Black Church Print Studio, Dublin, Ireland

A Bit of Black Church Background

Black Church Print Studio is an artistic collective and one of the leading fine-art print studios in Ireland. It was established in 1982 as a non-profit organisation and is grant aided by the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. In 2007 the Studio celebrated its 25th anniversary year with an extensive exhibition programme.

Initially located in Ardee Street, Black Church Print Studio moved to an award-winning purpose-built premises at 4 Temple Bar in 1994. The Studio provides professional printmaking facilities for sixty-five full-time members and a number of non-member artists. Artists have access to etching, lithography, screenprint and relief presses, and to multi-media and digital equipment. Core activities include an exhibition programme, an International Artist-in-Residence, an editioning service and the provision of a valuable resource centre. Outreach and education programmes encompass night classes, lectures, tours and demonstrations.

Black Church Print Studio announces the 3rd Year of its International Lithography Artist-in-Residence programme 2008-2010

Call for submissions

The artist selected from this call will be awarded a 4-week Residency in the Black Church Print
Studio, Dublin in May 2010

Submission deadline: 5.00pm Monday 7th August 2009

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY PROGRAMME
This three-year International Lithography Residency Programme 2008-2010 is a new initiative of the Black Church Print Studio and is funded by Dublin City Council. Emerging, mid-career and established professional artists who specialize in stone lithography are invited to apply. Participants in this residency programme will receive accommodation, basic materials, and studio and facility usage complete with technical and administrative support. Travel and material costs are the responsibility of the participating artist. This is the 3rd year of this Residency Programme and is scheduled for a single 4-week term in May 2010.

The work created during this programme will result in a three-person exhibition in the Original Print Gallery, Dublin in September 2010. Each successful resident is required to complete a minimum of 3 works during his/her residency and donate two prints from each edition to the Studio. One of each will be included in the ‘Studio Archive Collection’ and one for inclusion in the Original Print Gallery exhibition in 2010. The Resident artists will be required to give a demonstration and seminar during his/her residency (the topic of which should be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Black Church Print Studio for approval after notification of receipt of the award and before 1st March 2010).

The residency programme aims to further the professional development of artists by: enabling the creation and production of new work; fostering an exchange of ideas and influences; encouraging the sharing of expertise; inspiring new works of art and creative
collaborations.

ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be practicing Stone Lithography Printmakers. Irish residents are not eligible.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Hazel Burke
Studio Administrator
Black Church Print Studio
4 Temple Bar
Dublin 2

+353 (0)1 6773629
+353 (0)1 6773629
info@print.ie
www.print.ie

New Black Church Course Schedule, January 2009

Fine Art Printmaking
Evening & Weekend Courses

Etching – Beginners

Tutor: Catriona Leahy

Cost: €265 (7 Places)

7 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday

3 March – 14 April & 18 April

Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

Basic etching techniques including line and aquatint will be covered. This course will provide an introduction to etching and is suitable for beginners and those with some previous experience who would like to refresh their knowledge and improve their basic skills.

Etching – Intermediate

Tutor: Elaine Leader

Cost: €265 (7 Places)

7 Wednesday Evenings & 1 Saturday

21 January – 4 March & 7 March

Wed 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

Printing techniques will be covered in depth and participants will have the opportunity to print multiple layers and colours. This intermediate course is suitable for anyone who has completed a beginners’ course in etching or its equivalent.

Etching – Advanced

Tutor: Colin Martin

Cost: €265 (7 Places)

7 Thursday Evenings & 1 Saturday

29 January – 12 March & 14 March

Thurs 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

This course will have an emphasis on development of work through colour. Colour mixing and theory, and plate overlays will be covered. Classes will be workshop based and concentrate on individual solutions and directions for each students work. This course is suitable for anyone who has completed an Intermediate course in etching or its equivalent.

