Artists, as adaptive creative agents, have long embraced the printing press. Power of the Presses is a large-scale group exhibition of artists’ books, broadsides, and diverse print works which illuminate the creative potency of this hallowed art form.

This exhibition includes opportunities for hands-on art making in the gallery. Featured artists include Mare Blocker, Eileen Jimenez, Kitty Koppelman, Paige Pettibon, and Partners in Print (PiP), a Seattle-based organization of printers.

Join us for our three-day DogEar festival celebrating Power of the Presses and all things artists’ books, paper, and printing on April 4, 5, & 6.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The power of the press is a power considered sacred by many. The printing press is a tool of revolution, long associated with democracy, freedom of speech, and the ability to reach the masses to exchange ideas and ideals. The printed word or image can unite or divide, heal or hurt, educate or misinform. Artists, as adaptive creative agents, have long embraced the printing press. Power of the Presses, the large-scale artists’ books, broadsides, and print exhibition at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA) displays the full creative potency of this hallowed art form. For the duration of the exhibit, a printing press will take center stage and be put to work on-site by visitors and special guests.

The artists in this exhibit speak to us through beautiful imagery, elegant design, and messages that go straight to our hearts. The works in this exhibit speak to concern and care for self and community, teach us about our past, and print a path toward a better future. The strength of these works speaks to our ability to bring people together, and to heal, learn, and grow through art. Highlighted in the Feferman Gallery are Mare Blocker, Eileen Jimenez, Kitty Koppelman, Paige Pettibon, and Seattle non-profit Partners in Print (PiP).

Power of the Presses extends across the entire second floor of BIMA, from the Beacon Gallery at the top of the stairs, across the Feferman Gallery, and into the warm intimacy of the Sherry Grover Gallery. Crossing this vast space with print work allows for a broad demonstration of how printing — through broadsides, prints, and artists’ books — is changing us and the world. Each artist’s work offers us an invitation to community, a choice to engage, a chance to wonder, and to feel uplifted.