9th National Print Competition

The Janet Turner Print Museum seeks artists whose work expresses printmaking's tradition in unique and innovative combinations of media that may encompass 2D, 3D, time-based work, installations, and other new technologies. Critical elements include a well-developed aesthetic including contemporary issues and their expression in content.

Franklin Sirmans, Terri and Michael Smooke Department Head and Curator of Contemporary Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, will be the juror for the 9th Biennial Janet Turner National Print Competition. He has taught at Maryland Institute College of Art and Princeton University, and worked for Dia Center for the Arts and Flash Art magazine. Sirmans has written essays for the New York Times, Time Out New York, Essence, and Grand Street.

I believe Janet Turner, mentor and professor, would applaud the National Print Competition. Janet Turner used her collection of fine art prints as a teaching tool to both inspire and instruct her students about different approaches to printmaking. Referring to her collection, Turner herself wrote, “I bought as many styles and techniques as possible, regardless of the reputation of the artist, because, in teaching and printmaking, every new technique is interesting. I believe in teaching by example— offering different ideas and different styles to interest different students as opposed to teaching only one method and viewpoint.”

Eligible artists

Any ten-year postgraduate art major (BA, BFA, MA, MFA) is eligible to submit work created in the past two years.

Entry Fee

Enclose $25 per each entry submitted.

Entry Deadline

Entries must be postmarked by September 23, 2011 and include the entry fee. No late or incomplete entries will be accepted.

Entry Format

Submit entries on CD or thumb drive. Each device must be clearly externally and internally marked with name, title, year, and technique for each entry. Still works should be digital images at 300 dpi resolution. Time-based work should identify the program used and must be able to play on a Mac. A hard copy entry form, entry fee, and a working e-mail address must accompany each entry. SASE required for return of submission.