Southern Graphics Meeting 1999

By Susan Goldman - Arizona State University Alumni 1984

At the Southern Graphics Conference, left to right: Linda Harrison-Parsons, Jane Tomlinson, and Frances Hodsdon.

Printmakers’ Charge! Promoting Responsibility and a Call to Arms! This was the veritable battle cry of the 27th Conference of the Southern Graphics Council held this March, 1999, at the Arizona State University, School of Fine Arts, in Tempe, Arizona. I had the good fortune to attend this year’s conference as a panelist and alumni, and I can tell you that the experience was extraordinary. Over 800 attendees were present. Conference organizers, Professors of Printmaking John Risseeuw , Joe Segura, Dan Mayer , Kathryn Maxwell and Dan Britton put together an exceptional conference. The campus of Arizona State University provided ample space for the conference program. The competition of the beautiful weather and springtime desert blooms, did little to distract one from the attending the compelling panels, lectures, exhibits and demonstrations. I found myself saying over and over, I’d love to take off and enjoy the weather but I don’t want to miss this panel, or that demo. This was the comment of most everyone I met.

This year’s conference celebrated the rich electric, spectrum of printmaking. The conference organizers went to great lengths to recognize important historical traditions in printmaking and the relationship of this history to new methods and materials. Outstanding exhibitions throughout the university echoed this theme reflecting great historical homage from the "Codex Mendez: Prints of Leopoldo Mendez" at the University Art Museum to the "Work in Process", a National Juried Student Print Exhibition at the Memorial Union Gallery. Conference organizers made sure that all worlds of printmaking were represented. From the world of commercial and fine art printing, to issues regarding teaching printmaking, in schools and the community at large as well as in higher education, panels offered compelling information. Printmaking at the service of politics and desires for social change was examined.

The responsibility of avoiding materials and processes that contribute to pollution and danger to future generations were seriously addressed. Demonstrations were scheduled so that one was able to not miss too much of anything. Many new lithographic techniques were presented and industry specialists were on hand to demonstrate and answer questions.

The weather was so wonderful that product fair press companies had beautiful presses on display outside in the Fine Arts courtyard, and sales looked brisk!

Finally, the food served was southwestern and delicious. Hungry crowds of ardent printmakers gathered each day at noon to find surprising luncheon menus, from delectable sundry sandwiches to good old fashioned southwestern barbecue!