Print Lovers at 30: Celebrating Three Decades of Giving

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art honors the Print Society on the occasion of their 30th anniversary.

The exhibition features 31 of the 79 prints donated by that group or its members over the past 30 years. It is also an acknowledgment of the important role played by the late Print Curator George McKenna who led the group since he founded it in 1978.

The works included in the exhibition are examples of two broad categories of the printmaking art: those in which the artist is also the printmaker and those in which the artist works with a master printmaker. The solo artist/printmaker brings his or her artistry to the craft of printmaking. The artist working with a printmaker creates a special relationship between artist and master craftsman.

The exhibition is organized into four sections: Major Trends reflects the stylistic and conceptual points of view modern and contemporary artists have explored, from photorealistic portraits to post-painterly abstraction; Social Justice, Humor and Parody confronts social order, provokes thought and awakens societies to the possibility of change; Beyond the Landscape explores the complex world of human and ecological interactions; and Eccentric Eyes demonstrates the highly personal iconography, symbols and surreal visions printmaker artists have explored.

This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of George McKenna.

Print Lovers at 30 is supported by the Campbell-Calvin Fund and the Elizabeth C. Bonner Charitable Trust for exhibitions. Midwest Airlines is the official airline sponsor.