Printmaking isn’t on the decline.
In fact, it’s usually the first step into art collecting.
For the fourth year, the Mimbres Region Arts Council is putting on the Southwest Print Fiesta.
The event takes place Friday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 13, in Silver City.
Kevin Lenkner, executive director of the Mimbres Region Arts Council, says artists from New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Arizona and Mexico will be represented at the fiesta.
“We have 29 artists, with a maximum of 30 spots,” he says. “That’s the capacity of where we’d like to stay at. It’s comfortable and manageable. We really want to give people an opportunity to start their art collections with prints.”
The fiesta begins with the opening of three exhibitions showcasing artists from the United States and Mexico. A reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at Light Art Space, 209 W. Broadway, in downtown Silver City.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, there will be an Artisan Marketplace on Market Street between the Big Ditch and Texas Street.
Lenkner says there will be printmaking demonstrations and try free printmaking activities for all ages.
There will also be artisan booths will offer fine art prints, letterpress creations and more.
Beginning at 11 a.m., large-scale hand-carved artist blocks will be inked and placed on Market Street. Once they are inked, a steamroller will roll over the blocks to create large artist prints.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, visiting artist Valpuri Remling, master printer at the Tamarind Institute, will be speaking at the Silver City Museum Annex, and later offering portfolio critiques.
Workshops and printmaking activities will be offered to those interested in learning new techniques in printmaking and letterpress.
“I think we have a great professional development track that includes plenty of professional development opportunities,” he says. “Being able to get a portfolio critique is priceless. Also, with Tamarind coming in and being part of this event, it helps draw more people involved with printmaking.”
