The University Print Society, an ISU student organization, is presenting its 23rd annual Postcard Exchange Jan. 22-Feb. 4 in the Memorial Union Art Gallery, located on the first floor.
Exhibition hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekday and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. The opening reception will be held Monday, Jan. 22 (5:30-7 p.m.)
This postcard exchange dates back to December 2022, when printmakers from around the world were invited to send 13 original, identical, 4-by-6 inch prints to the University Print Society, with a postmark deadline of Oct. 1, 2023. Eligible methods included any edition-able printmaking technique, for example, woodcuts, litho, intaglio, relief, photography, silkscreen or digital printmaking. Prints were to be stamped and mailed separately as postcards, so they would bear the markings of travel and the postal service.
Every artist who submitted prints received 12 different prints from other artists, hence the "exchange." The University Print Society kept one print from each artist for its own collection, and these are the prints that will be in the exhibition. Additional postcards from past exchanges also will be on view.
The exhibition features 146 prints from 19 states and three other countries: two each from South Korea, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Theme: Anarchy, Rules We Should Break, and Mutual Destruction
Participants were asked to think about what happens when anarchy rules the land. The theme resulted in varied responses from individuals across the country and around the world. Are there rules we should break? How can we eschew mutual destruction? Participants used this prompt to voice their growing concern for the world. Exhibition organizers said they were happy to see so many participants connect with the theme to make a positive impact and reflect upon our society.
Silent auction
All prints on display will be for sale through an easy bidding process. This presents a great opportunity to collect interesting pieces of art, purchase unusual gifts for friends and family, and help a great cause. Bidding ends at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, the close of the exhibit. Winners will be notified by e-mail to arrange to pick up the prints the following week.
Proceeds from the silent auction will help fund the student club's activities, such as visiting artist lectures and print projects, as well as supplies for on-campus printmaking workshops.