Etching – Greener Method

Tutor: Vincent Sheridan

Cost: €265 (6 Places)

5 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Weekend

27 January – 24 February & 28 February & 1 March

Tues 6.30 – 9.30, Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

This workshop will introduce participants to a greener method of etching. This technique involves using a mordant based on copper sulphate, saniflush, salt and water to etch aluminum and zinc plates. This method is environmentally friendlier, safer to work with and has very good results. This course is suitable for intermediate and advanced level in etching.

Screenprinting – Beginners I

Tutor: Louise Peat

Cost: €265 (5 Places)

6 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday

27 January – 3 March & 7 March

Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

OR

Screenprinting – Beginners II

Tutor: Hugh McCarthy

Cost: €265 (5 Places)

6 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday

24 March – 28 April & 2 May

Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

In both of these Screenprinting courses you will learn how to produce screenprints from photographic or hand drawn imagery. Experimenting with materials, producing different effects, colour registration and overprinting will be covered.

Screenprinting – Intermediate I

Tutor: Hugh McCarthy

Cost: €190 (5 Places)

2-Day Weekend Workshop

17 & 18 January

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

OR

Screenprinting – Intermediate II

Cost: €190 (5 Places)

2-Day Weekend Workshop

23 & 24 May

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

This Intermediate course is suitable for anyone who has completed a beginners’ course in screenprinting or its equivalent.

Collagraph

Tutor: Catriona Leahy

Cost: €190 (6 Places)

2-day Weekend Workshop

31 January & 1 February

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

This process is centered on the basis of collage, where a

low-relief printing plate is constructed using ready-made

surfaces, such as textured papers, veneers or materials such as carborundum, grit, ceramic tile adhesive, PVA glue, etc.

Monoprinting

Tutor: Piia Rossi

Cost: €190 (6 Places)

2-Day Weekend Workshop

28 & 29 March

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

This course will explore the diverse range of affects that can be achieved through the versatile method of Monotypes. Painting directly onto acetate with inks and then rolling, scratching and wiping away areas before printing. Resulting prints have a painterly quality.

Lino Printing – Introduction

Tutor: Caroline Byrne

Cost: €190 (5 Places)

2-Day Weekend Workshop

4 & 5 April

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

This lino printmaking course introduces students to a wide range of tools for cutting and printing on the block. The course explores the different effects, which can be achieved through hand burnishing, and printing on the press. Colour registration will also be covered.

Stone Lithography

Tutor: Michael Timmins

Cost: €350 (5 Places)

4 -Day Workshop (2 Weekends)

21, 22, 28 February & 1 March

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

If you have an interest in using your drawing skills within the printmaking process, then this course is for you. Lithography stones offer a wide range of mark-making possibilities and are very versatile, hands-on and open to manipulation. This course gives a complete introduction to Lithography covering drawing materials, mixing tusches, alternative drawing methods, photocopy transfers, etching proofing, making changes, counter-etch solutions and printing.

Fine Art Print Appreciation

Tutor: Kate Betts

Cost: €265 (8 Places)

4-Day Workshop (2 Weekends)

14, 15, 21 & 22 March

Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

Four-Day course combining practical, hands-on printmaking with a study of the history of the printmaking processes and their effects on society and art history. The course will include practice in the best handling of fine art prints as well as tips on their storage and display. At the end of the course, participants will be able to identify and distinguish the following: intaglio, drypoint, hard ground, soft ground, aquatint, mezzotint, engraving, wood cut, wood engraving, lino, chine collé, screen print, stencil, lithograph (stone and plate), inkjet/giclée. The course is aimed at curators, gallerists and art historians with little knowledge of printmaking.

Access Programmes

24-Hour Access Membership

To be considered for full time studio membership applicants must present the following:

• A strong, cohesive portfolio of original artwork (min 8), however digital images may be included in addition to original examples, showing development of concept and ideas as well as technical proficiency in the chosen print medium.
• An up-to-date CV.
• Artist’s Statement

Selection Procedure

The selection panel comprises two studio members and one independent assessor. Two portfolio assessments take place each year in March & September. The next submission date for full time membership is mid September, 2008 (date to be confirmed).

