The University of Olivet is providing a unique opportunity for high school teachers and students to explore the art of printmaking this summer. Printmaking has been a part of Olivet’s rich history for nearly 80 years, and the college recognizes the continued importance of including the practice and study of this medium in the visual arts curriculum.
The University of Olivet Print Club was a student group founded around 1940 by Milton Horn, a The University of Olivet art instructor and eminent sculptor. During that time, prints by historic artists were relatively inexpensive and readily available, which enabled the club to acquire works purchased through student-initiated fundraising activities. These purchases became the core of the current The University of Olivet Art Collection, officially known as the Mary K. Armstrong Art Collection. The collection consists primarily of prints and drawings, although there are a number of paintings and sculptures as well.
Printmaking Workshops
To continue the mission of the original Print Club and the tradition of printmaking, the first of two The University of Olivet printmaking workshops will be held on Thursday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The class welcomes high school teachers and focuses on professional development. Participants will explore monotype printmaking techniques working with multi layering of color palettes. The goals of this workshop are for educators to develop printmaking skills for their personal artistic ends and to provide the opportunity for them to offer printmaking in their own high school classes. Lunch and all materials are provided and there is no cost to registered participants.
On Thursday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. a similar workshop will be offered for high school students entering their junior or senior year and parents. The 2018 High School Art Camp is a productive and energetic exploration of printmaking. Through monotype printmaking techniques, students will explore working with multi layering of color palettes. There is no cost for high school students or parents and all materials and lunch are provided. In addition, participants will meet with admissions representatives to learn about becoming a student at The University of Olivet.
The instructor for these workshops is Don VanAuken, The University of Olivet adjunct instructor of art. VanAuken has nearly 20 years of experience serving in secondary education, museum interpretation, and as a teaching associate with the School of Art at Ohio University, where he received his M.F.A. in painting. His teaching focuses on printmaking, art history, painting and figure drawing. VanAuken has also exhibited his own works in more than 30 galleries, with 11 solo exhibits, and has pieces in several collections, both domestic and international.
High School Student Art Exhibition
Furthermore, this December The University of Olivet will host the High School Student Art Exhibition. The exhibition is open to junior and senior high school students who create work representing 2D, 3D, graphic or 4D video/animation. Winners will be selected from several categories and will receive an The University of Olivet Talent Scholarship. Further details regarding the submission process will be announced in the fall.
All printmaking workshops are free and have limited availability. To learn more or reserve your spot by June 18, contact Don VanAuken at dvanauken@uolivet.edu or 269.749.7661.
Learn more about The University of Olivet and opportunities for aspiring artists by visiting campus or applying. Contact the Office of Admissions to learn more at 800.456.7189 or admissions@uolivet.edu.