Happy birthday to me
UW’s art press celebrates its anniversary with a look at its own business
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Enrique Chagoya's litho/woodcut "Hand of Power" is one of the works produced by fine-arts press owner Bud Shark. Shark will compare his handiwork with artists at Tandem Press March 20 as part of Tandem's 10th anniversary. |
Call it a self-reflective anniversary party.
During its inaugural decade, Tandem Press, the UW–Madison’s fine-arts press, has distinguished itself both in the immediate community and on the national art scene. Tandem has hosted more than 50 guest artists, including filmmaker David Lynch, Maus “visual book” creator Art Spiegelman and UW–Madison honorary degree recipient Sam Gilliam.
Next month, printmaker and small-press owner Bud Shark will help Tandem celebrate its 10th anniversary by taking part in a symposium on the current state of printmaking in America.
Tandem offers artists an opportunity to explore different print media by creating a limited-edition numbered series, frequently in collaboration with UW–Madison faculty and master printers.
Visitors also may work, often closely, with students. Almost 230 art, art history and arts administration students have apprenticed at Tandem.
One of them, art student Deborah Levin, says working at the press has provided a unique perspective and rare insight.
“I have learned about alternative approaches to various printmaking methods, and this has reinforced my understanding of traditional techniques,” she says. “I have been able to see what it’s like to be a full-time artist and exchange ideas about my own work.”
A similar exchange of ideas will be central to the anniversary symposium, says Paula Panczenko, Tandem director since 1989. Many of the speakers are leading professionals in the field, current faculty and others with a connection to the press.
“Much of the work that has been created here hangs in museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum in New York, the Chicago Art Institute, the National Museum of Art in Washington, D.C., and many others,” she says. “We are thrilled that Tandem has created such an impact on the national art scene.”
The symposium will begin March 20 at 2 p.m. in L160 Elvehjem. Lecture topics will include a history of printmaking at UW–Madison and several talks about the care and feeding of small fine-arts presses. Bud Shark will talk about his own Boulder, Colo., press, Shark’s Incorporated, at 4 p.m.
On March 21, Tandem master printers Andrew Rubin and Bruce Crownover will offer breakfast and guided tours starting at 8 a.m. at press headquarters, 201 Dickinson St. The rest of the day will be devoted to discussions about print technology, the future of printmaking and more.
For a complete symposium schedule, check Wisconsin Week calendar listings or call the press at 263-3437.