Fee: €484 per annum

Assisted Access

Open to artists only. Please contact the Administrator to schedule.
Assisted Access involves working on a one-to-one basis with an experienced printmaker.
Fee: €200 per day

Temporary Access

Applicants Must Present:

• A portfolio of print work displaying a high degree of technical proficiency, demonstrating an ability to work independently and according to the guidelines for professional studio practice.
• An outline of the project/work to be completed, specifying number of days required and chosen area of print.
• An up-to-date CV.

Selection Procedure

Work will be viewed by the Print-Coordinator & Studio Manager and decisions are made on a project-by-project basis.
Mon – Fri, 9am -5pm
Fee: €50 per day

Extended Access

To apply for the Extended Access programme applicants must have already reached a particular level of competence and ability in printmaking.

Applicants must submit:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A portfolio of print work displaying a high degree of technical proficiency demonstrating an ability to work independently and according to guidelines for professional studio practice.
• A statement/letter of recommendation from a former class facilitator/tutor.

The Extended Access facility is for 15 pre-booked days over a 12 month period, Mon – Fri, 9am -5pm. Places will be limited according to the availability of space in each print area.
Fee: €300 per annum

Please Note: Temporary & Extended Access applicants must have attended at least one class or a minimum of one day assisted access at the Studio, however this does not guarantee selection for either programme.

New Schedule of Classes for September-December 2008

Fine Art Printmaking
Evening & Weekend Courses

Intaglio (Etching) – Beginners

Tutor: Catriona Leahy
Cost:€265 (Seven places)
7 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday
28 Oct – 9 Dec & 13 December
Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm
This Introduction to Etching course is suitable for beginners and those with
some previous experience with etching who would like to refresh their knowledge
and improve their basic skills. The course will cover basic techniques including line and aquatint.

Intaglio (Etching) – Intermediate
Tutor: Elaine Leader
Cost: €265 (Seven places)
7 Wednesday Evenings & 1 Saturday
10 Sept – 22 Oct & 25 Oct
Wed 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm
This Intermediate course is suitable for anyone who has
completed a beginners’ course in etching or its equivalent.
Printing techniques will be covered in depth and participants
will have the opportunity to print multiple layers and
colours.

Intaglio (Etching) – Advanced
Tutor: Colin Martin
Cost: €265 (Seven places)
7 Thursday Evenings & 1 Saturday
4 Sept – 16 Oct & 18 Oct
Thurs 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm
This course will have an emphasis on development of
work through colour: colour mixing and theory, and plate
overlays will be covered. Classes will be workshop based
and concentrate on individual solutions and directions for
each students work. This Advanced course is suitable for
anyone who has completed an Intermediate course in
etching or its equivalent.

Screenprinting I – Beginners
Tutor: Louise Peat
Cost: €265 (Five places)
6 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday
16 Sept – 21 Oct & 25 Oct
Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm

-or-

Screenprinting II – Beginners
Tutor: Catherine Kelly
Cost: €265 (Five places)
6 Tuesday Evenings & 1 Saturday
4 Nov – 9 Dec & 6 Decc
Tues 6.30 – 9.30pm & Sat 10am – 5pm
In both of these Screenprinting courses you will learn
how to produce screenprints from photographic or hand
drawn imagery. Experimenting with materials, producing
different effects, colour registration and overprinting will
be covered in this course.

Lino Printing – Introduction
Tutor: Caroline Byrne
Cost €190 (Five places)
2-Day Workshop
6 & 7 December
This lino printmaking course introduces students to a
wide range of tools for cutting and printing on the block.
The course explores the different effects which can be
achieved through hand burnishing and printing on the
press. Colour registration will also be covered.

Collagraph
Tutor: Catriona Leahy
Cost €190 (Six places)
2-day workshop
18 & 19 October
Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm
This process is centred on the basis of collage, where a
low-relief printing plate is constructed using ready-made
surfaces, such as textured papers, veneers and the like, or
materials such as carborundum, grit, cermanic tile adhesive,
PVA glue, etc.

