New Place, New Space, New Face for Washington Printmakers
By • February 2, 2023 One Comment 1179
Washington Printmakers Gallery (WPG), one of the main Georgetown Galleries of Book Hill, has recently moved up the block to 1675 Wisconsin Ave. NW. The artists are nicely settling into their spacious new studio featuring a bright and lively gallery, entertaining space, and a picturesque bay window. With a “new year, new me” mentality, Washington Printmakers is hoping to expand into the community by offering a variety of printmaking workshops, culinary and dance classes, and other cultural events to encourage people to explore new activities and hobbies.
Washington Printmakers has 22 members, including printmakers, digital printmakers, and photographers. The gallery hosts individual, and group exhibits where members can showcase their latest work and techniques. Many of the artists also host classes and workshops to teach the community about printmaking or help other artists fine-tune their skills. Printmaking encompasses many different styles — from monoprint to lithograph and intaglio, there is surely something for everyone — and what better way to learn than from some of the best printmakers in the area?
Washington Printmakers’ new location is bright, warm and spacious. Courtesy Washington Printmakers.
The Georgetowner spoke with Rosemary Cooley, an esteemed printmaker, and member of Washington Printmakers who specializes in hand-pulled prints, an original and intricate style of printmaking. Cooley describes the process as “mechanical, yet full of surprises.” Hand-pulled prints are created on archival handmade paper and use carvings into surfaces such as wood, stone, and plexiglas plates. Cooley has an extensive background in printmaking and has studied all over the world, fine tuning her craft among many different styles.
“I do not believe there is a human being that cannot be an artist,” Rosemary Cooley told The Georgetowner. Photo courtesy Washington Printmakers.
On Wednesday, Cooley hosts a workshop called Gel Plate Monoprint where she teaches a small group of students how to create monoprints using plexiglas plates. All materials and ink are supplied by Washington Printmakers along with individualized instruction and consulting. Anyone — from first-time printmakers to advanced artists — is welcome.
This year, Washington Printmakers is hosting a slew of art workshops and classes. The art workshops include everything from beginner and advanced drawing to different types of printmaking and photography. They’re also broadening their offerings by bringing in other community members to teach new skills. Rani from Spicez (1610 Wisconsin Ave.) is teaching Henna Design, How to Make Chai, and an Indian culinary class. On Saturday afternoons starting in March, cartoon classes for children and young adults will be offered as well.
On February 11, Washington Printmakers is having an inaugural celebration from 4-8 p.m. Come join artists and community members for hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and be surrounded by beautiful art. President of the gallery, Marie-B Cilia De Amicis told The Georgetowner, “Our goal is to educate and enrich the community.” With classes and workshops for everyone, Washington Printmakers is your neighborhood destination to learn a new skill or perfect a lifelong craft.
To sign up for workshops, visit www.washingtonprintmakers.com and scroll down to view the calendar.
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