Rocky Mountain Print Alliance (RMPA) Symposium: Kismet
This was the first year that McClain’s sponsored the Rocky Mountain Printmaking Alliance (RMPA) symposium and we are looking forward to continuing our support for the next conference in 2025. If you haven’t put this organization or biennial conference on your radar we highly recommend that you do! This year’s theme was “Kismet: A Celebration of All Things Printmaking” and was held in the “Lilac City” of Spokane, Washington featuring keynote speakers Miranda Metcalf of the “Hello Print Friend” Podcast; Chris Bovey, a local Spokane artist and shop owner of Vintage Print + Neon; and Mary Farrell, artist, printmaker and Professor Emeritus of Gonzaga University. From pub crawls to galleries and demos, panels hosted by such notable artists as Jim Bailey, Judith Baumann, and Paul Mullowney, to a “Printmakers of Wrestling” match the Rocky Mountain Print Alliance Symposium has something for everyone. Future conferences will be hosted by different institutions showcasing their printmaking community in their city. To keep up to date check out the RMPA website.
Nabil!
A few months back a new member joined the McClain’s crew and we couldn’t be more thrilled! Originally from Atlanta, GA and holding a BFA in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking from Georgia State University, Nabil works in bookbinding, printmaking, painting and graffiti writing. Nabil also is an experienced bartender, a horror film buff and bi-lingual force of nature who brings a refreshing breath of fresh air to the shop. Nabil won’t be a voice on the phones when you call McClain’s but is a Shina slinging machine in the McClain’s woodshop. So next time you order one of our beautiful registration boards, bench hooks or Shina plywood blocks you can bet Nabil is the one who made them.
*Pictured below starting from top left: Bella, Alex, Christin, Ally, Nabil and Daniel
2024 McClain’s Catalog – Submissions Please!
How is it that time of year again? It sneaks up on us faster each year. We are putting together the 2024 McClain’s Catalog and are seeking relief print submissions for both the printed catalog and McClain’s Online Gallery. Because we specialize in relief printmaking supplies, we accept relief prints to show in the gallery. Relief prints include woodblock prints, Moku Hanga (Japanese style woodblock), linocuts, wood engravings and monotypes or monoprints. One print per person please. Visit the McClain’s website (LINK) for further information on how to join the McClain’s gallery and thank you.
Extended Submission Deadline: December 15th, 2023.
New line of tools in 2024!
We are excited to add an additional line of Japanese wood carving tools in our 2024 catalog! These Aogami Moku Hanga To are made by Michahmono in Miki City, an area with a long and rich history of tool manufacturing; they are great for both students and experienced carvers alike.
The design of these tools will be familiar to anyone who has purchased a McClain’s Namisei or Josei tool. Aogami Moku Hanga To blades are made of high-carbon steel laminated to mild steel, achieving a keen cutting edge that is easy to sharpen. These long 8cm blades are embedded in cypress handles that can be cut down to fit the carver’s hand.
One notable feature of Michihamono tools is their anti-rust coating. The blades of these tools are coated with a thin layer of shellac, so if you live in a rust-prone area like Hawaii or Florida they may be a good choice for you.
In addition to the Aogami tools, we are bringing on more additional materials to support your printmaking practice this upcoming year, so stay tuned!
