The SOLAR IMPRESSIONS juried exhibition, featuring works created by means of the scientific breakthrough of light sensitive plates, is sponsored by Inspiration Plus Foundation, a 501 c-3 non profit organization dedicated to creating art that celebrates and educates through science. Over one hundred impressions were selected from more than 700 entries from across the United States, Ireland, Israel, England, Denmark, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Canada, Spain, and France. The esteemed jury consisted of Laura Einstein, manager of the Mezzanine Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Alex Ferrone, owner/director of the Alex Ferrone Gallery in Cutchogue, NY; and Ron Pokrasso, Santa Fe artist and world printmaking traveler. The awards juror is the acclaimed international artist Eric Fischl, who will be presenting 40 individual awards worth over $28,000 to the numerous works.

Noteworthy are the health, safety, and environmental factors involved in the use of light sensitive plates, constituting the scientific side of the show’s theme: All images showcased were processed with sunlight (or UV light) and ordinary tap water to harden and etch the light sensitized steel backed polymer plates. No acids or hazardous chemicals needed to be used for this technique.

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS/ COLLABORATIONS IN PRINT WITH DAN WELDEN
Since 1971, Dan Welden has been collaborating with artists using stone lithography and etching. His studio, Hampton Editions, Ltd., has been the home and birthplace of thousands of many young and old artists exploring the potential of the printmaking world. The exhibition, having originated at the Cape Cod Museum in 2017, concentrates on international artists that have collaborated directly with Welden to produce high quality impressions. Each artist created specific works either directly on Bavarian limestone or with the Solarplate polymer printmaking technique. Works created were NOT REPRODUCED from pre-existing drawings or paintings and were all intended for the sole purpose of the fine art print. All impressions were hand inked and ‘pulled’ from presses on papers from England, France, Germany or Italy.

This exhibition includes works by Willem de Kooning, Elaine de Kooning, Kiki Smith, Esteban Vicente, Dan Flavin, James Brooks, Eric Fischl, Robert Gwathmey, Paul Davis, Syd Solomon, Roy Nicholson, Jack Youngerman, Robert Dash, Louisa Chase, David Salle, Alfonso Ossorio, Ibram Lassaw, Lynda Benglis, Bill King, Jane Freilicher, Jimmy Ernst, Kurt Vonnegut, and Dan Welden.

In addition to works on view being available for purchase, a special silent art auction will take place including 20 additional works by Solar Impressions artists beginning at 5 PM on Saturday, November 16 and closing at 5 PM on Sunday, December 1. These pieces will be available to take home after November 16, just in time for the holidays.

Special Programs and Events:

Open Portfolio Sessions with Exhibiting Artists
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 12:30-2:30 PM | FREE

Demonstration/Talk with Master Printmakers Dan Welden and Ron Pokrasso
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 3 PM | FREE

Juror’s discussion with Alex Ferrone, Laura G. Einstein and Ron Pokrasso
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 5 PM | FREE

Public Opening Reception and Silent Auction Begins
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 6-8 PM | FREE

Gallery Talk with Dan Welden: Stories and Pictures from Masters de Kooning to Nicholson
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 | 4 PM | FREE

Solar Plate Workshop for Kids & Adults with Dan Welden
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 | 3 PM | $20 ($15 for Friends of SAC)

Solar Plate Workshop for Veterans with Dan Welden
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 | 6 PM | FREE

Closing Day Gallery Tour & Champagne Toast
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29 | 12:30 PM | FREE

Gallery Hours: Thursday to Sunday, 12-6 PM
Admission: $5 (Free for Friends of SAC & Children)