Press Forward 2023

Press Forward is a contemporary student printmaking exhibition held in Houston, TX in fall 2023. The exhibition seeks exceptional works from current student printmakers exploring traditional and innovative printmaking processes. Original works in all printmaking media are eligible, including lithographs, screenprints, relief prints, intaglio, monoprints, and letterpress. Digital and mixed media works are accepted if they incorporate a traditional printmaking medium as a main component. Photography and digital reproductions of original works are not accepted. Works must be completed within the last two years.

The exhibition is open to current high school students or students currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program residing in the United States. Works must be original, not exceed 48 inches in any direction, and not previously shown in Houston. Collaborative work should be entered under only one artist's name. The entry fee is $25 for up to 3 entries. Juror Melanie Yazzie, an artist and Professor of Printmaking at UC Boulder, will select works based on jpeg images submitted following CaFÉ entry media specifications. Artists may submit up to three images, with detailed shots counting as entries. An artist statement (limit 2000 characters) is required during submission.

Awards include First Place ($300), Second Place ($200), and Third Place ($100). The exhibition runs November 3 through December 9, 2023 at BOX13, an artist-run nonprofit in Houston. The opening reception is November 3, 6:30-9:30 p.m., with a juror's talk and awards at 7:00 p.m. All accepted works must be available for the duration of the exhibition. Shipped works are due by October 14th; hand-delivered work can be dropped off November 1st, 12:00-2:00 p.m. Hand-delivered work must be picked up December 10th, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Artists are responsible for shipping costs and must include prepaid return shipping labels. PrintHouston reserves a 40% commission on sales, with artists receiving 60%.