In August, the Kentucky Artisan Center brings three printmakers to demonstrate collagraph prints, wood engraving and linoleum prints. Each of these print processes are very different and the artists that use them have chosen these printmaking methods to portray their diverse subject matter and stylistic preferences.
On Saturday, Aug. 4, Deborah Stratford, of Louisville, will demonstrate collagraph printmaking techniques. A collagraph print is made by starting with a base mounting board onto which layers are applied and sealed. The layered work is inked and wiped leaving the ink only in the recessed areas. Covered with a sheet of dampened paper the collagraph is then run through a press to create the printed image.
Stratford is inspired by nature, stories and life as she sees it, feels it and remembers it. She often uses fish, animals and women imagery in her works. Her prints are regularly available at the Center and are featured in the gallery exhibit “Show & Tell” on display through August 31.
On Saturday, Aug. 11, Joanne Price, of Baghdad, KY, will demonstrate wood engraving from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center. This is the first time that Price and the relief print technique of wood engraving have been demonstrated at the Center.
Wood engravings are relief prints cut into the end grain of a wooden block. They produce images with fine details and are used to illustrate letterpress books, cards and broadsides.
Price is nationally known for her wood engravings and is president of the Wood Engravers Network, an organization that fosters education and creates a resource for wood engravers. She has led wood engraving workshops throughout the country, has exhibited widely and teaches printmaking at the University of Kentucky.
On Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., three members of the Berea Welcome Center Carvers will be on hand to demonstrate their individual carving techniques and talk with visitors. These Central-Kentucky artisans demonstrate on the third Saturday of every month at the Kentucky Artisan Center.
On Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Lexington artist Stephen Wiggins will demonstrate the steps of linoleum block printmaking by transferring an image onto the block, carving and inking it and printing the final design onto paper.
Wiggins has been drawing since he was a child and worked with acrylics and oils before coming to printmaking. He is currently head of the Bluegrass Printmakers Co-op in Lexington.
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea currently features works by more than 800 artisans from more than 100 counties across the Commonwealth. Special exhibits include, “Show & Tell – 15 Years” showcasing 39 demonstrating artists and in the lobby the mixed media exhibit titled “Ray Papka – Juxtapositions.” For more information about events call 859-985-5448, or visit the center’s website or Facebook page.
Photos, left to right: Debby Stratford pulls a linoleum print from the press; "Escape Path" wood engraving by Joanne Price; "Boombox" linocut by Steve Wiggins