review from SEE MAGAZINE, December
Picture perfect
SNAP decks their halls with original prints
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS PRINT AFFAIR
Tired of that faded Reservoir Dogs poster, but not
sure how to give your blank spaces a little class on a budget?
Maybe it’s time to upgrade your home decorating with original
artworks. SNAP, the Society of Northern Alberta Print Artists,
is presenting its annual fundraising art sale, The Perfect Christmas
Print Affair, which runs throughout the month of December.
" There are a wide array of prints, and we don’t
mean Batemans," jokes Shelley Wilson, coordinator for SNAP. "These
are all original etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, photographs and
photo transfers and combinations of these. Contributions are from
international artist, Canadian artists, award-winning printmakers – all
from our membership.
" Prices start at $20 and go up to $300. You
can’t beat it. Some of Edmonton’s best printmakers
are represented, like Walter Jule and Liz Ingram [and] our society’s
president, Sean Caulfield, who is probably our best known print
artist and recognized internationally."
SNAP, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, operates the only public
gallery devoted to printmaking. With over 200 members, SNAP provides artists
access to equipment, studios, and classes. Located in the Great West Saddlery
Building, it provides a community for established and emerging artists to share
ideas and critiques, as well as a venue for exhibiting their work. SNAP Gallery
also features international artists, and hosted its first TrueNorth International
Print Biennial this fall.
" SNAP is an artist-run centre," explains
Wilson. "Some of the artists rent studios, and so many of
the prints on sale were produced here using our equipment."
Plus, as an artists’ resource centre run by
artists, this fundraiser takes care not to bleed its members dry.
" It’s a fundraiser with a difference," Wilson
says. "Usually artists are asked to donate works, but we decided
to give the artist 50% of the proceeds. Most of our members are
working artists, so you become a target for fundraisers asking
for donations and you never get anything back."
The art itself is quite a lot of fun to look through,
from a lovely honeycomb-framed bee to a rather hazy image of what
looks like Tintin. And most of the prints are done in very limited
editions, a perfect gift that won’t need to be exchanged.
" It’s a great opportunity for people
who are looking for something original."
by Mari Sasano
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