The Underground Gallery at Collective Visions Gallery is thrilled to host the West Sound Printmakers Annual Exhibition this December. Featuring the work of talented printmakers from across Kitsap County, this show offers an inspiring glimpse into the diverse and vibrant world of printmaking.
The Origins of West Sound Printmakers
The West Sound Printmakers began in 2018 as a serendipitous outcome of the first Wayzgoose Festival in downtown Bremerton. Inspired by the excitement surrounding printmaking, Collective Visions Gallery member and printmaker Paula Gill gathered 12 regional artists to showcase their work. During the inaugural exhibition, a casual conversation among four artists—over wine and cheese, of course—sparked the idea to create a collaborative printmaking group. With laughter and introductions, the West Sound Printmakers was born.
Today, the group includes 15 members, ranging in age from their 30s to their 90s, hailing from Port Orchard, Bremerton, and Poulsbo. They meet regularly in member studios to exchange ideas, share techniques, and encourage one another in their creative pursuits.
A Journey into Printmaking
Printmaking is a unique and often under-appreciated art form that combines meticulous craftsmanship with limitless creativity. Unlike painting or drawing, printmaking involves creating an image on a plate or form, inking it, and pressing it onto paper, fabric, or other surfaces. The process allows for multiple runs and endless variations, giving each piece its own personality and charm.
The techniques represented by the West Sound Printmakers are as varied as their members. Visitors to the exhibition will see works created using etching, screen printing, monotype, collagraph, lithograph, letterpress, linocut, soft cut, and woodcut methods. Each technique brings its own distinctive texture, depth, and energy to the artwork.
Event Details
The West Sound Printmakers Annual Exhibition will open on First Friday, December 6, from 5-8 PM, during the Bremerton Art Walk. The evening will feature refreshments and a chance to mingle with the artists in this festive celebration of printmaking.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the artistry and innovation of printmaking and celebrate the creativity of local artists. Visit the Underground Gallery at CVG this December and discover why printmaking continues to captivate audiences and creators alike.
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