Bob Schneider celebrated for his visual art at PrintAustin

While he is best known as a musician, Bob Schneider is also an accomplished visual artist whose art practice ranges from multi-media collage to printmaking.

As part of PrintAustin this year, Schneider will serve as the guest celebrity at the Printmaker’s Ball on Feb. 11. The fundraising event for the non-profit PrintAustin, the ball kicks off PrintExpo, a print fair featuring over 60 artists and galleries. One booth at the fair will be dedicated to Schneider’s art. And attendees at the ball have the first chance to buy a screenprint by Schneider.

Master printer Tracy Mayrello has worked with Schneider for years, first at Flatbed Press and now at her own printmaking collective Creekside Studio.

“Bob likes a noisy plate,” Mayrello says, referring to the copper plates filled with scuff marks and scratches that Schneider prefers to use instead of a pristine plate. In fact, Schneider’s been known to take copper plates on the road with him, letting them get subjected to all kinds of wear and tear, and etching in between gigs.

“He draws right on the plate, he doesn’t make a sketch and transfer it like most artiists do,” says Mayrello, adding that Schneider uses the tiny imperfections as inspiration, a starting point for his images. Mayrello points to two prints “Dylan’s Dilemma” and “The Blue of Heaven” as good examples that show the ‘visual noise’ of the blemished and scruffed up etching plates Schneider prefers.

PrintAustin continues Jan. 14 through Feb. 15 with multiple exhibitions and events. See printaustin.org

Printmaker’s Ball ,Feb. 11
VIP pre-party with Bob Schneider: 6 to 7 p.m.  — $75
General admission: 7-10 p.m. — $20

Print Expo: Free art fair and family-friendly event with printmaking demonstrations
12 noon to 6 p.m.m Feb. 12 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13
Blue Genie Art Bazaar, 6100 Airport
printexpo.org