Asheville Printmakers’ Group Show

Selected work by members of the Asheville Printmakers, a group of local artists exploring print media, will be shown at BlackBird Frame & Art during November and December.

These are original prints, typically small editions made from a single printing plate as distinguished from prints such as giclees and offset lithography that are reproductions of a single original work. For many art collectors, the most appealing aspects of original prints are their relative affordability and the intimacy of the viewing experience. The artist and printer, often one and the same, are challenged to use specialized skills, inventive techniques and mutiple processes to achieve the desired artistic outcome.

Asheville Printmakers was formed in 2014 to encourage printmaking in the arts community and share experiences among members. The group has adopted a broad definition of the print to include most work in which artists are engaged hands-on in the production of their work. Thus, members employ a variety of relief and intaglio methods such as woodblocks, linocuts, engravings, etchings, collographs and photogravure as well as monotypes and alternative photographic printing processes. Asheville Printmakers is an open group for artists having “an interest and motivation in printmaking with artistic intent” who are invited to join members on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the West Asheville Library.

As the show’s title suggests, these works will be displayed unframed. Made on paper or other non-rigid material, prints are usually framed for protection from the elements and presentation in a viewable format. These unframed prints will be shown alongside a selection of frames to illustrate the effect a frame and mat will have on the final presentation of the art. As tastes vary, there is no single “correct” way to frame a print, although there are important considerations to ensure long-term preservation. The ability to “try out” each print in the context of different frame designs should be an interesting exercise for experienced and new collectors alike.

There will be a casual artist reception with refreshments on Friday, November 6 at 6:30 p.m. The show will run through December. Please join us to meet the artists and learn more about the innovative and involved processes used to make these fascinating prints.

BlackBird Frame & Art is a custom framing studio that features fine art prints.

If You Go: UnFramed, Asheville Printmakers’ Group Show. Artists’ Reception, Friday, November 6, 2015 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. On display November and December at BlackBird Frame & Art, 365 Merrimon Ave, ¾ mile north of downtown Asheville. Hours are 10-6 weekdays and 10-3 Saturdays. (828) 225-3117 or visit blackbirdframe.com.