A couple of weeks ago, I decided to see what was happening in Bessa Axelrod’s Printmaking class.  I was transfixed.  The students were sitting around a table, happily chatting and laughing, while working diligently but unhurriedly on carving the plates they would later use to make prints.  The vibe was quietly energetic, focused, creative, and calm.

Recently, most of the students in this third quarter class have decided they will form a print-making club during fourth quarter, so they can continue this work.  I asked Bessa what the magic is: what is so captivating about this art form?  Bessa described the balance of structure and creativity the class provides: a demanding, specific, and rigorous artistic process, paired with the freedom to choose any image whatsoever as the inspiration for their piece.  In this sweet spot between structure and freedom, between external requirements and internal inspiration, our students find their motivation and their voice.  And the result is beautiful.

Abby Hood

Director of Academics