, image and texture such as sandograph, pressure printing and stenciling. The workshop will introduce the easy-to-use Vandercook printing press.

* Monday, 2/22, 10am - 2pm
Content Development
Fees: $75 Members, $90 Non-Members. One of the biggest challenges in art making is how to use personal experience as inspiration for work in a way that is accessible and interesting to the viewer. Explore how to successfully incorporate ideas, events and narratives from our own lives into our artwork through a series of exercises. Learn how to incorporate content generated from these exercises into the participants' medium of choice and how to add conceptual depth to ideas through the color, image and text.

* Tuesday, 2/23 or Thursday, 2/25, 10am - 3pm
The Single Page Book: 10am - 12noon
Fees: $80 Members, $95 Non-Members. The single page book serves as a great platform to introduce students to book arts, publishing and editioning. Explore several different ways to make a book using a single 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper, and how to use a photocopier or printer to edition and publish.
Building Creativity: 1 - 3pm
This workshop will explore a series of art-based exercises that can be used to stimulate creativity, beginning with the surrealist exercise The Exquisite Corpse, a collaborative project.

* Wednesday, 2/24 or Friday, 2/26, 10am - 3pm
Paste Paper: 10am - 12noon
Fees: $80 Members, $95 Non-Members. Paste paper is a method of making decorative paper using paint and wheat paste. Developed by German nuns in the 17th century, this easy technique can be used to make exciting decorative papers for book covers, wrapping paper or greeting cards.
The Pamphlet and the Accordion Books: 1 - 3pm
Participants will learn two of the most popular and versatile book structures: the soft cover pamphlet and the accordion book. We will use the paste paper from the morning session to make covers for these structures.

Sunday, 2/21, 10am - 4pm
The Small Themed Book
Fees: $95 Members, $110 Non-Members. Using a galley proofing press and an array of wood type and metal cuts, students will print limited edition, themed books. Participants will learn the single page book structure, made by folding one piece of paper into a four-page book. Book content will be printed on a galley proofing press which is a safe and easy to use hand-operated printing press. This workshop will introduce students to the letterpress printing process, as well as simple techniques for making their own limited edition books at home.

Jessica Peterson is a letterpress printer and book artist who received her MFA in Book Arts from the University of Alabama. She currently teaches book arts at SUNY Purchase and University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Her work can be viewed at papersouvenir.com.

* = These classes are open to everyone. They also qualify as Professional Development Classes for Teachers, as they are designed to expand and bolster art making and creativity in the classroom.

For the printable PDF version of the newsletter click here.

Featured artists: Anne Dushanko Dobek, Yashua Klos, Jonas Kulikauskas, Maria Lupo, Kathryn Maxwell, Szilvia Revesz, Bobby Rosenstock, Bill Rybak, Erin Sweeney, Keren Zaltz.

Previous shows:

Art as Action features works by five acclaimed printmakers whose passion for complex social, economic, political, and environmental issues spills over into their art.


Featured Artists - J. Catherine Bebout, Karen Guancione, Curlee Raven Holton,
Doris Nogueira-Rogers, and Erik Ruin.

December 12, 2009 through February 20, 2010.

October 10 - December 5
BELOW THE SURFACE
A collaborative exhibition between PCNJ & The Book Arts Roundtable

Participating artists: Seth Apter, Aileen Bassis, Barbara Brewton, R.D. Burton, Lynne Buschman, Mary-Ellen Campbell, Pat Cudd, Pat Feeney Murrell, Marleen Grabowsky, Janet Hautau, Shellie Jacobson, Randy Keenan, Lynn Keffer, Eryn Lewis, Debra Livingston, Karen McDermott, Chuck Miley, Arlene Gale Milgram, Kenneth Schnall, Leokadia Stanik, Jean Stufflebeem, Judy Tobie, Susan Walkley Topper, Cynthia Weiss.



August 8 - September 19

What Does It Mean To Be Human?
PCNJ Member Print Exchange

PCNJ is proud to present "What Does It Mean To Be Human?" as the American half of an international traveling print exhibition exchange with printmakers from Johannesburg, South Africa.

Image: Wind, linocut by Lea Goldman

June 6 - August 1
Reclaiming Lives - Print Exchange Exhibition from Johannesburg, South Africa

Dancers (Ndzhauuko indzuti wa xigaza I), etching by Phillemon Hlungwani

December 12, 2009 through February 20, 2010.

Opening Reception & Panel Discussion moderated by educator, essayist, poet and photographer John Ripton will take place on Saturday, December 12, 1 - 4pm.

*Use of a professional studio and related equipment.
*A $1,000 stipend to support the residency and offset the cost of supplies.
*Uninterrupted time to explore new ideas and techniques.
*Interaction with a new community of artists.
*Publicity in local and regional media.
*An opportunity to exhibit work at the end of the residency period.

• In 2010, PCNJ seeks applicants working in printmaking and its related disciplines, preferably in a non-toxic format.
• The AiR MUST BE self-sufficient in a printmaking studio.
• The AiR shall use the studio in a manner that demonstrates a strong commitment to the program.
• He/she will spend at least 20 hours a week at PCNJ, which can include days, night, and weekends.
• The residency will take place during a 6 week period from May 1 - June 20, 2010.
• The AiR must provide his/her own housing and transportation to and from the studio.
• The goal of the AiR should be to complete a new body of work. This could include print editions, artist books, papermaking, and installations, among others.
• The new work will be exhibited in PCNJ's Library Gallery from Oct. 16 - Dec. 25.
• The AiR is also responsible for offering a limited number of events at PCNJ, such as lectures, demonstrations, workshops and publicity functions.
• The AiR will donate a small portion of the work completed during the residency to PCNJ.

