Bay of Plenty Report september- november 2025
Jackie Knotts
A once a month Friday afternoon print club at the Creative Campus in the Historic Village is now happening. Ruth, at the Incubator, has sent emails to all the people on her database who have attended printmaking workshops in the past, and she sends out a reminder each month. Hopefully this meeting time will become a regular get together.
We only pay $5 for the use of a large warm room with a big press. The afternoon meeting unfortunately precludes people who work, but the stalwarts come from quite far afield. The decision was not to have evening meetings, as travelling at night during the winter months is not an option.
It is early days and the response has been rather underwhelming, but it is still good to catch up with former print club printmakers and exchange ideas. One new member has a huge collection of letters of all shapes and sizes on blocks. These are difficult to put through the press, but good to hand burnish on thin paper. Jackie has been using mulberry paper from School Supplies, and she is amazed at how strong it is.
The Tauranga Art Society Expo is coming up in September. The society has over 300 active members, but few printmakers. Jackie’s current practice is to incorporate print processes into one-off mixed media images.
Sales at Imprint Gallery have been rather few and far between - people not having disposable income? Also, the cold and wet weather doesn't help.