2026 LBPF FEATURED ARTIST // PATRICIA THORNTON
Last Best Print Fest 2026: "MERCH"
Featuring Patricia Thornton
Plus the Community Quilt Project
Gallery Opening Reception
Friday, July 10 | 5–8 PM
Celebrate the opening of Last Best Print Fest 2026 alongside the unveiling of our Community Quilt Project in the Blackfoot Communications Gallery.
This year's featured exhibition, "MERCH," curated by featured artist Patricia Thornton, explores the everyday world of printmaking through clothing, posters, products, cards, and other objects that communicate identity, belonging, and shared culture. The exhibition highlights the intersection of art, communication, commerce, and community through work from regional printmakers.
Since 2014, Last Best Print Fest has celebrated printmaking through exhibitions, portfolio exchanges, artist demonstrations, workshops, and community events centered around the ZACC's Laura Grace Barrett Public Print Shop. Throughout July, the festival invites artists of all experience levels to learn, create, and connect through the art of printmaking.
Also opening is the Community Quilt Project in the Blackfoot Communications Gallery. Created over the past several months, this collaborative artwork features quilt squares made by visitors to the ZACC, participants in the Distinguished Artist Club printmaking class, students from Nk̓ʷusm Salish Language Immersion School, Sussex School, and Missoula International School. The quilt was lovingly assembled by Leigh Golden, bringing together hundreds of individual contributions into one shared work of art.
The quilt will remain an ongoing community project throughout July, with quilt squares available at the ZACC for anyone who would like to contribute.
Join us on Friday, July 10, from 5–8 PM for an evening celebrating printmaking, collaboration, and community. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRINT SHOP & SIGN UP FOR A CLASS
ZACC printmaking classes are always a great way to engage your creative self! Check out all upcoming ZACC art classes - including a variety of printmaking classes!
Know how to print, but need a place to do it? Get more details about the Print Shop!
