Swap: Four Years of Exchange at Second State Press, a new exhibition in the 2nd floor West Gallery. September 14 – November 20, 2015.

Second State Press is a nonprofit communal printmaking workshop whose mission is to foster the development of ideas and innovation in printmaking by providing artists with a professional, affordable, and supportive workspace. Each December, members of Second State Press produce an exchange portfolio — a practice of artists trading prints that has long distinguished printmaking culture. Second State Press is committed to the practice of exchange printing, not only as a means of collecting other artists’ prints, but to encourage the exchange of ideas that naturally occurs through studio cohabitation. This exhibition includes a selection of prints from the past four years’ exchange portfolios. In an effort to de-mystify some of the technical aspects involved in traditional printmaking processes, the exhibition will also show the drawings, notes, and proofs of three of the most prominent members of Second State Press. Their finished prints will be included so that viewers can trace a printmaker’s work from concept through to completion.

Second State Press advances the growth of a sustainable printmaking community by offering membership for access professional facilities, affordable communal workspace for emerging and mid-career artists, educational print programming and professional development opportunities. The SSP workshop is located in the Crane Arts Building, 1400 N. American Street, Philadelphia.

There will be an opening reception: Saturday, September 19, 2015, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Members of Second State Press will be performing live printing demonstrations during the reception. This will be a joint reception in conjunction with Robin Brewer and Sinéad Cahill, the new exhibition in the Print and Picture Hallway Gallery, Second Floor of Parkway Central Library.