Monoprinting
Tutor: Piia Rossi
Cost €190 (Six places)
2-day weekend workshop
27 & 28 September
Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm
This course will explore the diverse range of affects that can
be achieved through the versatile method of Monotypes.
This workshop aims to explore the potential of Monotypes as
a way of creating interesting and diverse compositions.

Stone Lithography I – Beginners
Tutor: Alison Pilkington
Cost €190 (Five places)
2-day weekend workshop
20 & 21 September
Sat & Sun 10am – 5pm

-or-

Stone Lithography II – Beginners
Tutor: Alison Pilkington
11 & 12 October
If you have an interest in using your drawing skills within the
printmaking process, then this course is for you. Lithography
stones offer a wide range of mark–making possibilities and
are very versatile, hands-on and open to manipulation. This
course gives a complete introduction to Lithography covering
drawing on the stones, etching and printing.

Latest News

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O p e n  S u b m i s s i o n  E x h i b i t i o n

S y m m e t r y

E xhibition Brief

‘The universe is built to a plan, the profound symmetry of which is somehow present in the inner structure of our intellect.’ Paul Valéry (1871 – 1945).

The term ‘symmetry’ has many meanings and applications; within the fi elds of visual culture, philosophy and physics the term opens up very different discussions. Within the world of printmaking however, there has always been a special connection between the idea of symmetry and the particular duality that exists in the refl ective relationship between the print and the plate.

The concept of symmetry was most often used to express or reflect perfection in beauty, society, and politics. From ancient Greek architecture to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Da Vinci’s ‘Vitruvian Man’, artists through the centuries have explored symmetry, whether manifesting as a precise and well-defined concept of balance or patterned self-similarity which accords with the rules of a formal system (geometry, physics, or otherwise). Modernism appeared to bring about, amongst other things, a conscious move away from social symmetry in art to symmetry of the psychological and subconscious.

Yet, with developments in physics and neuroscience lending new resonance to Paul Valéry’s statement, there appears to be a concurrent emergence of interest in symmetry as a concern amongst contemporary artists. Black Church Print Studio invites submissions from Irish and international artists working in a wide range of media who address and respond to symmetry and its many meanings.

Exhibition Venue: Original Print Gallery, 4 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Preview Date: 12 February 2009
Submission Deadline: 17 November 2008
See Black Church website for further application details

Black Church Print Studio announces the 2008 Winner of
International Lithography Artist-in-Residence Award

Scottish Artist Jessica Harrison wins the 2008 International Lithography Artist-in-Residence Award at the Black Church Print Studio. She will commence her 4-week Residency in the Black Church Print Studio in October 2008.

This three-year International Lithography Residency Programme 2008-2010 is a new initiative of the Black Church Print Studio and is funded by Dublin City Council. Emerging, mid-career and established professional artists who specialise in lithography were invited to apply. Participants in this residency programme will receive accommodation, basic materials, and studio and facility usage complete with technical and administrative support. The work created during this programme will result in a three-person exhibition in the Original Print Gallery, Temple Bar, Dublin in 2010.

An Interview with Hazel Burke,
Administrator of Black Church Print Studio

Q. Your website says that Black Church Print Studio was established in 1982, but it doesn’t say who or how. Could you fill us in a bit on the origins of the studio?

A. Black Church Print Studio first opened for business on 1 October 1982 but the very first committee meeting had been two years previous to that on 1 January 1980 when the initial Board of Directors was appointed, John Kelly, Chairman, Sara Horgan, Secretary, Liam Ó Broin, Michael Byrne, Pádraig O Cuimín and Phoebe Donovan. The only print studio in the country at that time was Graphic Studio Dublin (GSD), established 20 years earlier. The Arts Council was aware that an international printmaking revival was taking place and in 1977, under the Directorship of Colm O’ Briain, approached Graphic Studio Dublin with a suggestion of expansion.

