Todd Christensen
Las Vegas, N.M. — New Mexico Highlands University presents “Print, Printed, Printing (2),” a printmaking exhibit and free conference featuring nationally known artists, Feb. 17 — 18.
The reception for the printmaking art exhibit is Feb. 17 from 1:30 — 3 p.m. in the Burris Hall Gallery, 903 National Ave. The exhibit continues through March 7.
All events for the conference are free and open to the public. The complete conference schedule is available at Burris Hall.
Fine arts professor Todd Christensen established the first “Print, Printed, Printing” conference and exhibit at Highlands in 2010 and also organized this year’s events.
“These are well-known printmakers, some with international reputations,” Christensen said. “It’s a good representative of expertise in a wide variety of traditional printmaking mediums like lithography, woodcut and etching as well as some new, innovative mediums.”
On Feb. 17 and Feb. 18, the conference schedule includes printmaking presentations and demonstrations from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m.
Additional printmaking demonstrations will be Feb. 17 from 3 — 5:30 p.m., and Feb. 18 from 2 — 5 p.m.
One highlight of the conference is a public viewing of the university’s extensive Fine Arts Print Collection in Donnelly Library Feb. 18 from 5 — 6 p.m. The library is at 802 National Ave.
“Thanks to very generous donations, we have an amazing print collection at Highlands that includes examples of many historical printmaker greats like Goya, Rembrandt and Hogarth,” Christensen said.
The conference also includes a reception Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. for Christensen’s solo show of printmaking pieces at the United World College Kluge Auditorium.
Christensen said the small, accessible printmaking conference offers his fine arts students the opportunity for more active participation and interaction with the artists.
“Conferences like these help our students learn new techniques and different approaches they can incorporate in their own artwork,” Christensen said. “It’s also a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the art of printmaking.”
Christensen earned his MFA from the University of Arizona, where he was an adjunct faculty member before joining the Highlands University faculty in 2006. He teaches printmaking, painting, life drawing, and introduction to art, among other courses.
Christensen is an award-winning printmaker who has exhibited his artwork throughout the country and internationally at shows in Berlin and Manukau, New Zealand.
His printmaking work is part of 16 permanent collections at universities and art centers. A few examples include the Columbia College Chicago Archives, the Rutgers University Center for Innovative Print and Paper, and the Workshop Arts Centre, Willoughby, Australia.