3/13/98
ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University's Athens campus will host the 26th annual Southern Graphics Council Conference, an event expected to draw more than 500 people March 25-28 for a variety of professional and cultural activities focusing on the 200th anniversary of the invention of lithography.
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, the council has grown to include more than 900 members from around the world interested in preserving and promoting the art of printmaking. This year's conference is titled "A Celebration of the Print: The 200th Anniversary of Lithography," and includes panel discussions, demonstrations and art exhibits that are open to non-members as well.
"We feel very fortunate to have the conference here on this important anniversary," said Associate Professor of Art Robert Lazuka, chair of Ohio University's printmaking program and co-organizer of the conference with Professor Mary Manusos and Assistant Professor Anita Jung. "We have a long and distinguished history in printmaking at this university. This helps continue the link Ohio University has in the field of printmaking and gives us an opportunity to showcase our program."
Ohio University's printmaking program was started in the 1950s and has grown through the years to one of national prominence. A major renovation of the printmaking studio space was completed this summer and included the addition of computer imaging and papermaking facilities; reorganization of the etching and lithography studios; acquisition of a new Takach lithography press; and increased graduate studio space.
Several print exhibits are planned in conjunction with the upcoming conference. At the Kennedy Museum of Art on The Ridges, selections from the university's contemporary print collection -- which includes work by such artists as Andy Warhol and Helen Frankenthaler -- will be shown. Other exhibits at the Kennedy will feature the work of Clinton Adams, professor emeritus of art at the University of New Mexico and first education director of the famed Tamarind Institute of Lithography in Albuquerque, N.M.; a Czech and American print portfolio exchange; and an invitational portfolio exchange tied to the history of lithography. The Adams and Ohio University collection exhibits are now open, while the Czech and portfolio exchange shows open Tuesday, March 17.
An exhibit at the Ohio University Art Gallery in Seigfred Hall showcasing the work of Kenneth E. Tyler, an innovator in printmaking who has collaborated with some of today's most respected artists, runs through March 28. At the Trisolini Gallery, the prints of Polish artists will be shown during the conference, while an exhibit at the Dairy Barn Cultural Art Center in Athens featuring the works of Ohio printmakers and Ohio University alumni runs through March 29.
Other highlights of the conference include panel discussions on current issues in art; guest lectures; print demonstrations; an open portfolio session in Baker Center featuring the work of 130 artists; a banquet at which Adams and Tyler will be recognized for their contributions to printmaking; and a Saturday evening dance featuring country rock music by Joe Bob Billy and the Texas Alien.
Information on conference fees and arrangements is available by contacting Pat Davidson, Ohio University's coordinator of continuing education, conferences and workshops, by phone at (740) 593-1776 or by e-mail at pdavidson2@ohiou.edu. The public may attend the entire conference or pay for individual days.