30th Annual Statewide Print Competition


This past weekend marked the opening of the Alma College 30th Annual Statewide Print Competition. It also marked the end of this competition for Michigan printmakers. With declining entries cited as the main reason Sandra Lopez-Isnardi, the show's Director, said, "An aging population of printmakers who no longer print, the passing on of many older printers, and so many high schools and colleges who no longer teach printmaking and have sold off their studio equipment, it was better to end on a high note."

Sandra Lopez-Isnardi and Marjorie Devon


And it was a high note, in my opinion. Juror, Marjorie Devon, Director of Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque, NM giving a fascinating lecture about Tamarind and their history and mission of collaborative lithography and chose some exciting and "experimental" prints for awards.


John Bergmeier of Pontiac, award winner, with his 2 entries, When We Pray (do we just close our eyes?) and A Man Reaps What He Sows. www.johnbergmeier.com



With Marjorie in front of my print, Tangled Water.


Marjorie and Sandra remain excited and optimistic about the future of printmaking. The trend toward digital prints, they believe, will swing back to the art of traditional printmaking. Music to my ears!

Read more about the show here:
http://www.alma.edu/news/releases/archives/2010/10/25/print_show