Last night, the Newark Print Shop hosted their grand re-opening within the renovated Hahnes Building in partnership with Rutgers-Newark at Express Newark. The Newark Print Shop was originally founded in August 2012 with the goal to support the fine art of printmaking by provide affordable and accessible workspace, educational programming through classes and workshops, and exhibition space dedicated to the fine art of prints.
The re-opening event included an inaugural group exhibition TRANSITIONS showcasing the artwork of past printers in residence. Artists include Ariana Barat, Kristian Battell, Michal Brodka, Ola Czajkowski, Lizz deSimone, Alverson Layne, Sharon Lindenfeld, Melissa MacAlpin, Brendan Mahoney, Wyeth Moss, Angela Pilgrim, Brian Renaldo, Elizabeth Storm, and Luke Walter. Also on view will be the unveiling of two new murals by artists Layqa Nuna Yawar and BaJa Ukweli.
As part of the grand re-opening, limited edition screenprinted tote bags and signed posters were made available for purchase. All proceeds from sales will go to benefit continual operating costs of the Newark Print Shop.
According to Newark Print Shop Founding Executive Director Lisa Conrad, “The Newark Print Shop, with our weekly open studio print club, is a hub for community collaboration and we are thrilled to transition to our new facilities in the renovated Hahnes Building as a community partner of Express Newark. Our shop was founded in 2012 above the Crown Fried Chicken just around the corner, and we we are so excited to come full circle and be a part of the revitalization of this block. A special thank you to Ned Drew for inviting us to be a part of this project two and a half years ago and for his continual support throughout this process. We would also like to thank Nancy Cantor for her vision and commitment to community engagement through Express Newark as well as Anne Englot and Victor Davson for their leadership in seeing this project through.”
