In an era where the environment, immigration, and cultural identity are at the forefront of our conversations, our concepts of place and placemaking have never been more significant. This open call invites artists to submit works that explore themes of place through printmaking. We seek work that delve into notions of place and examine how our environment shapes artistic practice, highlighting placemaking as a collaborative process between people and the spaces they share.

We welcome submissions that interpret printmaking in its broadest sense. This includes traditional printmaking techniques as well as works that incorporate printmaking elements in innovative ways, whether sculptural or wall-based. Join us in this exploration of place and share your unique perspective through the art of printmaking.

Sam van Strien, an artist based in Durham, North Carolina, serves as the juror for ‘Printmaking as Placemaking’. Sam’s work examines the relationship between architecture, finance, and capitalism through various techniques, such as rubbings from buildings, laser-cut engravings of photographs, and prints sourced from archival records. Sam received his MFA in Painting & Drawing from Ohio State University and his BA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins. 

Sam’s work has been showcased in the US, Europe, and Asia, and he has completed several residencies, most recently at the NARS Foundation in Brooklyn, New York, with the support of Arts Council England and the Netherland-America Foundation. Currently, Sam is the 2024-25 Artist-in-Residence at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN.

 The exhibition will open April 4, 2025 and close May 31, 2025 and will be in our Helen DeVitt Jones Studio Gallery. 

Application Requirements

A complete application will have the following: 

Up to two images of artworks to be considered per entry. 

A paid entry fee of $25. 

A brief description about how your work reflects the theme. 

Artworks must be ready to hang or display, artwork not meeting this requirement will not be displayed in this exhibition. 

If accepted artists will be notified the first week of March 2025. 

If accepted artists are responsible for shipping or delivering their artwork to LHUCA by March 28, 2024. A return label must be included. 

Criteria & Judging: Works will be judged on the following criteria: conceptual and aesthetic quality; and overall artistic merit. The jurors will not comment on any applications. All entries must be of original design and personal execution.

Eligibility Criteria

Any original self created print will be considered. Artwork cannot be submitted on behalf of an artist. Any variety of printmaking will be considered. If accepted artwork must be ready to hang or be ready to display and include a return label.