What do you get when you combine the unique, spontaneous process of monoprinting, a technique of “painting” individual prints on paper using ink on plexiglass, with a 24-hour marathon? Zygote Press’ Monothon, a 24-hour printmaking marathon from 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, until 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 18.
“Zygote has always brought in new artists to the shop, and we continue that effort with 24 hours of extreme monoprinting,” says Zygote Press executive director Liz Maugans. “Monoprints are the most direct, printerly approach to creating a print by drawing, stenciling or painting directly on a plexiglass glass plate. For 24 hours straight, with a live Facebook feed, Zygote will be enlisting some of your favorite and wildly talented artists to come and create some monotypes.”
As the action heats up on Saturday evening, Zygote Press hosts a “Peak Party” from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests can witness the unique printing process, meet the artists and enjoy live music from Al Mothersbaugh, food from Happy Dog and White IPA courtesy of Platform Beer Co. During the event, emcees Joe Cimperman and Bellamy Printz will auction off monoprints to support Zygote Press and its many important efforts. Cimperman is the current president of Global Cleveland and served as Cleveland City Councilman for 18 years (Ward 3). Printz co-founded Zygote Press in 1995 with Liz Maugans, Kelly Novak and Joe Sroka. She is currently a curator of the Cleveland Clinic Art Program.
Tickets to the Peak Party are $25 and include one drink and a beef or vegan hot dog from Happy Dog. For $300 guests can sponsor a local artist and receive a monoprint created by that artist. Confirmed artists include: Shelly Ahearn, Tom Balbo, Justin Brennan, John W. Carlson, Amy Casey, Dave Cintron, Michael Conti, Susan Danko, Hilary Gent, Dale Goode, Erin Guido, Kasumi, Eric Neff, Dana Oldfather, Patricia Zinmeister Parker, Scott Pickering, Dante Rodriguez, Darius Steward, Grace Summanen and Douglas Max Utter.
To celebrate the end of the Monothon, Zygote Press hosts a Bloody Mary Binger Bar and Donuts from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 18. Admission on Sunday is $15, and includes one drink. Tickets to both events are available through Zygote Press’ website or by calling 216-621-2900. To follow the event’s live stream online, “like” Zygote Press Inc. on Facebook.
Between its main space on East 30th Street and satellite Ink House location in Waterloo, Zygote Press provides exhibition space, equipment, studio space and technical assistance to both resident artists and artist-members. The organization’s efforts over the past two decades include more than 300 exhibitions on site and off, 90 artist residencies, 80 festivals and public events and more than 1,000 tours for over 15,000 students in K-12 and secondary art classes.
(Zygote Press) 1410 East 30th St., 216-621-2900, zygotepress.com.
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