Test post the PAN Blog

The impetus for the gathering was our recent Solarplate© etching collaboration, Naturally Northwest: Prints and Poems, featuring the work of notable Northwest poets. The poets paired with PAN artist members to create a collection of 27 limited-edition etchings featuring nature-themed poems interpreted through the endlessly versatile medium of Solarplate.

The collection was displayed at Whiteaker for all to enjoy, and six of our participating poets performed poetry readings from the collection and other selected works. Thank you to our enchanting poets — Ingrid Wendt, John Witte, Charles Goodrich, Ce Rosenow, Justin Rigamonti, and John Daniel. Your thoughtful selections and remarks elevated the afternoon in so many ways. THANK YOU for your mindful preparation and for being such a vital and vibrant part of the day.  It was a delight to see you all and hear you read in person. As one of our members commented, poetry really NEEDS to be HEARD.  Thank you for coming and sharing your gifts with us all! 

On the printmaking front, we had three master printmakers providing informative and entertaining demonstrations. Ray Bidegain, PAN’s new President, shared photogravure, Jane Pagliarulo, PAN’s outgoing President, shared Solarplate etching techniques, and Whiteaker founder Heather Halpern shared mezzotint etching. As I walked through the room, I enjoyed seeing so many eager faces, avidly hanging on your every word. Thank you so much for sharing your truly remarkable skills with the gathering. A HUGE thank you to Whiteaker’s Studio Manager, Kiley Kuntz, for her meticulous preparation and hospitality. Our PAN members from the North were truly impressed by
the depth and breadth Whiteaker offers from a printmaking perspective, and it was great to rub elbows with WhitPrint members and share in the joint printexchange. Thank you for giving everyone SUCH a lovely experience.

And, of course, last but not least, huge thanks to Dan Welden for donating the Solarplate plates for our project, and to Barbara Mason and Paulann Petersen for your generosity and guidance that brought the Naturally Northwest project to life - a beautiful collaborative effort all around - and the catalyst for our lovely, lovely day!

The Naturally Northwest display, in addition to selected PAN member work, will be on display at Whiteaker until February 6th. Until our next joint adventure! Again, many, many thanks ALL!

-- Laura Cox, PAN Secretary