Page 26 - the NOISE March 2016

26 • MARCH 2016 • the NOISE arts & news • thenoise.us
ARTSBRIEFS:
A TECHNIQUE OF YORE UNITES PRESCOTT
Tracing history back to the early Chinese, the art of printmaking is a tradition many centuries old still in practice today. The Prescott Contemporary Printmakers, founded three years ago by Maria Lynam and Barb Wills, combine ancient methods with access to the advanced technology developed over the years. As a printmaker in this day and age, the possibilities for creativity are infinite. The Printmakers showcase this limitless potential in their third annual show,
“Making Our Mark.”
Through utilizing several methods to create one print,
the Printmakers are able to produce a “fine art print” that is original to the artist who crafted it. Ms. Lynam says, “The artists who represent this group range from young students who are working on undergraduate degrees, to others who have taught art in their professional careers, and also those of us who have had other careers, but are now able to pursue the making of art.”
With no set theme for the exhibit, the artists are given the freedom to display the work they feel is best. Due to the various printing techniques, the show can be described as diverse and unique.
“For instance, one of our members prints on glass, another
collages monoprints and sews them together. I believe we
present the best of traditional and contemporary printmaking techniques,” Ms. Lynam explains.
Solar plate artist, Mary Lou Wills has specialized in this printing technique for eight years. Being a member of the group since day one, Ms. Wills has presented her work in the previous two exhibits.
“I particularly enjoy combining new and old printmaking techniques. I have even printed digitally over traditional hand pulled prints, such as a monotype for interesting results,” she expresses. “Printing is a unique art form. Whether using a press or hand printing, the final image is transferred from the plate on which it was created onto the fine art paper.”
Solar plating uses a light sensitive coated metal plate to expose a transparency of an image or design. Once the image has developed in the sun, the plate is inked and pressed with fine art paper. Ms. Wills will be displaying two prints of her favorite birds, a solar plate print, Spring Attraction along with a white ground print titled Soaring III.
Printmaker, Donn Rawlings enjoys relief prints, collagraph, dry point, monotype, along with various other prints. For the last nine years, Mr. Rawlings has created prints in the lab at Yavapai College with many of the artists in the group. This also is not his first year participating in “Making Our Mark.”
Although several of his colleagues use advanced printing technology, he prefers to create prints using the traditional methods. At times he will combine the two with layers of pencil work.
Mr. Rawlings will present two abstract prints made using a multimedia approach; monotypes drawn over with pencil and ink. Ms. Wills says to anticipate example plates used in the creation of the prints along with explanations of the processes. A glossary of terms will also be available for viewers unfamiliar with printing.
The third annual show “Making Our Mark” will be held at the non-profit ‘Tis Art Center and Gallery, 105 South Cortez Street, Prescott, from February 25 to March 22. Later in March at ‘Tis in the Main Gallery is “The Eyes Have It,” the Spring 2016 Photography Show, and in the Mezzanine Gallery “Into the Woods” George Lewis & John Hoyt Photography and Wood Sculpture. Both open March 24, with a Fourth Friday Art Walk reception on March 25 5-7PM. 928/775-0223 TisArtGallery.com
BUILDING BRIDGES FOR CHANGE
Motivated by a passion for community and change, the Building Bridges Event Series directs these values in a month-long progression of various events. The ultimate focus is to convey the belief all individuals are bridge- builders. In cultivating conscious connections, the awareness of new ideas and realities are brought to light through activism, empathy, compassion and love.
Building Bridges will begin the month of celebration in March with a First Friday Art Opening and kick-off gala on March 4 at the Sedona Posse Grounds Hub in Sedona. This will include a large collection of curated pieces unifying empathy awareness, art and action; followed by a performance of The Body Reclamation Project by Pash Galbavy. Ms. Galbavy uses masks to symbolize her journey into and through adulthood; the Pleaser, the Rebel, the Prostitute and the Saboteur are just a few. Through this she offers a hope that can be found in listening and responding to an inner calling. Visitors can make a mask from their own face with Ms. Galbavy on March 6 at her Mask-Making Workshop.
The celebration continues on March 5 with a musical performance by Adalia Tara and Kayt Pearl at The Chai Spot in Tlaquepaque Village. An evening of song and poetry will not only benefit children’s education in Pakistan but also women who produce the handmade textiles offered by The Chai Spot.
A student visual and performing art exhibition will feature student artists from Southwestern Academy,
MARIA LYNAM
PASH GALBAVY