Two artists, Jonathan Higgins and Sarah Smelser, founded Manneken Press, in 2000. As an independent fine art press and a publisher of limited edition prints and artist’s books, the press invites exceptional artists to collaborate with Master Printer Jonathan Higgins and create works in intaglio, lithography, relief, monoprint and/or monotype. The relationship between artist and master printer is one of creative reciprocity, with the technical expertise of the printer complementing the creative vision of the artist. With a small but growing group of artists, Manneken Press, located in Bloomington, Illinois, has published a significant body of prints, which have been exhibited internationally and acquired by museum, individual and corporate collections nation-wide.
Higgins was first introduced to printmaking as an undergraduate at HSU. He states “printmaking has been a constant interest and has become my life’s work. I’m pleased to be able to bring this show here, where it all began for me. This is truly coming full circle.” A public lecture by Jonathan Higgins will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 8th in HSU Art Building, Room 102 and an opening reception will follow from 6-7:30 p.m. in the gallery. The public is invited to attend.
The exhibit has been designed and installed by students enrolled in the Museum and Gallery Certificate Program through the Art Department at Humboldt State University. Full Circle: Recent Prints from Manneken Press will be on exhibit Feb 8th through March 10th at the Reese Bullen Gallery. The gallery is situated in Humboldt State’s Art Building directly across from the Van Duzer Theater and is open 12-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, on Thursday from 12-7 p.m., and Saturday from 10-2 p.m. Parking permits on campus are $2.50 per day and are available on Harpst Street, just off L.K.Wood Blvd. Metered parking is also available. For more information, please contact our gallery staff at 707/826-5814 or rbg@humboldt.edu.