International Mezzotint Society 2012 Exhibition
Date: 8/1/2012 - 8/30/2012 Location: Gannon Gallery, BSC Library
Reception, with curator Linda Whitney, August 30 from 4-6 p.m. with a gallery talk at 5 p.m.
Twenty-four mezzotint images, created by artists from ten countries, are included in the exhibition. The artists are all members of the International Mezzotint Society (I.M.S.) and participated in the 2011 membership print exchange. Each printmaker created a mezzotint edition of twenty-five prints exchanging their work with the other artists and donating one impression to be exhibited.
The International Mezzotint Society (I.M.S.) was established in 1997 by Dr. A. David Crown. There are more than 100 members internationally. The primary objective is to share enthusiasm and information, and spread knowledge of the technique and its history, to other artists who may presently feel somewhat isolated. The I.M.S. also extends membership to devotees, mezzotint collectors and print-lovers. The mezzotint printmaking process can be long and labor intensive. It was invented by German artist Ludwig von Siegen in the 1600s and was extensively used by artists and craftsmen up to the early twentieth century when other printmaking techniques became more popular. In the last twenty years it has experienced a resurgence. Several of the printmakers in the exhibition were also invited to exhibit their prints in the International Mezzotint Festival in Ekaterinburg, Russia during the summer of 2011. Professor Linda Whitney, I.M.S. board member, curated the exhibition and will travel the work to Bismarck State College Art Gallery; The Red Door Gallery in Wahpeton; Minot State University Art Gallery; Gallery 126 at Dawson Community College, Glendive, MT; and the ART Lab Gallery, Staten Island, NY.
