International Print Exchange 2017

2017 has seen a record number of submissions to the International Print Exchange, an annual event to celebrate fine art printmaking, organised by Derby-based Green Door Printmaking Studio.

Since the call for entries was made in March this year the IPE team have received 201 packages of limited edition prints from printmakers around the world. This year’s celebration of printmaking will have a preview evening in the Banks Mill Studios foyer from 5pm – 8pm, Friday 6 October and will be on show until 4 November 2017.

The IPE was founded by, and is dedicated to, David Michael Johnson who sent out the original call from Derby to printmakers worldwide on 28th February 2009. Within 24 hours he had received over 400 positive emails from printmakers in the UK and further afield and this prompted the beginning of the first International Print Exchange in 2009. Sadly, David was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly after the first exchange was completed and passed away, surrounded by his family, on 4 June 2010. However, his family continue his legacy, and every year the exchange is dedicated to his memory. The vibrancy and diversity of the IPE submissions reflect the zest he had for life in general and his love for printmaking in particular.

Anna Johnson, Creative Director of Green Door Printmaking Studio commented, “We are delighted by the amount and quality of submissions that have been received this year, and are quite overwhelmed that the word about the IPE has spread so far and wide – we’ve had submissions from as far afield as Costa Rica, The United Arab Emirates and The Falkland Islands. This year’s exhibition will be truly special and we look forward to welcoming friends, both old and new, to celebrate with us.”