Iron Print Competition

Each year, we host the Iron Print Competition, a fast-paced printmaking challenge that brings together student printmakers from leading art schools across the region.

About the Iron Print Competition

Each spring, we invite student teams from regional colleges to participate in our Iron Print challenge. Teams of four work together to produce an edition of 10 prints within a limited timeframe.

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

For more than three decades, our Master Print Series has brought renowned contemporary artists into the Print Studio at Massachusetts College of Art and Design to collaborate directly with our students. Guided by the expertise of Printmaking professor Fred Liang and professor emerita, Nona Hershey, the Master Print Series has grown into an annual tradition that connects revered contemporary artists with MassArt’s aspiring printmakers, resulting in an exquisite body of work.

Students work in teams through every stage of the printmaking process–from matrix preparation and preliminary proofing to paper and ink preparation and producing consistent, professional-quality editions.

This intensive four- to five-day experience strengthens students’ technical skills and deepens their understanding of professional printmaking practices, encouraging them to approach their own work with greater confidence, precision, and ambition.

Editions produced during the residency are divided between the visiting artist and the department. Proceeds from print sales support future Master Print Series projects, student merit awards, and additional printmaking events such as visiting artist lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and studio visits.

This distinguished artist-in-residence program has welcomed renowned artists including Kiki Smith, Sarah Sze, Dr. Lakra, Winfred Rembert, and Michael Mazur.

Printmaking Trips

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.