Studio West End, Brisbane brought down a magnificent exhibition by 20 printmakers who are part of their studio family. Editioned into a boxed set, these works were interesting from the many, varied and often unusual methods used. One set was given to the Print Council of Australia (in the form of Marguerite Brown (our former curator) while Martin King from Australian Print Workshop gave the opening address. We had four printmaking entities present at once! There are a couple of sets available at the time of writing for purchase, contact Adele Outteridge or Wim de Vos directly!

Had a lovely visit from Kir Larwell, president of the newly formed community access printmaking studio in Castlemaine. We are looking forward to collaborating with exchanges and exhibition opportunities. They have a huge membership of 75 up there, its such an arty area! If you are visiting the area, make sure you pop in and have a look.....

Angela Cavalieri brought large scale linocutting and printing (without a press) to Firestation Print Studio this year. She has given two workshops, the first on 17th July and the second on the 14th August 2016. She also taught how to print from lino onto canvas, what sort of canvas, ink and method. Angela also provided delicious biscuits that her (Italian) mumma makes! I'll make sure she returns!!!

Sue Top donated her time to give a Wee Workshop on how to approach drawing from life. This can be daunting to many who would like to draw the human figure, but have no idea how to start. This class was very small, due to illness and inclement weather, but I appreciate all endeavours to promote our activities by our members. Thanks once again Sue Top!

On the 25th and 26th June, Marian Crawford, the fabulous printmaking lecturer from MADA aka Monash University, came and gave a workshop at Firestation Print Studio. She challenged our printmakers to use letterpress and type within their works using the format of a Broadsheet Newspaper. (Remember them?)
Unfortunately I was away in Sydney and wasn't able to take any photos... but everyone was pleased, so I guess thats the proof of the pudding!

As usual this was a fantastic show with lots of beautiful works, masterfully curated by Sue Top our Life Drawing Class facilitator. Firestation Print Studio has Life Drawing every Tuesday Evening 7-9pm. Its a drop in session, without a tutor, although all the regulars are happy to help you get started! Bring your own paper and choice of drawing/painting medium. 
But this exhibition always draws on many people interested in representing the human form. So glad its an annual fixture of our gallery calendar. Anyone is welcome to enter!

The long awaited culmination of all the effort by nearly thirty artists to produce a work of art containing works of art took place on the 18th June 2016 with a evening of celebration at Firestation Print Studio. Seeded by a small grant from The City of Stonnington's Art and Culture Grants and a generous donation of paper from Canson Australia we garnered many member's expertise to produce this book. A few spent more time on this than others and I would like to particularly mention Belinda Kopietz who doggedly stuck at sewing, gluing and organising and spent most Fridays in the back room for several months. John Hinds was also a stalwart, hand printing all the text assisted by Belinda. To these two members I acknowledge a huge debt.
Needless to say the works inside are beautiful and accomplished as well and we have every right to proud of all facets of this book. A Limited Edition of 6 with 2 Artists Proofs, it is a rare commodity and one to be treasured.

BIRD
 
This is the second book produced by Firestation Print Studio. This year we are showcasing the work of twenty four talented Australian print artists featuring their impressions of birds in our neighbourhood. The entire project is produced and creatively hand bound by the members of the Firestation.
To say we are proud of the result is an understatement. This book represents hundreds of hours of design, printing and endeavour. It represents learning and commitment and respect for our community and environment. As Firestation Print Studio Manager, I am honoured to be part of this creative family.
We have had some generous partners that have sponsored this work. Our heartfelt thanks to Canson Australia for providing paper for both the images and the book; Harry Simon and Associates have provided art direction and graphic design guidance. Finally, The City of Stonnington has provided seed money to fund materials and get the project off the ground.  With their overall support, we look forward to producing more art!
Welcome to BIRD
 
Edith May
March 2016
 

Very excited to have our partner Inclusion Melbourne put on an exhibition for one of their clients, Rhonda who has been making art for a very long time. It is very satisfying to work with these people as they push the boundaries of their world and present what is, to any artist, a difficult thing: a solo exhibition. Well done, Rhonda!

A very special teacher from the UK, Guy Begbie taught us in two classes a classic binding technique and the elements of Sculptural books. Both classes were full of excited students and the results were rather spectacular. Thanks Guy, you are welcome back anytime!

This show coincided with the City of Stonnington's Annual Jazz Festival. It was a group show by members.
The works were rather special and will be made into a book later. They were all A4 size. The exhibition was from 11 to 28 May 2016.