Last Best Print Fest 2023 is kicking-off on First Friday, July 7, from 5 to 8 PM, and I AM SO EXCITED! From its first iteration way back in 2010, the ZACC’s Last Best Print Fest has showcased the amazing world of printmaking to anyone and everyone – from the most seasoned printmaker to the newly print-curious. Over the years so many incredible printmakers have been involved, including local heavy hitters like Bev Beck Glueckert, Jace Laakso, and this year’s Featured Artist David Miles Lusk. David has a special perspective on Last Best Print Fest, as he helped found it (along with ZACC Print Shop Volunteer Sam Berry)! David’s career in printmaking, now including his relief print on paper business Anomal Press, has blossomed and matured along with the ZACC itself – and we are so lucky to have him as this year’s Featured Artist.
During the Gallery Opening / LBPF Kick-off, we’ll have free printmaking demonstrations by David from 5 to 7 PM, along with Bring Your Own T-shirt (BYOT) screen printing! Bring any light colored cloth and you can leave the ZACC with your own totally FREE David Miles Lusk-designed Last Best Print Fest souvenir! The LBPF Kick-off will also feature the Gallery Opening of the LBPF Auction, featuring work by over 40 printmakers in a variety of styles. Guests will be able to bid on their favorite prints, and take them home after the exhibition and auction closes at 6 PM on July 31. All funds raised through the auction will go directly toward funding future experiences in the ZACC’s 100% Public Print Shop.
And for those whose curiosity is piqued, we have several printmaking classes scheduled throughout the month, taught by a variety of professional printmakers and touching on a variety of techniques. There’s everything from a Jigsaw Styro Relief Print Workshop taught by the wonderful Bev Beck Glueckert, to Screen Printing, Monoprinting, Cyanotype Printmaking, and ‘Sew Printy’ (sew something and then print on it, of course) – all taught by yours truly.
I love printmaking, and I can’t wait to share this, my favorite medium, with all of you. There really is something for everyone – arts patrons, life-long learners, creatives, serious artists – at Last Best Print Fest. I hope to see you all there!
Patricia Thornton
ZACC Print Shop Manager
