In 2012 a small group of artist printmakers, who had met at Red Hot Press in Southampton, decided to set up Cowprint Artists' Group. Since then the group has grown to over 30 members, collaborated on some exciting printmaking projects, including some international print exchanges and held a number of successful exhibitions. In the summer 2021 Cowprint Artists' Group became independent from Red Hot
Press and this page is to provide information to members and the public about the group's activities. People often ask where the name 'Cowprint' came from - it was derived from the location where the group first met at the old Cattle Market where Red Hot Press occupied the Corn Exchange. During the covid pandemic the group has continued to meet monthly via Zoom and hopes to resume these meeting in Southampton when it is safe to do so. The group also meet monthly to sketch together at locations in and around Southampton. New members are welcome to make contact about joining the group. The most recent and most ambitious project was completed in 2020 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of sailing of the Mayflower from Southampton in 1620. We collaborated with Inky Hands Print Studio in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA to create two artists concertina books and to put two exhibitions, including prints from 40 artists from both sides of the Atlantic. Unfortunately due to the covid pandemic the Cowprint exhibition in Southampton at God's House Tower was postponed until the summer 2021, but the Inky Hands one was held during the 400th anniversary celebrations in Plymouth. Purpose of the Group
> We are artist printmakers based in and around the City of Southampton who meet to share, support and collaborate in their creative practice.
> We welcome new members of any ability.
> We meet on a regular basis either by Zoom or at a meeting location to carry out the business of the group.
> We encourage individual members to share their work, and get feedback and support from other members.
> We aim to share information relevant to printmaking (eg exhibitions, exhibiting opportunities, where to buy materials/ equipment etc). This includes problem solving technical printmaking issues and learning about printing processes from each other.
> We learn about others’ work through visiting speakers.
> We arrange and attend sketching outings.
> We agree and work on joint projects such as 20:20, Mayflower 400.
> We find and run exhibiting and selling opportunities such as at Hilliers and God's House Tower, local Wayzgoose.
> We pool resources to enable bulk purchasing of materials to minimise postage and / or gain discount where possible.
> We seek member discounts from printmaking suppliers.
> The Committee members reserve the right to run a selection process to ensure exhibitions we hold maintain high standards of printmaking.
