Sponsored by the Southern Graphics Council
The Southern Graphics Council is the largest print organization in the United States with members from across the nation and a growing number of international printmakers. The juror for the show was Lloyd Menard. Menard has taught at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion for over thirty years. He originated the prestigious Frogman's Print and Paper Workshops twenty-two years ago. He has given over 65 print and handmade paper workshops throughout the United States and Europe. Menard has collaborated with over 200 artists to create editions and prints. His artwork has been shown in over 350 juried and invitational exhibitions and is part of over 450 university, college, corporate and museum collections.
“It is my hope that exhibitions such as this will encourage dialogue that goes beyond our own community of printmakers to foster new alliances and possibilities for collaborations that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.
As I write this statement, I have the list of accepted artists that Lloyd Menard chose for the next traveling show. I drove the slide entries to South Dakota and while there I was able to see the range of works submitted to the show. It was exciting to see such a variety of techniques, designs and concepts. Sitting in Lloyd's studio by the presses and seeing his vital group of images, made me eager to return to my own press and put some ink to paper.
I applaud those members who chose to submit works. As always, the juror must weigh the choices of what to include with a feel for the overall balance and impact of the show. Many excellent works were eliminated due to the need to keep the traveling exhibition fairly small. Still the works chose represent an impressive cross-section of our membership. Thirty-five artists from twenty-two states and three artists from Canada are included in the show. This exhibition is one of the primary tools the Southern Graphics Council has for promoting printmaking. It has been a pleasure to work on this project.”
---April Katz
“April arrived at Frogman's Sunday morning; she informed me that 81 artists had submitted a total of 237 pieces for the show, which seemed very low considering there are over 1,000 members in Southern Graphics Council. However, if just half of those members submitted artwork, then the jurying task, which is already a difficult undertaking (many good pieces had to be eliminated due to a limited amount of space) would have been nearly impossible for this printmaker.
It was suggested that I select thirty-nine pieces in the three size categories dictated by framing and shipping constraints. After going through the slides sever times I selected thirty-six artists to represent this exhibition. There were thirteen intaglios, five reliefs, and two lithographs; the remaining nineteen pieces were mixed media. This indicates that many printmakers are crossing over into different areas and experimenting in order to express themselves.
Established, as well as, beginning artists are represented. Overall I felt this print exhibition continues to show growth in today's printmakers. Although extremely difficult to select, it was an honor and a pleasure to jury this show.”
---Lloyd Menard
San Angelo Museum
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