Wednesday, April 10, 2019

The biennial printmaking showcase known as “Printfest” will be held by UNCW’s Art & Art History Department on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Printfest is a day-long event that allows artists and volunteers to work collaboratively while printing large-scale woodcuts outside of the Cultural Arts Building on UNCW’s campus. The themes for the woodcut designs are based on work being done by local nonprofits as a unique and engaging way to introduce the nonprofit groups to both UNCW students and the local community. Artists carve their designs into 4’ x 6’ wood, then ink and print on muslin before a live audience. Previous Printfest events have highlighted Cape Fear River Watch, Full-Belly Project and Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem.

Each artist’s block is printed a total of three times. These prints are available for purchase during the event, and a portion of the sales is given to the nonprofit. This year’s recipient is the Plastic Ocean Project. Five North Carolina colleges and seven independent artists will carve blocks specifically for this event. The event is open to the public and admission is free.

-- Tyler Anne Whichard ’19