Collaboration is the lifeblood of any organization; it infuses them with fresh ideas and perspectives and provides invaluable opportunities to share their missions. This summer, the Artists Archives will create meaningful partnerships with art institutions across the region, as well as with one of the nation’s oldest organizations of creative printmaking.

Beginning on May 18, the Archives will welcome an exhibition of fine prints from the Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA). Based in New York City, SAGA was founded in 1915 to promote the advancement of the graphic arts, and they have exhibited such preeminent modern artists as Henri Matisse, Mary Cassatt, Käthe Kollwitz, Edward Hopper, Pablo Picasso, and Joseph Pennell.

The exhibition at the Artists Archives will feature over fifty prints produced by their internationally-renowned membership. As curator Mindy Tousley describes, “as one would expect from such an esteemed organization, the work submitted was emblematic of the quality and professionalism of its members. While the work chosen varied widely…there was a common bond expressed among the chosen artists, and that was the love they held for printmaking…this exhibition is a celebration of their years of experience and love of the art form.” Exhibition awards will be juried by Emily J. Peters, curator of prints and drawings at the Cleveland Museum of Art, and an accompanying selection of prints from the Jack and Linda Lissauer Collection will be displayed.

Beginning on July 13, the Artists Archives will partner with BAYarts, The Gallery at Lakeland Community College, and Valley Arts Center to present THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, an exhibition featuring oversized works from an exciting array of area artists, including the biggest of the big from the Archives’ permanent collection. “This is an idea I have been contemplating for years,” explains Lakeland Gallery Director Mary Urbas, who conceived of the community-wide event. Created in the spirit of good humor and collaboration, visitors will be given an “@SSPORT” which can be stamped at participating locations and events for entry into a raffle.

As part of THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, the Artists Archives and Lakeland will host THE BIG @SS @RT TALK with the BIG HEADS of the little arts organizations from 2 to 3 pm on Sunday, July 23, in Lakeland Community College’s auditorium. Held in a rapid-fire format, each organization will have just over five minutes to tell the audience who they are, what they’re up to, and their exciting plans for the future! Lakeland Artist Reception to follow. RSVP on artistsarchives.org.

ARTISTS ARCHIVES OF THE WESTERN RESERVE
1834 East 123rd StreetCleveland, Ohio 44106artistsarchives.org216.721.9020

EVENTS:

From Stone to Silicone: The Evolution & Future of Printmaking with Michael Menchaca and Maggie Denk-Leigh, VIRTUAL PROGRAM 7-8pm Wednesday May 31

SAGA Artist Talk—Award Winners Spotlight with Emily J. Peters, VIRTUAL PROGRAM 7-8pm Wednesday June 21

THE BIG @SS @RT TALK, 2-3:30pm Sunday, July 23, at the Lakeland Community College Auditorium in Kirtland, Ohio