Today we’d like to introduce you to Monotype Guild of New England artist organization.
Monotype Guild of New England, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Founded in 1985 on Cape Cod by a group of local artists, MGNE has grown into a national nonprofit organization with members throughout the United States. We welcome accomplished professionals, passionate beginners and everyone in between. All artists creating monotypes or monoprints in the US are welcome to join the Guild. There is no jurying requirement for membership.
Currently there are over 200 MGNE members, many of whom contribute to the organization by helping with exhibitions, workshops and volunteering on the Board. Members receive news of opportunities through regular email blasts, and website and social media posts. Member artwork is featured in an online gallery. The Guild has sponsored more than 60 open, juried and curated exhibitions for its members, as well as exhibits open to artists nationwide.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Monotypes and Monoprints: Unique, One-Of-A-Kind Prints. The term monotype and monoprint represent two distinct processes:
- A monotype is made by drawing or painting on a smooth surface and transferring the image to a sheet of paper.
- A monoprint contains lines or images that can be repeated exactly from one impression to the next such as etched lines, a carved woodblock or a lithographic drawing. The artist varies the inking in each image, creating
a unique impression that is called a monoprint. *
Both monotypes and monoprints often pass through a printing press multiple times, adding additional layers of ink and images. This layering builds rich surfaces that provide an endless variety of color, line and form. “Singular Impressions: The Monotype Process;” Video, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 1997
Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
One of the main goals that almost every artist has is to get their work out of the studio and into the world. With so many galleries closing these days, art associations and art groups like the Monotype Guild provide meaningful opportunities for new, emerging, and even established artists to show their work. MGNE has both juried and non-juried shows, allowing even beginners to show their work. We also try to have shown in various parts of New England, so that no matter where they live, there will be a show that will be nearby at some point. We are a completely volunteer-based organization, which means that as we work together to host shows, artists can share their skills as well as learn new ones. Through this model, a community of artists is built, with support and friendship growing as the organization itself gets stronger.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
MGNE sponsors exhibitions to showcase the work of members and artists throughout the country. The exhibits highlight the range of traditional and innovative monotype and monoprint techniques in use today. Our newest show will be opening on September 28 at LynnArts, 29 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA. This is a non-juried members show that runs through November 2. The artists’ reception is on Friday evening, September 28, from 5:30 – 7:30pm. It’s free and open to the public. The Guild also presents workshops and other special programs for its members and the public. Go to mgne.org to see work by member artists, peruse the list of current and past exhibitions, as well as join the organization.
Contact Info:
- Address: Carolyn Letvin, President
- Website: www.mgne.org
- Phone: 508-259-9382
- Email: carolyn@carolynletvin.com
Image Credits:
Kate Higley, Kathy Jenkins, Carolyn Letvin, Carol MacDonald, Andrea Warner, Joanne Cornell, Ila Cox, Diane Francis
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