It starts with a parade.
A annual celebration of all things printmaking, PrintAustin runs from January 15 through February 15 with more than 60 events and exhibitions. The indie, non-profit event is led by Founder and President Cathy Savage, and director Paloma Mayorga. And this year PrintAustin starts with a printmaking-inspired procession lead by Houston-based artist Dennis McNett and his Wolfbat Studios.
Known for creating large-scale woodblock prints that are then fashioned into enormous puppets used for performances in happenings and street actions, McNett is working up ceremonial print puppet to lead procession that will make its way around the Canopy art complex in East Austin.
Wolfbat Studios creations on parade. Photo courtesy Wolfbat Studios.The PrintAustin Opening Ceremony and Procession starts at 6:30 p.m. at Canopy, 916 Springdale Road. That same night, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Big Medium, is the opening of
“The Contemporary Print,” PrintAustin’s 7th annual juried exhibition, presented in collaboration with Big Medium.
This year the showcase of print artists goes international the work of artists from across the United States, Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom who offer fresh perspectives in printmaking and push the boundaries of traditional techniques. The exhibition is curated by Texas-born curator and artist Claudia Zapata, now at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, where she currently acts as the Latinx art curatorial assistant.
Raluca Iancu, “Child’s Play,” (still), 2019, print-based stop motion animation. Featured in the exhibition “The Contemporary Print 2020,” PrintAustin.“Lone Stardom: Printmaking in Texas,” Blanton Museum of Art
This pop up features printed works by just as diverse a group of artists, mediums, and styles as the great lands of Texas. These Made In Texas works from the Prints and Drawings Collection include Luis Jimenez, Robert Rauschenberg, Celia Alvarez Muñoz, David Bates, Eric Avery, and Melissa Miller.
Date: January 16, 2–8:30 only. Free admission.
Venue: Blanton Museum of Art, 200 East MLK Jr Blvd
“Soul: Melanated Life In Print,” PrintAustin Invitational
Printmaker Jamaal Barber of Studio Noize Podcast in Atlanta is the guest curator for the annual PrintAustin Invitational exhibit, featuring prints by artists from the East Coast.
Opening Reception: 5–7 p.m., Jan. 30
Exhibition Dates: January 18–February 9
Venue: Link & Pin Gallery, 2235 E 6th, Ste 102
Under Pressure: Steamroller Printing Workshop
In preparation for our annual Steamroller printing event on February 1, PrintAustin hosts local printmaker Chad Muzzarelli to lead this immersive woodblock printing workshop. Brush up on the history of woodblock prints, as well as learn to transfer your design, carve, and print a large-scale block. No prior experience necessary. Register here.
Dates: January 18 & 25, 12–3pm (2 sessions)
Cost: $120 incl. materials & Steamroller event fee
Venue: Nepantla, USA, 1209 E Cesar Chavez St.
“Stereotyped Ordinary: Sangmi Yoo,” Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking
Using a combination of digitally printed and laser cutting techniques, Korean-born artist Sangmi Yoo has created a large gallery installation of works that celebrate the “ordinary” architectural structures around us including stereotypical “house” or “home” images.
Reception: 6–8 p.m. Jan. 25.
Exhibition Dates: January 15–February 15
Venue: Flatbed Center for Contemporary Printmaking, 3701 Drossett Dr, Ste 190
The Printmaker’s Ball
PrintAustin’s whimsical masquerade evening returns! Get a glimpse of the artists, galleries, and editioning shops exhibiting during our PrintEXPO, tune in for a talk by Art Historian Karen Pope on the Art of Collecting, and witness an unconventional collaboration between visual artist Ben Sorrell and dance artist Annelize Machado inspired by threads of ancient and contemporary history, art, and mythology. Creative cocktail attire and masks highly encouraged!
Time: 7–10 p.m. Jan 31
Cost: $20 suggested donation
Venue: Blue Genie Big Top, 6100 Airport Blvd
TalkAbout: Beverly Acha, Women & Their Work
Women & Their Work presents a lively conversation with artist Beverly Acha about her work and the role print plays in her overall practice.
When: 11:30 a.m. Feb. 1
Venue: Women & Their Work, 1710 Lavaca St.
Trade Portfolio
PrintAustin’s annual print Trade Portfolio culminates in this exhibition and print sale. Featuring the work of artists from around the globe, collectors (established and new) can select their favorites from the 12”x12” prints.
Opening Reception: January 31, 7–10pm
Exhibition Dates: February 1, 11am–5pm & February 2, 11am–3pm
Venue: Blue Genie Big Top, 6100 Airport Blvd
PrintAustin’s Bin Fest. Photo by Scott David GordonPrintEXPO + Bin Fest + Steamroller
The PrintEXPO is PrintAustin’s annual print fair featuring artists, galleries, editioning shops, and universities. All weekend, purchase original artwork from regional and national talent, and flip through our bins of prints to add new work to your art collection. Experience live steamroller printing on Saturday, Feb 1, sponsored by Clay Imports and organized in partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville Dept. of Art, Communications and Theatre. This event is free and family-friendly.
Date: February 1, 11am–5pm & February 2, 11am–3pm
Venue: Blue Genie Big Top, 6100 Airport Blvd
A Sightlines Panel Discussion with Claudia Zapata
Join us for a conversation between Sightlines magazine and The Contemporary Print 2020 Juror, Claudia Zapata to top off and close out PrintAustin 2020! Claudia’s passion for Chicanx and Latinx art, and identity-based exhibitions has inspired her previous work as the Curator of Exhibitions and Programs at Mexic-Arte Museum, the Co-Founder of the Puro Chingón Collective, and now the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Rhetorics of Art, Space and Culture at Southern Methodist University.
When: 12 –1:30 p.m. Feb. 15
Venue: Big Medium, 916 Springdale Rd, Bldg 2, #101
Sightlines is a media sponsor of PrintAustin 2020.
