ALMA PRINT COMPETITION OPENED JUNE 16 AT BONIFAS





The 24th Print Competition from Alma College will open in the Alice Uren Powers Gallery at the William Bonifas Fine Arts Center in Escanaba on Thursday, June 16.

“Because there are so many different ways technically to create prints, this is a varied show,” said Pasqua Warstler, Bonifas Gallery and Education Director. 


"This is an annual, state-wide competition for printmakers, so there is lots of experimentation with combinations of technique. It’s very innovative.”


The juried all-Michigan show features work of student printmakers, “but more instructors and professionals,” Warstler said.


A statement from juror Hugh Merrill in the exhibit’s catalog notes the artists’ “eccentric and animated vision, their concern for political and social issues, craft, the intensity of process and the broad range of their interests. “



Pieces in the exhibit display titles that support Merrill’s statement, ranging from Spatial Interaction II,  to Peace Talks I to A Very Quiet Space and Where the Hell was Superman.

Thirty-nine artists and 50 pieces are included in the show and competed for a $1000 “Best of Show” award.  This year’s winner was Bruce Thayer of Mason, MI, for Downer Cow.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge to visit the Center or tour exhibits. For more information call (906) 786-3833.