This expansion was also necessary due to the fact that the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) was undergoing major changes and was about to start awarding diplomas and would later award degrees in printmaking. Graphic Studio Dublin, as the only existing public printmaking facility in Ireland was therefore inadequate. The membership of Graphic Studio Dublin was divided for and against this expansion. This led to a tumultuous period, which was resolved by a meeting in the United Arts Club in 1979. The majority decided to stay in their current Studio and a group of dissenting members left to continue with expansion plans, therefore splitting from Graphic Studio Dublin and forming the Black Church Print Studio.

Q. How many artists participate in printmaking at Black Church?

A. 65 full-time professional members and approximately 10 non-member artists. We also run printmaking courses and get on average 120 people annually.

Q. After talking with many print workshops around the world, I find that the great bete noir of printmaking studios around the world is financing. I note that, besides subsidies from the Irish government subsidies, Black Church has a “Friends of the Studio” program. Could you tell us (especially those of us who might like to emulate the program…) how it works? Do you just open an account and put an ad in the paper, or does it require professional assistance to get it going?

A. The ‘Friends of the Black Church Print Studio’ scheme runs annually from November to November. The main incentive of becoming a ‘Friend’ is our ‘Friends Draw’ in November. People are asked to buy a ‘Friends ticket’ for as little as €175 (The 2008/9 rate for annual Friends membership is €175 (Individual) / €350 (Corporate)) and in return for this the ‘Friend’ will be able to choose from a collection of valuable original prints, donated by Studio members which may be worth twice or three times this value. Other benefits include invitations to attend a print demonstration, tour of the Studio and all Studio exhibitions previews/events. Our client database are notified about this programme and a notice is put in the Visual Artist Ireland e-bulletin.

Q. I understand the studio moved into an award-winning purpose-building in 1994. (Congratulations!) How did that happen? Did it represent a great step forward on many fronts: participation, exhibits, press coverage, volunteers, etc.?

A. The old Studio located in Ardee Street burnt down in the early nineties. At this time Temple Bar Properties Ltd were rejuvenating Temple Bar and planning permission was agreed for a purpose-built print studio and gallery. This was a step forward in participation, exhibits, profile etc

Q. Could you tell us a little bit about your exhibitions and residencies? Does that work well?  What are the benefits for everyone involved?

A. Black Church Print Studio holds two exhibitions a year in the Original Print Gallery, which is located below the print studio. We also try to schedule other exhibiting opportunities for our members at home and abroad. In 2008 we introduced a new Lithography Artist in Residence programme to revitalise the lithography area of the Studio. The first lithography residency will take place in October 2008.

Q. You participated in an all-Dublin open-studio day last spring. How did that work out? Do the artists sell any work during those open-studio days?

A. VISIT 2008 was a huge success for the Studio, there was a huge turnout and some members’ work was sold. This Open Day was a ground-up initiative of fifteen artists’ studio organisations in Dublin.  On Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April 2008, over 150 visual artists living and working in the city open their place of creativity for public consumption. VISIT is a unique and recent addition to Dublin’s cultural calendar that highlights the breadth of visual arts activity occurring in artists’ studios across the city. The scale of VISIT 2008 offered a snapshot of artists working across a whole range of media from painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, glassmaking, ceramics, video, film, installation and conceptual art. VISIT 2008 was a free public event.

Q. I see your studio forms part of Ireland’s National Print Studio Network. How long has that association been functioning? What experiences and results have you had thus far?

A. This is a new initiative of the Black Church Print Studio. It was set up in 2007 and is still in its developing stage. In September 2008 the Black Church organised a Studio Network exhibition which will go on show in the Original Print Gallery from Thursday 11 September.

Contact:

Hazel Burke
Administrator
Black Church Print Studio
4 Temple Bar
Dublin 2

Website: http://www.print.ie
Email: info@print.ie
Tel: 353 (0)1 6773629