The American Color Print Society is celebrating their 70th anniversary with their 70th member exhibition at The Plastic Club which is coincidentally 70 years old. The exhibition includes not just color prints (the group came together because many galleries only allowed black and white prints) but many excellent examples of black and white prints. Like many other art forms, the boundaries have expanded to include mixed media, collage, textile and more. With works submitted by artists from all over the country this show is a mixture of styles, tastes, techniques and ideas from abstract expressionism to atmospheric naturalism to impressionism to pop incorporating every type of printmaking imaginable.
Marlene Grolnic, Ancestral Headgear, collagraph/collage.
Elaine B. Rothwell, Poker Cross. 4 plate color etching.
Ron Wyffels, Untitled, etching/drypoint/drawing.
Carole J. Meyers, Check It Out, monotype. Meyers explained to DoN how she paints an image on thin plastic sheets with water-based inks then pulls them through a roller to produce her expressionistic prints.
American Color Print Society 70th exhibition @ The Plastic Club on the Avenue of the Artists.
Carole J. Meyers, Holding Court, monotype.
Thelma Grobes, Acrobat And Horses, etching.
Lois M. Johnson, (The Cowgirl in the City), was awarded the lifetime achievement award by The American Color Print Society. Johnson has taught printmaking at The University of the Arts for 40 years and is preparing to retire. A native of North Dakota she has made a great impact on the art scene in Philadelphia by helping aspiring print-makers realize their potential. DoN asked Lois how she reacts to the popular skate-punk esthetic so prominent with today’s youth and she responds that she doesn’t judge but reacts to what is put before her, helping her students improve technique and style, the substance is up to the artist. The American Color Print Society sponsors a printmaking scholarship for students attending UArts, DoN‘s sure the school is going to miss Lois Johnson’s influence and tenacity.
Lois M. Johnson was honored with a solo exhibition in the Board Room of the Plastic Club; Johnson’s prints mix photography, drawing, scribbles and metaphorical references to her western roots and metropolitan style.
The American Color Print Society was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from Philadelphia City Council on their 70th anniversary and exhibition. Congratulations!