Printmaking Studio

Who can apply?

Proposals for printmaking projects are submitted through application to Creative Residencies programs: Thematic, New Works, or Self-Directed. Artists who apply for these programs have 24-hour access to the printmaking studio and are required to have at least an introductory level of experience in the area(s) they plan to produce work. The Print & Paper Facilitator leads artists through a mandatory studio orientation that covers WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and studio equipment training.
Note: Because the printmaking studio exists to support artists-in-residence, it is unlike an atelier; artists are not required to leave works for the studio archive.    

Outlook

The printmaking studio continues to evolve, embracing a forward thinking approach to both established techniques and non-toxic printmaking.  Traditional materials and techniques remain central to studio practice, equipment, and facilities.  At the same time, new technologies and materials are introduced to the field of printmaking, improving environmental health conditions for print artists.  In support of contemporary printmaking, exciting new advances are at the forefront of The Banff Centre printmaking studio’s practices; self education and introduction to the latest materials are encouraged through experimentation and play.

Studio Chop

The “chop” for the printmaking studio at The Banff Centre was designed in the mid-1990’s.  A chop mark is an embossed seal impressed onto the front left or right hand margins of a print and is unique to a particular printer or studio.  The name chosen for the studio was velvet antler print studio and the image of an elk (with antler rack) was designed for the studio chop.  The studio chop is still in use today and is available to artists. 

Annually in spring (or early summer) Male elk produce a new set of antlers: the velvet stage is the period of active growth when antlers are soft and covered with "velvet" hair.  Elk herds visit the area around Banff and are protected within the Bow Valley animal corridor.