Visual Telephone & Current Voyages (2007)

Visual Telephone & Current Voyages: A Printmaking Dialogue

MPC Printmakers 2007

In 2007, the MPC Printmakers joined with The Pacific Island Printmakers of Kona and the Holualoa Foundation for Art and Culture at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa, Hawaii, for an exciting series of exchange exhibitions and workshops.

A group of MPC Printmakers traveled to Kona, Hawaii, to work alongside the Kona printmakers for a week. We all produced a suite of original prints and exchanged technical and conceptual information with our counterparts in Kona. We facilitated a workshop in Gum Arabic transfer techniques, and presented a slide show that was very well attended.

During our stay, Visual Telephone: A Printmaking Dialogue, an exhibition of prints by MPC Printmakers was on view at the Donkey Mill. The show was great, and we really enjoyed the artists' walk through and fabulous reception at the gallery.

Perhaps the most exciting evening of the trip was spent at the home and studio of internationally known artists Hiroki and Setsuko Morinue. They are the founders of the Donkey Mill Art Center. They also own a fine art gallery in Holualoa, showing artists from all over the world.  The Morinues hosted a spectacular dinner in our honor. First Hirkoi walked us through the gallery, discussing the many works of art in the shop as well as in their private collection. Then we visited both his print shop and Setsuko’s private ceramic studio. A lavish Thai banquet was cooked and served by another well know printmaker, Jeera Rangkegoon. 

Upon our return to Monterey, the Pacific Island Printmakers joined us for the opening of their show Current Voyages: A Printmaking Dialogue at the MPC Gallery. Workshops were held lectures were given, prints were exchanged and another lavish banquet was experienced. The Kona printmakers joined the MPC Printmakers as Diaspora Members, and solid friendships were formed.