Maryland Printmakers

President's Letter - August 2000 (Archived article from September 2000 - click here for current articles) Dear Members, One of the first duties I was given when Susan handed me the printmaker gavel was the care and storage of all the old newsletters and various other Maryland Printmakers' materials. So over the past month I have had the grand opportunity to read through many of the early "In Print" newsletters and see the massive growth and work Maryland Printmakers has been doing over the past 10+ years. Impressive to say the least; who knew that a little panel discussion at school 33 back in '88 would lead to a very formidable organization with international showings like the Brazil shows in '91 and national sponsored events like the Southern Graphics Conference in '93. The face of the Maryland Printmakers has grown considerably and the mission that established the organization in 1988 has been well developed. The organization has been one of the best educators for the public about printmaking. This, and all the additional education and public involvement, is due to tireless efforts of the many board members over the years and the active work of the members of the Maryland Printmakers. It is with both pleasure and anticipation that I look forward to my tenure as the Maryland Printmakers new President. After joining the original Maryland Printmakers back in 1988 I left the organization in '92 to go to Wisconsin, where I taught and worked for 3 years. Upon returning to the Maryland area I found myself floundering and drifting for a few years. Then on the advice of my good friend Sam Peters I attended the Maryland Printmakers annual meeting in Annapolis back in '98. Quickly I found a very compelling need to reestablish my connection to the Maryland Printmakers. It is both a privilege and an honor to be able to accept the appointment as the new president of the Maryland Printmakers, and I am very lucky to be coming into the position after the tenure of Susan Goldman. I hope to be able to continue the excellent path that she and all the previous presidents and boards members have laid down. Calvin R. Custen