Discover Graphics
The education of young artists and teachers as to the value of traditional
and digital printmaking history and techniques is of utmost importance and
a primary reason for the studio to exist. To this end Union Printmakers Atelier
has committed to reviving the “Discover Graphics” program.
“Discover Graphics” was created as an out reach program by the
Smithsonian’s National Collection of Fine Arts in the mid-to-late 1970’s.
Selected high schools from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia
would send 8-10 students at a time, one day a week, for 4 weeks, to the NCFA
Gallery located at 7th and G St. NW, D.C. There, in a studio created especially
for them, these students studied the history of printmaking and received hands
on instructions as to how to make an etching or a lithograph in the traditional
manner.
In the early 80’s, the NCFA decided to go in other directions and the
program was transferred to the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program. It
first moved into (what was at the time an extension of Union Printmakers Atelier)
a studio in the basement of the Landsburgh building on 7th street.
After one year it was relocated to the Union Printmakers location on the 7th
floor of 1900 L St. NW DC for three years. In 1987, “Discover Graphics”
finally settled into the spacious new Gene Davis studio in the Smithsonian’s
Castle Building on the national mall. The program thrived and received much
critical acclaim but could not survive budget cuts and the Smithsonian’s
need of space. In 1996 it was discontinued.
Now “Discover Graphics” will be revived as a non-profit entity
for the purpose of encouraging DC and near-by MD and VA high school students
to come to the studio and learn traditional print techniques lithography,
intaglio, and relief as well as contemporary digital imaging. They will also
study the art of bookbinding and type setting and be taught the history of
printmaking. They will create graphic images of their choice and will be encouraged
to be as entrepreneurial as possible with their finished work. This finished
work will be on display to the public via yearly exhibitions in and around
the city.
Union Printmakers Atelier will supply all materials and equipment required
for this project. The Smithsonian’s budget for “Discover Graphics”
in 1996 was approx. $20,000 per/year. In order to ensure that it receives
adequate funding, “Discover Graphics” is in the process of obtaining
recognition as a charitable organization in accordance with Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue code. Individuals and foundations that wish to support
“Discover Graphics” need not wait until this filing process is
complete in order contribute.
