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Discover creativity in action with MassArt Printmaking events and exhibitions.

Step into the vibrant world of printmaking at MassArt, where innovation meets tradition. From thrilling competitions like the Iron Printmakers showdown to the acclaimed Master Print Series, our events showcase the boundless creativity of students, faculty, and renowned visiting artists. Experience the energy of exhibitions, workshops, and live demonstrations both on and off campus—there’s something for every art enthusiast!

Poster for Iron Printmakers 11 at MassArt highlights students in action during printmaking events, with event details: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, 9 am–4 pm at Massachusetts College of Art & Design, Boston.
Iron Printmakers 11

Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9am – 4pm
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Printmaking Studio
621 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA

On Saturday, February 28, 2026 the 11th annual Iron Print Competition will bring together student teams from MassArt, RISD, Boston University, and SMFA@Tufts for a full-day printmaking showdown.

Each team of four must race against the clock to produce an edition of 10 original prints. Each edition must incorporate relief, lithography, intaglio, and screen (or stencil) techniques, along with a bag of mystery ingredients, all within a set time limit.

Teams are judged on the quality of their images, the quality of printing, teamwork, and sheer creativity.

2026 Judges

Kristin Sarette, Owner/Director of Chroma Print Residency in NM
Andrew Saluti, Faculty at Syracuse University
Alyssa Ebinger, Master Printer at Universal Limited Art Editions

The competition starts at 9:00 am in MassArt’s premier printshop, and teams finish their editions by 2:30 pm. An awards ceremony follows to celebrate the most inventive and skillful editions.

Sponsors

Muskat Studios • MassArt • Takach Press Corp • The Boston Printmakers • New Impressions Print Studio

About the Iron Print Competition

Each spring, students from area colleges form a four-person team and participate in an “Iron Print” competition to create an edition of 10 prints. An orientation occurs one week before the event. During that week, each team can plan their approach to making their image.

On the day of the event, within a set time limit, the teams compete against each other to create their image. It must combine lithography, intaglio, relief, and silkscreen, and incorporate a bag of mystery ingredients as well.

A panel of professional artists judge each teams’ edition based on the quality of their image, the quality of their edition printing, their team work, and their sheer creativity. Prizes are awarded at the end of the day.

Master Print Series

Over the past three decades, guided by the expertise of Printmaking professors Nona Hershey and Fred Liang, the Master Print Series has blossomed into an annual tradition. It unites revered contemporary artists with MassArt’s aspiring printmakers, resulting in an exquisite body of work.

MassArt has been honored to welcome to this distinguished artists in residence program renowned artists such as Kiki Smith, Sarah Sze, Dr Lakra, Winfred Rembert, Michael Mazur, and more.

Students work in teams on all aspects of matrix preparation – including preliminary proofing, paper and ink preparation, and learning to methodically print consistent, professional level editions.

The experience the students gain in this 4-5 day marathon has a radically positive effect. It encourages higher expectations, desire, and skill sharpening in presenting their own work in a noticeably more professional manner.

The editions made are divided between the visiting artist and the Printmaking Department. The subsequent sale of prints covers the entire cost of the projects. Any profit goes to Fine Arts 2D student Merit Awards and supports additional special events in Printmaking such as Visiting Artist lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and individual studio visits.

Southern Graphics Print Council

Students have the opportunity to take an annual trip to the Southern Graphics Print Council Conference, the largest print organization in North America, allows students to meet and connect with contemporary master printers.

International Fine Print Dealers Association Fine Print Fair

A visit to the Fine Art Print Fair is a living classroom, affording students the opportunity to meet leading art dealers, master printers, and modern publishers from around the world.

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621 Huntington Ave,
Boston, MA 02115

(617) 879-7000

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