1. Application Form
2. A professional C.V., resume, or bio.
3. One letter of reference from a professional source, such as a department Chair, academic colleague, former professor, curator, arts administrator, etc.
4. 8-10 examples of work on CD. Each image must include the artist's name, date, medium, and size. PCNJ is looking for a strong body of work, which does not need to be limited to just printmaking.
5. A one-page Artist Statement.

Friday, July 10, 10am-4pm
Don't Even Call this Rubber Stamp: Relief Print and Frottage
Beginner - Learn to carve big and small relief prints free hand or from transferred photographs. We'll use easy-to-cut rubber stamp material that works on paper and/or fabric, with oil or water based inks. Techniques include making repeat patterns for fabric, thin or thick paper. Use them to chine colle into prints, collage into works on paper, and/or integrate them into book arts. Learn a surprisingly simple way to use offset techniques to print onto 3 D surfaces. Pre-carved mirror image blocks made by artists will be available for you to use to make repeat patterns and background materials. Bring sketches, ideas and photographs to photocopy; carve and print; and bring home blocks you've carved to keep printing and creating. Advanced students can create multiple blocks to make Chiaroscuro Relief Prints, or CMYK registration techniques. Students will leave with at least 2 carvings printed relief, repeat and frottage on lots of papers and variations. Fees: $100 members/$120 non-members. Materials: $15.

Friday, July 17, 10am-4pm
The Gelatin Print Extravaganza
Beginner - Gelatin printing is a form of edition and monoprinting. You'll use gelatin plates with water-based mediums. The process is like magic - simple and versatile and is equally well suited for professional printmakers, professional artists, and those wishing to expand their artistic vocabulary. The basic materials are non-toxic and clean up with water. We'll supply the gelatin plates on trays (print size 12" x 14"), you bring brushes, water-based mediums. We can send you a list of the best kinds - but everything works! Mostly, bring your imagination and be prepared to have fun and make gorgeous prints. Collage, stamping, stencils, overprinting - the possibilities are close to endless. Permanent results, perfect for archival printmaking papers. Advanced - Now you know how! Create and/or refine or work with editioning possibilities. Email Shelley and she'll work with you to set up what you need. Students will leave with many gelatin prints on paper. Fees: $100 members/$120 non-members. Materials: $15.

Friday, July 24, 10am-4pm
The Definitive Plaster Print
Beginner - Any etching technique can be printed in plaster - as a way to proof prints; as a step to continue into the work with paint and pencils; to carve into the plaster; or as a beautiful plaster print (an end in itself). We'll work small (about 10" x 10") but size does not have to be a limitation with this process - with little artistic engineering. There will be examples and ideas on how to make very large plaster prints. We'll make easy-to-understand plaster prints and see how all etching techniques can be used to make these prints, including drypoint on plexi or metal, and etched and relief plates of all kinds. Bring small plates to print, or we'll supply the basic ingredients for plexi drypoint that can be printed many ways including using surface rolls, selective wiping, stencils, and even chine colle with paper. Advanced - Learn ways to make bigger and lighter stretched prints, and use additive techniques. Email Shelley and she'll work with you to set up what you need. Fees: $100 members/$120 non-members. Materials: $15.

Friday, July 31, 10am-4pm
Painting for Printmakers (It's Inside Out!): The Cast Acrylic Print
Beginner - Paint and scribe into the surface of the plate with acrylic paint. Once it's quickly dry, it is backed with adhesive materials and can be transferred to paper, fabric or plaster. This technique allows for the inclusion within a single image, of other media (wet or dry) such as paper, fabric, dry acrylic elements, watercolor, waterbase crayons, pencils, felt pens, waterbase inks, water mixable oil paints, oil pastels and oil paint sticks because of the bonding ability ties of acrylics. It is equally useful for handpainting, collage (cut them up and re-group them!), stencils and monoprinting. Use all the techniques you've learned in the past weeks or start fresh with acrylic paint. Advanced - Learn the process using etching plates. Fees: $100 members/$120 non-members. Materials: $10.

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

PCNJ is proud to offer "What Does It Mean To Be Human?" as the American half of an international traveling print exhibition exchange with printmakers from Johannesburg, South Africa. Works accepted to show will be exhibited at PCNJ, at an off-site venue in downtown Somerville, and in Johannesburg.

Download Call for Entries here.

Image: Earth Madonna, Frederick Franck

Long-time members (l - r) Bess Birrell, Pat Feeney-Murrell, Cynthia Weiss and Lynn Keffer view artist book by Karen McDermott.

Distinguished Honoree Stephen McKenzie chats with member Susan McKinley as Gala attendees browse Print Lottery Wall.

PCNJ Board Member Donna Conklin-King during awards presentation at sold-out Gala Dinner.

Excitement builds for Honorees Marion and Marc Behr as Print Lottery numbers are drawn.

Photo credits: Scott Friedman

The Printmaking Council is developing plans to enhance programs, expand reach and deepen the involvement of the public in all its activities and events. Volunteers are an important resource and a valuable asset. When they donate their time they meet interesting people and gain experience in the arts and non-profit management.

Please consider becoming a volunteer today.

Volunteers are assisting the Printmaking Council in these and many other ways:

• Installing gallery exhibitions


• Assisting Roving Press instructors


• Updating the database


• Gallery sitting


• Facility maintenance

Printmaking Council of New Jersey is grateful for funding support from:

NEW JERSEY STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
JOHNSON & JOHNSON SOMERSET COUNTY COMPANIES
ORTHO BIOTECH
ETHICON, INC.
VICTORIA FOUNDATION
KONRAD FOUNDATION
PNC BANK
TYLER FOUNDATION

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

For course descriptions please click here.