In the Steps of Folly Cove: Artist Print Invitational

Francis Colburn Gallery

Williams Hall, University of Vermont

Oct. 8- Oct. 18, 2019

Opening Reception: Oct. 8, 5:30-7:30

The Folly Cove Designers (1941-1969), one of America’s longest-running artist collectives, was the product of a 1938 exchange between neighbors in Folly Cove, in Gloucester, Mass. Renowned children’s book author and illustrator Virginia Lee Burton Demetrios (of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel fame) traded design lessons in exchange for violin lessons for her sons, leading community- wide design classes and eventually the formation of the eponymous, juried block print guild.

 The group was propelled to International fame through commercial contracts with major retailers, articles in LIFE Magazine and participation in seminal craft exhibitions.

 Russell Janis, Brooklyn, NY and Janis Stemmermann, printmaker, have stimulated the formation of a contemporary block printing community which honors the Folly Cove Designers and highlights its continuing relevance as both an inspiration and standard bearer for today’s blossoming maker’s movement.

 Elana M. Sarni - Independent scholar and writer of a forthcoming book on the Folly Cove Designers

  Janis Stemmermann is an artist/designer who lives in Brooklyn, NY. Her disciplines include printmaking, ceramics and textiles. She is creative director and partner in Russell Janis, a project based space in Williamsburg with a focus on publishing and exhibiting collaborative print and ceramic based projects.

 Artsists:

Peter Bregoli

Abigail Doan

Jean-Jacques du Plessis

Louise Eastman

Jonathan Fabricant

Elise Ferguson

Susan Abbott Martin

Joe Peppe

Mylene Pionilla

Wendy Small

Barb Smith

Russell Steinert

Janis Stemmermann

Andy Yoder