Really Big Prints Exhibition
September 10th - November 22nd, 2014 - Really Big Prints
Closing Reception at the Museum: Saturday, November 22nd, 2014

Many amazing printmakers from near and far came to UW-Manitowoc on July 21-25, 2014 to create editions of 41 large-scale relief prints. This event has put Manitowoc on the map for printmakers and print collectors alike. The number of participants and duration of the event makes it unique, as well as the opportunity for the printmakers to print a limited edition of a large-scale print, and have it exhibited “hot off the press” here, at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum. You can see a documentary of the event here. You can always find out the latest information about the event and show on the Really Big Prints facebook page.

The art of printmaking realizes the oxymoron of the “original multiple.” These images are not reproductions, but original pieces which are conceived and created to exist as a limited edition. The vehicle for creating the multiple is a matrix that can be printed repeatedly. For these prints the matrix was created as a relief. Wood, MDF, linoleum, or plastic was carved or painted on top of to create the image. The matrix was then rolled with printing ink, the raised areas became coated with the ink, while the low areas remained clean and open. Paper was then placed onto top of the inked matrix. The ink was transferred onto the paper with the steamroller.