PrintMatters is pleased to announce Press Forward, a contemporary student printmaking exhibition to be held in Houston, TX in the fall of 2021. We are looking for exceptional works from current student printmakers that explore the wide range of traditional and innovative printmaking processes. Original works in all printmaking media are eligible, including  lithographs, screen prints, relief prints, intaglio, monoprints, and letterpress. Digital and mixed media works are accepted which incorporate a traditional printmaking medium as a main component. No photography or digital reproductions of original works will be accepted. Works must be completed within the last two years. This exhibition is open to current students in high school or students currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program.

ORGANIZER PrintMatters is a Houston-based Non-Profit 501(c)(3) arts organization. Our mission is to promote traditional and non-traditional printmaking, encourage print collecting, and facilitate the professional growth of our members. 

JUROR We are pleased to announce that Kathryn Polk, an artist, printmaker and co-owner of L VIS press, will be our juror for this exhibition. Kathryn Polk studied at the Memphis Art Academy and The University of Memphis. Polk’s lithographs are in the collections of The National Academy of Fine Art (Hangzhou, China), The University of Auckland (St. Auckland Central, New Zealand), Yonsei University Wonju Campus (Korea), University of Wales (Aberystwyth, UK), Pont Aven School of Contemporary Art (France), The University of Colorado-Boulder, Special Collections at The Denver Art Museum (CO), The University of Arizona Museum of Art (Tucson), St. Lawrence University (Canton, NY), The University of California-Davis Gorman Museum and Proyecto ‘Ace (Buenos Aires, Argentina). She has recently relocated from Tuscon, Arizona to Bloomington, Indiana.

In order to ensure the quality of the exhibition, the juror reserves the right to reject any work that was not accurately represented in the digital file. The juror’s decision is final.

VENUE BOX13 is an artist-run nonprofit committed to supporting the creation and advancement of experimental contemporary arts in Houston. BOX13 holds affordable work spaces for emerging and established artists, four exhibition spaces, and an outdoor mural wall. In addition to providing space to create, BOX13 promotes and encourages dialogue on current trends in the arts. 

AWARDS First Place - $300

Second Place - $200

Third Place - $100

ELIGIBILITY Open to current students in high school or students currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program, residing in the United States of America. Works must be original, not to exceed 48 inches in any direction, completed in the last two years, and not previously shown in Houston. Collaborative work should be entered under only one of the artist's names. No reproductions of original works or photography.

FEES $25 for up to 3 entries, payable during the online entry process. PrintMatters Houston Student Members receive a discounted entry of $15 for up to 3 entries. To become a PrintMatters Student Member you can apply at https://www.printmattershouston.org/student-membership

ENTRY GUIDELINES Selection will be based on juror review of jpeg images that have been prepared and submitted following CaFÉ entry media specifications. You may submit up to three images. If you wish to submit a detailed shot, it will count as an entry. All accepted works must be available for the duration of the exhibition. Be prepared to submit your artist statement (limit of 2000 characters) during the submission process. 

Originally due on August 15, the entry deadline has been extended to 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time, September 5, 2021.

PRESENTATION OF ARTWORK 

All work will be presented professionally in the gallery. Work must be shipped ready to hang: framed (matted with white or off-white mats, if applicable), with wire hangers or d-rings (no sawtooth hangers), and Plexiglass. Exceptions: oversized works, installations, 3-D, video, and artist’s books. Please contact director@printmattershouston.org for questions relating to hanging and installation requirements. 

Special display and handling instructions must be included in the package when shipped. PrintMatters Houston reserves the right to exclude any entry that presents complex hanging/exhibition problems or is not framed professionally.

SHIPPING AND INSURANCE 

Shipped works are due at PrintMatters by October 15th. PrintMatters will accept work beginning September 27th. You may hand-deliver your work during install day to BOX13, October 16th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. No exceptions.

Shipped work must be packaged appropriately in a reusable carton, box, or crate and include paid return shipping. Absolutely no packing peanuts. All works will be insured upon arrival in BOX13. Neither BOX 13 nor PrintMatters is responsible for any damage or loss during transit.

Ship to: 
Address to be shared with selected artists.

Hand-delivered work must be picked up December 12th, 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at BOX13. Return shipping will begin December 15th.

**IMPORTANT: Artists are responsible for the cost of shipping. You MUST include an easily located prepaid return shipping label. If you do not, your work will not be hung.

SALES & COPYRIGHTS Prints may or may not be for sale depending on the choice of the artist. The exhibition sale commission for PrintMatters is 40% of the selling price and artist commission is 60% of the selling price. PrintMatters reserves the right to offer reasonable shared discounts up to 10%. Your entry grants PrintMatters and BOX13 permission to include your image(s) in marketing and advertising and any catalogs created for Press Forward and BOX13.

QUESTIONS If you have any questions, e-mail us at director@printmattershouston.org. 

IMPORTANT DATES 
September 5: 11:59:00 p.m. (CST) Submissions Deadline

September 6 - September 12: Jury Process
September 13: E-mail notifications
September 27 - October 15: Shipped artwork due to PrintMatters

October 16: 12-3 p.m. Hand-delivered drop-off at BOX13

October 16 - 20: Exhibition install at BOX 13
October 23: 6:00 p.m. Juror’s talk and awards

October 23: 6 - 8 p.m. Opening reception
December 11: End day of exhibition
December 12: 12-5 p.m. Hand-delivered pick-up, exhibition de-install
December 15: Return shipping begins

Application Requirements

Total Media - Minimum: 1, Maximum: 3

Selection will be based on juror review of jpeg images that have been prepared and submitted following CaFÉ entry media specifications. You may submit up to three images. If you wish to submit a detailed shot, it will count as an entry. All accepted works must be available for the duration of the exhibition. Be prepared to submit your artist statement (limit of 2000 characters) during the submission process.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to current students in high school or students currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program, residing in the United States of America. Works must be original, not to exceed 48 inches in any direction, completed in the last two years, and not previously shown in Houston. Collaborative work should be entered under only one of the artist's names. No reproductions of original works or photography.