Awake! Printmaking in Action

The Ann Arbor Art Center invites artists working within the context of printmaking to participate in Awake! Printmaking in Action, opening April 14 through May 28, 2023. This exhibition features art striving to embolden, seek justice for and give voice to various activist movements occurring in the U.S. and around the globe. The exhibition explores the current visual language of activist movements, from pro-union protests to climate change urgency to anti-hate protests of BLM, LGBTQIA+, disability justice, AAPI and Indigenous rights groups, and how printmakers have responded to and assisted in creating an aesthetic of change through imagery, language and mass production.

Accepted work will be featured in the A2AC's Spotlight Gallery and the Ann Arbor District Library's Downtown exhibition space from April 14 - May 28, 2023. All printmaking techniques are welcome, including woodblock, silkscreen, digital, linoleum, letterpress, litho, etching, monoprints, and alternative processes. Artists 18+ years living in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Submissions must include 1-3 high quality images of original works of art. All artwork must be professionally presented and ready for installation using framing wire (no sawtooth hangers or d-rings), or if presented as installation or alternative presentation method, this must be shown in image submissions. Artists must submit an artist statement.

Entry fee is $20.00. Submission deadline is February 5, 2023. Artists will be notified of results via email on February 20. Artwork drop-off or shipping to the gallery occurs March 15-22. The opening reception is April 14. Pickup/return of artwork is June 7-14. Jurying is anonymous through the A2AC Exhibition Committee comprised of professional artists, arts leaders, A2AC Board Members and exhibitions staff.