February Annual – Fit to Print

Jackson, Missouri, February 24,  2024 – 

 

 

The Design Committee for the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization (UJRO) is presenting the 2024 February Annual – “Fit to Print”. Live printmaking demonstrations will take place throughout the day, beginning at 11:00AM at 127 S. High Street lower level, Jackson, Missouri. A print exhibition begins February 24th and runs through March at the Cape Girardeau County History Center, 102 S. High Street, in Jackson, Missouri. The exhibit will feature various letter press and relief printing methods and includes Hatch Show Print of Nashville, TN, Orange Barrel Industries artists Blake and Hannah March Sanders, and selected prints from private collections. 

 

Hatch Show Print, a working letterpress print shop since 1879, uses its vast collection of vintage type and hand-carved imagery to create timeless designs that express and commemorate America's evolving cultural identity. The History Center will exhibit a wide cross section of the Hatch Show Print’s legacy of iconic advertising and music performers in the letterpress artform. Archival show posters being exhibited range from Ernest Tubb, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Culture Club, Aretha Franklin among many more. 

 

Orange Barrel, the art collaborative by Blake and Hannah March Sanders, will present an interactive experience for attendees to participate in the printmaking process. Orange Barrel Industries is a creative and curatorial partnership that travels around the world presenting lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and demonstrations in printmaking, drawing, and fiber art installation. They currently teach foundations and printmaking at Southeast Missouri State University, where Hannah is a Full Professor.

From 11:00AM to 4:00PM participants are invited to create their own Uptown Jackson keepsake print and enjoy learning the aspects of printmaking hands-on. The interactive sessions are targeted for all ages and require no experience, all are invited to watch, learn and enjoy.

Food trucks will be gathered in the south parking lot behind the Main and High Street boutiques and businesses for Uptown Jackson’s first food truck mini-rally. This also marks the entry point to the lower level of 127 South High where the printmaking demonstrations are taking place. A special curated menu in the Fit to Print theme will be offered by The German Cook and all food truck vendors.  

 

Attendance to the demonstrations and exhibition is free to all.

 

At the 2019 February Annual, over 800 waited in line while native son Roy Thomas greeted guests for more than six hours, in addition to presenting a comicbook symposium to over 200 that kicked off the event. The February Annual has celebrated regional renowned artists, hometown heroes, raku pottery, glass blowing, and drawing in interactive and educational events for nine years and ongoing. 

 

Design Committee Chair, Craig Milde, stated that “Now in its ninth year, our February Annual in Uptown Jackson grows in depth and reach by showcasing artwork and unique art experiences presented to the Jackson, Missouri region”.

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ABOUT FEBRUARY ANNUAL. February Annual is an annual art exhibition featuring a local renowned Missouri or regional artist and held the last Saturday in February in Uptown Jackson, Missouri. The event is based upon three pillars: community outreach and art education by engaging with local students in artist workshops and public seminars, activating the Uptown business district through storefront window art exhibits and in-store events, and presenting an art opening event for the community that often includes an artist lecture or interactive program. The February Annual is presented by the Design Committee for the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization (UJRO) and with the continued support of the Cape Girardeau County History Center. Connect with February Annual at UJRO on Facebook and at www.ujro.org.