More than thirty five years ago, the Printmaking Council was formed to support the fine art of printmaking statewide. Lois Berghoff and Zelda Burdick, both New Jersey artists, were tired of traveling out-of-state for art activities. They envisioned an organization that would help local artists as well as promote the arts in New Jersey.
Enlisting the aid of printmaking colleagues, Florence Wender and Carol Yudin, artists were gathered to contemplate the creation of a new organization. The artists and members of the community accepted the idea wholeheartedly and a formal recommendation was made to incorporate as a non-profit art organization. Leonard Blumberg, a Somerset County lawyer, was asked to draw up the incorporation papers. The four founders became five when Peter Chapin, then Chairman of the Art Department at Drew University, was asked to join them. On December 10, 1973 the incorporation papers were signed and the Printmaking Council of New Jersey was established.
Museums, colleges and art centers made available their facilities and galleries for PCNJ programs. However, The Printmaking Council was in need of a permanent home. The Roving Press, a community outreach program of PCNJ, attracted the attention of the Somerset County Parks Commission, which had recently received 35 acres of property donated by Ralph T. Reeve to be used as a statewide cultural complex bearing his name. PCNJ was offered 3 acres and a two-story framed building which once housed the offices of a lumber company. PCNJ moved into the newly renovated Ralph T. Reeve Cultural Center in 1978. PCNJ finally had a home, and over the years, the space has become a vital cultural resource for artists, collectors, college students and children.
The Printmaking Council offers many ongoing activities and programs. The Roving Press reaches thousands of students each year, by providing on-site arts education to schools and organizations throughout the state. Art teachers, travel to schools and community groups to provide hands-on exposure to printmaking in many forms. In addition, courses are also offered at the PCNJ facility. Subjects include photography, printmaking, papermaking and book arts, and are available for children and adults.
Professional artists and novices alike enroll in classes and workshops. In addition to classes, Printmaking Council members can rent time in the professional studios for a fee. The Printmaking Council of New Jersey also houses a gallery which hosts seven exhibitions each year both in-house and at other venues. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.
