The Yinnar Press print studio and working group
Busy day with Tech supported Open access in the Yinnar Press Print Studio
The arc Yinnar Press working group are a sub collective of arc members who are print makers. The group formed to be involved in the planning of the recent and exciting redevelopment of the printmaking space. The print studio is now a well equipped, enjoyable and safe place for print making processes. The space can facilitate a broad range of print making techniques as well as skill sharing and learning for career development and employment opportunities in printmaking for members and the wider community. The project has brought the printmaking space into alignment with the recent Latrobe Valley Authority funded major facility redevelopment. (Building Redevelopment 2019) For this print room project, funding was successfully sought from Regional Arts Fund to consult with art professionals from the field in the planning process; to plan, launch and deliver a technical advice and assistance program to tutors and print makers; to develop, offer and launch a residency program including a suite of masterclasses and; to purchase equipment and source further funding for the renovation of the space.
Planning and fundraising continues over a 4 year period from 2020 to 2024. To date, plans have been developed and funding has been successfully sought from the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal (FRRR) for equipment and renovation works that have included plumbing and specialist sinks, occupational heath and safety equipment, policy and procedure development and renewed cabinetry and work surfaces. Funds had also been been successfully sought from the Latrobe City Council Community grants and the Mirboo North and Community Foundation for the installation of skylights and exhaust systems. FRRR funds were redirected for flooring and ceiling insulation. Many hours of volunteer work from passionate members have also been a major contribution to the project.
Above: regular meetings with Yinnar Press working group, hard yakka working bee’s, out with the old and in with the new, emptying out the studio, cleaning, painting and new electrical light wiring and heating and exhaust.
The utilisation of and response to the space has been wonderful with many individuals developing their own works for exhibition and sale as well as contributing to a growing suite of Yinnar Press edition works to fundraise further for the studio. The development of the print studio opened a door to an expanding universe of printmaking in Gippsland. Right now in Gippsland Gallery Sale, with the Gippsland Print award, Wonthaggi artspace’s current exhibition and just recently in Meeniyan art gallery, there have been many opportunities for the exhibition of print works. Artists from arcs Yinnar Press have been well represented across the Gippsland region as a collective as well as individual printmaking artists and we would like to introduce them to you in this and future blogs.
Along with the weekly tech supported open access, there are near future upcoming projects in the pipeline. An artist in residence program is currently being planned for launch in 2024 and a print/ pottery collaboration with the ceramicists in the ceramic studio at arc is happening soon too. Technical work will also commence on the new plate processing facility this summer for etching plates and screen printing processes. In following blogs we will introduce to the other Yinnar Press print studio artists and their work and the developments within the space.
The arc Yinnar Press print studio artists are Kate Zizys, Amanda Thompson, Miriam Potts, Irene Proebsting, Liz Tyler, Lis Scott, Rose Tanti, Marita Anderson, Sharon Anderson, Jenny Peterson, Kat Kershaw, Pollyannar Gibson and Yvette Atkins. The group welcomes new member artists.
Above Recent exhibitions at Meeniyan Art Gallery, Mandy Thompsons ‘Requiem’ and The arc Yinnar Press print studio Print makers.