PRAIRIE | Frankie Sanchez
The West Texas A&M art program just received a piece of history after being honored with the possession of the Vermillion Edition, Limited, a printing shop that holds years of history for students to inherit.
Steve Andersen, a renowned master printer, developed the Vermillion Edition, Limited, a Minneapolis-based print shop, in 1977. This printing shop was highly recognized all over the United States and was a component of the American print renaissance. Andersen’s shop became the newest center for artists to publish their work, including famous artists such as Chuck Close, Red Groomes and William Wegman.
This printing shop stood out from many others at the time by publishing fine art on the international level, and was even asked to show its publications at the American Centre in Paris in 1982. Andersen was also given a Rockefeller Foundation Award for his work.
This small printing shop made history in 1982 by removing the front of its art booth at the Chicago International Art Expo for the public that was passing by. This action was considered forbidden by producers until Vermillion exercised their freedom and within an hour that same day, more than half of the other participants followed suite presenting what we know as the art exhibits of today.
After having mass amounts of success, this printing shop moved to a quieter location in the early 90’s. Subsequent to being renamed and moved multiple times, this shop is now located at the Sunset Center in Amarillo.
Andersen is now part of the WT art program, and with his help along with members of the art facility, the arrangement for the purchase of the shop was done in the summer of 2009. The Vermillion Edition, Limited was then moved from Minnesota, its original home, to Amarillo this past September on two 55-foot semi beds.
The print shop’s new home will serve as a learning tool for current and future students, as well as a printing press for visiting artists.
“This is very exciting for us,” Scott Frish, associate professor of art, said. “It is visionary and we’re very fortunate to put our hands on this. There is no other place where students can get experience on this type of equipment, and it definitely raises the bar for our program.”
Frish hopes to be able to collaborate with the WT art program and the Amarillo art community to establish an experimental art gallery.
This print shop brings new history to WT students as well as new and exciting opportunities for students and faculty alike.
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