Printmaking at The Sidney Nolan Trust
The Sidney Nolan Trust organises an ongoing and very active fine art printmaking programme at The Rodd. It also makes its printmaking studio available, for a small charge, to practising printmakers who have completed introductory health and safety briefings. There is an annual fine art print exhibtion open to those who print at The Rodd. The printmaking programme comprises regular day courses and workshops, both for newcomers to printmaking and for experienced practitioners. Included are theorectical sessions for those whose interest is in the understanding of the printmakers craft. The Trust has a particular expertise in solar plate printmaking, a recent addition to the range of printmaking techniques employed in the studio.
Outreach Programme
The Trust is committed to make printmaking available to the widest possible section of the local community. We run one-day introductory printmaking workshops in museums, galleries, village halls and community centres and in local secondary schools. Printmaking tutor, Mike Clements, takes a portable etching press to these venues. Participants come from all ages and diverse backgrounds, including the disabled and minority communities. The workshops are aimed at adults and at GCSE and A-Level students. They are suitable for artists and non-artists alike. Participants do not need any previous printmaking or art experience. The workshops also appeal to those who would like to refresh a rusty knowledge of intaglio printmaking.
The Sidney Nolan Trust Printmaking Programme 2009
Summary
- Large prints project in 2009, with a special weekend in June/July. Print relief plates using an antique steamroller and intaglio on an 8ft x 2½ft etching press bed.
- Book arts group continuing.
- H.Art printmaking exhibition 12 – 20 September 2009
- Please help publicise the outreach workshops in Eardisley on 22 February & 29 March. They are how we get new printmaking members at The Rodd.
- Membership held at £30 in 2009.
Large Prints 2009
Our printmaking project for 2009 will focus on very large prints, using an antique steamroller to make relief prints of at least 3ft x 3ft (900 x 900mm). Members will also be able to make large intaglio prints using an 8ft x 2½ft bed on the etching press. These plates will be printed as a "performance art" event, on a weekend (probably a long weekend, Thursday or Friday to Sunday) in June or July 2009, with the public encouraged to attend and, we hope, participate. Detail of this are still (January 2009) being worked out but expect to hear more soon. New members are always welcome, so if you know of anyone who might be interested in this project, encourage them to visit the website http://www.sidneynolantrust.org.uk/PrintmakersGroup.htm and get in touch.
Fine Art Printmaking Exhibition, 12 - 20 September 2009
Members will again be invited to exhibit new work at the Trust’s major printmaking exhibition during Herefordshire Art Week (h.Art).
Book Arts Group at The Sidney Nolan Trust
Encouraged by the successful participation at the Manchester Book Arts Fair in November, The Trust has taken a table at the Bristol Artist’s Book Fair on 4 & 5 April 2009. If you would like to exhibit your artist’s books on this occasion, please get in touch.
Our focus on artist's books will continue in 2009. Lin Charlston will be running more workshops and seminars on book arts themes. Members of the group will again be producing new book arts work for display in the tithe barn, firstly in June/July 2009 and also alongside the h.Art printmaking exhibition in September 2009. We are fortunate to have the space to run book arts displays side by side with our printmaking exhibitions. Each enhances the other, not least in the eyes of our visitors.
The Trust's aim has been to challenge printmakers to move beyond their comfort zones; to explore an exciting new medium; and to expand and develop their fine art practices. We have successfully encouraged participation not only by existing printmakers but by newcomers to the Trust’s work. If you want to join in or know anyone who does, get in touch now - it's not too late to join in 2009 activities.
Introductory Printmaking Workshops at Eardisley Village Hall, Sunday 22 February & Sunday 29 March 10.00 - 16.00. £35 per person per day
We get most of our new members through the outreach workshops. They give a route into printmaking for newcomers and a way to refresh rusty knowledge before tackling the health & safety briefing. If you know of people who might be interested, please refer them to http://www.sidneynolantrust.org.uk/PrintmakersGroup.htm#2009Workshops and encourage them to get in touch (Mike Clements tel 01544 38492 e-mail MikeClements@sidneynolantrust.org).
Printmaking Workshops 2009
There will be the usual programme of workshops and members’ events in 2009 but details haven’t been finalised yet. Expect things to get moving in May, once the weather’s warm enough. I’ve left the 2008 workshop details on the website http://www.sidneynolantrust.org.uk/PrintmakersGroup.htm#2008Workshops as a guide to the sort of programme to expect in 2009.
Membership 2009
Members can join the printmakers group and/or the book art group for only £30. Membership gives:
- open access to the print studio for only £5 a day
- reduced rates for workshops (saving of £10 on most).
- the opportunity to exhibit at printmaking exhibitions and book arts displays - there are likely to be two opportunities in 2009, the June/July Large Prints event and the September h.Art exhibitions.
- the chance to work with other printmakers and take part in collaborative days.
Please send cheques for £30 payable to The Sidney Nolan Trust to Anthony Plant, The Sidney Nolan Trust , The Rodd, Presteigne, LD8 2LL.