The current exhibition in the Gallery at Briarwood, “Selections from Mixit Print Studio,” invites us to explore the multi-faceted world of printmaking. Established in Somerville nearly 40 years ago, the Mixit Print Studio has grown to be a valuable and vibrant resource for the printmaking community in the Boston area and beyond. Artists can reserve workspace, take classes, engage in internships, and participate in exhibitions as a group like the one now at Briarwood.
The studio, housed in the former Mixit Hand Soap Factory, occupies 1800 square feet on the lower level space to make and print large scale intaglio, monotype, monoprint, relief and photo intaglio plates. Co-owners Catherine Kernen, Jane Goldman, and Randy Garber are among the distinguished printmakers affiliated with the studio that have taught printmaking techniques across the United States, as well as internationally.
The current exhibition includes 50 works by 13 artists, and a notebook at the beginning of the gallery space contains artist statements describing their printmaking journeys, photos of their works, and a list of their remarkable accomplishments. Visitors to the gallery may also refer to the back pages of this notebook which explain printmaking terms.
At the opening reception in the Loring Auditorium on March 15th, Sarah Davis made some welcoming remarks, a video about the Mixit Studio was shown, and co-owners Catherine Kernan and Randy Garber spoke of their dedication to the studio and its continued expansion in the future. Then residents, guests, and artists were invited to browse the gallery. Many lively conversations were overheard between residents and artists as the printmakers answered questions about what techniques and processes were used to create their works. If you would like to watch the video shown in the auditorium, go to the studio’s website at www.mixitprint.com.
The Gallery at Briarwood owes a big thank you to resident Elizabeth Wicks who connected her bicycling buddy, Catherine Kernan, with the Art Gallery Committee last year to arrange this impressive exhibition.
