Peregrine Press will present a 25th anniversary exhibition of fine art prints at the Lewis Gallery of the Portland Public Library from May 6 though June 25, 2016, featuring 49 works by current and former members. There will be an Opening Reception Friday, May 6, from 5-8 p.m, as well as a First Friday reception on June 3, from 5-8 p.m.

The artwork will showcase a wide variety of contemporary and historical printmaking techniques and highlight a commitment to non-toxic processes.

Printmaking tools and materials, with explanations of printmaking terminology and techniques, will be on display. Portions of both Peregrine Press portfolios, “First Impressions” from 2008 and “Local Conditions” from 2013, will also be shown. A short film will feature interviews of Press founders, other members, footage of artists working in the studio, and demonstrations of various printmaking techniques.

On Wednesday, May 25 at 6pm, the Press will host a panel discussion on the evolution of contemporary printmaking, titled “Pressing Onward, the Hand Pulled Print in a Digital World,” at the Rines Auditorium in the Portland Public Library. Moderated by Larinda Meade and Kate Cheney Chappell of the Peregrine Press, participants include Karen Adrienne of Circling the Square Press in Gardiner, ME, Liz Chalfin of Zea Mays Printmaking in Florence, MA and Sid Hurwitz of the Boston Printmakers.

A full color catalog will be available for sale at the opening. The catalog will include a history of the Press, images from the exhibition, and feature essays by Bruce Brown, curator emeritus of the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and Aprile Gallant, Curator of Prints, Drawings and Photographs at Smith College Museum of Art.

Leading up to the exhibition, on Saturday, April 23, Peregrine Press members will share printmaking demonstrations and hands-on opportunities for the public at the Portland Public Library Maker’s Fair, from 10 a.m-5 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Peregrine Press is located in the Bakery Building on Pleasant Street in Portland, Maine.

This exhibition is funded by the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as the Horizon Foundation and the Maine Community Foundation. For more information, visit http://www.peregrinepress.com/