Printmaking contest kicks off in Huntington

The Island Now

This past Friday evening the Huntington Arts Council hosted the Opening Reception for “Making an Impression III”, Juried Printmaking. 

Jess Mann’s etching with chine colle, entitled “Vulture Silhouette” won Best in Show. Honorable mentions were awarded to Beth Atkinson for “Bond,” a solar plate etching, Barbara Jo Kingsley for “Dust Devil,” a serigraph, and Annie Shaver-Crandell’s monotype entitled “Three Days Old.” 

The opening was well attended and the participating artists were given the opportunity to discuss their medium of choice and explain the printmaking process that resulted in their work.  

Artists Mary Brodersen, Monika Camillucci, Kathy Cunningham, Dawn Daisley, Elizabeth Ehrlichman, Grace Jara, Kate Kelly, Julia Lang-Shapiro, Margaret Minardi, Susan Tango, Constance Sloggatt Wolf and Rebecca Zablocki also participated in the show.

“The breadth of artistic expression is exemplified by the prints in this exhibit,” said Juror Chuck von Schmidt.  “Not only is there great diversity in imagery, but the range of different techniques further demonstrates why this medium attracts artists of every discipline.  Printmaking encourages experimentation, and this exhibition confirms that.”

Perhaps best known for his crystal sculpture, “The Ideals of Aaron,” presented to Pope John Paul II in 2005, von Schmidt’s work has also been included in exhibitions in the Anchorage Art Museum, the Islip Art Museum, the Nassau County Art Museum and the Athens Institute for Contemporary Art. The artist, who has won numerous awards and honors, has work featured in the permanent collections of the Brooklyn Museum and the Neuberger Museum at SUNY Purchase, among others.

A graduate of Cooper Union  and Brooklyn College, von Schmidt was on staff and faculty of both institutions after receiving his degrees.  In 1977, he was a visiting lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design, in conjunction with a solo show of his prints/sculptures.  He is presently an adjunct professor in the Art Department at New Jersey City University.

“Making an Impression III” will be on display in the Main Street Gallery through February 9.

The Main Street Gallery hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

For additional information on the exhibit and other Huntington Arts Council events please visit  www.huntingtonarts.org or contact HAC at (631) 271-8423.

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