Photo courtesy of Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative
Print Condition
Cooperative shares the art of printmaking through workshops and members’ talents
For almost two decades, Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative has been doing its level best to preserve an otherwise struggling form of artistic expression.
The nonprofit allows core and associate members to share space, equipment and printing presses in its studio.
Located in downtown Columbus, the cooperative offers classes and workshops in a wide variety of locations with the goal of teaching art and printmaking techniques, as well as promoting both traditional and modern forms of printmaking.
“Our classes and workshops aren’t as rigidly designed as it is in a university setting,” says Anne Cushman, president and co-founder. “They are small and provide a lot of individual attention.”
Phoenix Rising was formed in 1996, and the first studio officially opened in 1998.
Geology Quilt by Anne Cushman
Print Condition
Cushman was inspired to begin Phoenix due to a lack of printmaking facilities in Columbus at the time, other than within colleges and universities.
“I love the process of printmaking. It is one of the dying arts as far as fine arts (go), and many colleges and universities are downsizing it,” she says. “I want to help promote it and keep it alive as an art form.”
Core member Mary Woodworth has had a good deal of regional success in presenting her art since she began in printmaking in 1995. Woodworth has been awarded various grants, the latest of which she used to produce linoleum prints, which she had previously done on silk, onto a large quilt.
Amanda VanDenberg, one of the newest and youngest core members, says she found a new career path thanks to an undergraduate printmaking class she took. Since then, her work has been displayed in various venues, and she has entered the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Competition.
Another core member, Joan Tallan, began her art career in pottery, but later discovered a hidden love for printmaking. She now enters shows every year and thinks about printmaking even in the rare moments she isn’t practicing the art, she says.
Photo courtesy of Judith Miller
Print Condition
Artwork from core members has been exhibited in numerous shows in central Ohio, including, most recently, the Cultural Arts Center.
“I think that the cooperative has really helped me tremendously, because you suddenly have 10 best friends that you are working with,” Tallan says. “We have become very close friends, and we all learn from each other and inspire each other.”
William Kosileski is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
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