From its beginning in 1995, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking’s mission has been to support, preserve and advance the art of original prints. Located in a converted stone carriage house in Norwalk, Connecticut, CCP is equipped to accommodate intaglio, lithography, monotype, silkscreen, woodblock printing, papermaking, book arts and digital processes.
This year, with the CCP’s Members Show, on display through February 9, viewers are also being introduced to the interior thoughts, dreams and passions that are fueling the work of this multi-aged and multi-talented community. With the theme “Under the Influence” to guide them, members responded with wide-ranging essays that have accompanied their art as wall text. Kimberly Henrikson, CCP’s executive director, said that she has been delighted by the responses not only of the participating members, but of the visitors who have been coming to see the show. Although many of the Center’s members have been involved in the CCP for many years, and what work they do is often collaborative, the essays proved to be an effective vehicle in helping the members of this diverse community to become better acquainted.
“It was gratifying to see so many of our members lingering over the writing — and experiencing how it helped them interact with the work before them,” she said. Participating artists range in age from 12 to 97, and include the longtime CCP member, nonagenarian Kees de Waal, wife Deirdre, and daughter, Johanna. Best in Show this year was awarded to William Evertson’s for his woodcut print, “Windy Day in Hong Kong,” which references the art of Hokusai. Second place went to Marjorie Tomchuk, for her embossed collograph print, “Erosion.” Honorable mentions were awarded to Christopher Shore, for his for his photopolymer intaglio, titled “Intra Dimensional Transit” and Amy Silberkleit, for her stone lithograph, “Overlook,” which conjures a scene of a border in which the forest becomes shelter. “The trail leads to some unknown place where there is anticipation of something better,” she said.