Printmaking

Printmaking Fundamentals

The printmaking program in the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art is centered upon a dynamic investigation into the meaning of printed matter and the production of multiples in our complex world. Students energetically examine the visual and expressive potential of fine art printmaking while developing theoretical grounding in the historic context and contemporary applications of printmaking. The curriculum is structured to provide a firm technical and conceptual foundation in print media as students develop problem solving and analytical skills. Through independent and communal efforts students refine their art making abilities, discover their individual voices and aesthetic sensibilities, and learn the habits essential to the lives of active artists and engaged global citizens.

Purpose

The purpose of the Printmaking program is to offer a comprehensive, forward-thinking undergraduate education in printmaking preparing students for professional work as visual artists and practitioners in the fields of printing/printmaking and for graduate level study in printmaking and the visual arts. The program aims to offer students an education in a wide range of printmaking techniques —from historic to progressive—while continuing to provide high quality printmaking courses to support and broaden the educations of students in other areas of study within The Myers School of Art.

Goals

To help students gain technical strength in the four primary printmaking media—relief, intaglio, lithography, and screenprinting—and progressive contemporary printmaking practice—digital printing, printstallation, relational aesthetics, etc.
To foster student learning of the problem solving skills, methods of critical thinking, and idea development of the printmaking discipline and greater art making practice.
To aid students in seeing the potential for transference of basic printmaking skills, concepts, and thought process into other fields of study and areas of personal investigation.
To lead students in learning to work collaboratively in a communal space with a sense of social responsibility.
To teach contextual knowledge of contemporary and historic printmaking.
To foster the ability to critically analyze artworks created through printmaking process.
To provide students with unique opportunities beyond the scope of traditional classroom learning to both expand upon the education that we offer as well as encourage an appreciation and love of lifelong learning.

Printmaking Faculty

Charles Beneke
Title: Professor, Printmaking Coordinator
Dept/Program: Printmaking
Phone: 330–972–2565
Email: beneke@uakron.edu

Distinctions

Students are presented with a broad range of facilities and opportunities while pursuing their BFA in Printmaking such as:

The Myers School of Art Printshop is a shared, collaborative environment to which students have 24 hour access. In addition to communal space, studio space is offered to intermediate and advanced level students on a competitive basis.
Gain hands on experience working with our extensive visiting artist program.
Exhibit in shows both within the university and beyond in regional venues.
Travel to the annual Southern Graphics Council International and biennial Mid America Print Council conferences.
Participate in APE (Akron Printmaking Enthusiasts), our printmaking club, activities.
Engage with the Akron and Northeast Ohio communities at museum, schools, and community printmaking demonstrations and events.

Sample Curriculum

Printmaking - B.F.A.

thINKeditions

thINKeditions is The University of Akron Mary Schiller Myers School of Art Printmaking Program subscription print club. Our goal is to promote the appreciation of contemporary printmaking in the Akron/Northeast Ohio region by developing a community of printmaking advocates to enrich the educational mission of the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art Printmaking Program through the support of visiting printmaker residencies.

Each year thINKeditions sponsors a Visiting Printmaker Residency and a Visiting Emerging Printmaker residency. By participating in these programs students gain hands-on skills through assisting residents in the printing of editions of their work and participation in resident led discussions on current issues in printmaking theory.