The Studio
Limerick Printmakers are committed to promoting printmaking as an art form and supporting Print Makers by providing a professional open access printmaking studio, exhibition opportunities and education programme.
Limerick Printmakers (LP) was established in 1999 by three BA printmaking graduates from the Limerick School of Art and Design (LSAD), Claire Boland, Kari Fry & Melissa O’ Brien.
A start up grant was provided by Limerick City Enterprise Board, which supported the cost of purchasing equipment and initial overheads. Considerable support came from numerous individuals and organisations including the Printmaking Department of LSAD/L.I.T., Des MacMahon, Dietrich Blodau, Charles Harper; Mary Parkes of the Limerick Adult Education Centre; Cork Printmakers; Graphic Studio; Black Church Print Studio; Limerick Network Enterprise; Sheila Deegan and Limerick City Council; and Joe Buckley (owner of the original LP premises).
LP gratefully acknowledges the support of the Arts Council of Ireland.
The Printmaking Studio
As a printmaking studio and collaborative creative space, LP supports the goals of both individual artists and printmakers and the wider arts community through the provision of a range of high quality printmaking amenities in a co-operative environment. At present LP has over 60 members working in the studio.
Artists join on a membership basis and can avail of a range of flexible and affordable packages that facilitate studio use for a range of time periods – from a single day through to Annual membership.
Education Programmes
Limerick Printmakers also provides opportunities for the general public through its extensive education programmes, with dedicated strands for adults and children, and its hugely popular Community Engagement programme which aims to increase understanding of the art form of printmaking through active participation in unconventional and accessible environments.
These workshops and events can be adapted for all levels of skill or experience and can be hosted from the studio or from site-specific locations including schools, third level institutions, festivals, multi-disciplinary arts venues, parks and public spaces.
Annual Exhibition Programme
LP’s annual exhibition programme is hosted in conjunction with respected local arts venue the Belltable. LP also exhibits a different studio members work in The Hunt Museum each month. LP prioritises providing exhibition opportunities for studio members which also supports the visibility of printmaking in the regional arts landscape by ensuring audiences are consistently given opportunities to learn about printmaking processes and view the outcomes and possibilities of the art form.
Studio Member Projects
LP and its active members regularly organise studio member projects and have a rich history of collaborating both with other print studios and printmaking departments in third level institutions at a national and international level. Past projects and joint exhibitions have taken place with groups from New York, Philadelphia, and Georgia (USA), and Berlin in Germany.
