MFA IN PRINTMAKING The MFA in Printmaking program supports the multidisciplinary exploration of a wide array of traditional and emerging print-making techniques and methodologies. From Letterpress to 3D printing, students have the opportunity to experiment with different technology as they discover their creative voices. Throughout their time in the program, students engage in both individual and collaborative work. We encourage experimentation, challenging students to push the limits of what a print can be and how printmaking can impact the world. Focus on traditional printmaking techniques or combine printmaking with painting, video, installation, sculpture, performance, or any other artistic medium. Whether you aspire to create prints for the fine art or commercial spheres, our program will equip you with the skills and expertise needed to set yourself up for a successful printmaking career.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Ray Zill MFA/MA ‘25
Ray Zill is a printmaker and librarian who prioritizes textured printing methods such as letterpress. Drawing on her own experience with losing her sight, she creates work that can be experienced and appreciated by those who rely on touch. She works as a librarian for the art college at Evergreen State College and, in addition to her work as an artist, is pursuing research in bookmaking, independent publishing, and disability justice.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHT Yoshihiro Kitai
Chair of Printmaking Yoshihiro Kitai is a printmaker with a background in ceramics and drawing. His prints mix a Western style of abstraction with a Japanese style of metal leafing, conceptually focusing on his perspective as a foreigner in the U.S. His work can be found in public and private collections including Oregon Health and Science University and Nomura Bank in London, England.
GILKEY CENTER FOR PRINTMAKING In addition to your private studio, we offer MFA Printmaking students access to The Gilkey Center for Printmaking and the Watershed Center for Fine Art Publishing and Research. Tea time is at 3pm every day.
TOOLS, FEATURES, AND RESOURCES Studios
Exposure Units
Dedicated studios for intaglio and relief, screenprinting, letterpress, and lithography
Three vacuum exposure units for photo-sensitive processes
Presses
Dedicated room for copper-plate etching baths
Four intaglio/relief presses, three Vandercook letterpresses, three lithography presses, and one Mailander offset press
Letterpress Letterpress studio with more than 200 drawers of lead and wood type
Book-making Book-making equipment including guillotines and a perfect-binding machine
Screenprinting Screenprinting studio with large-format OLITE exposure unit, light tables, two washout booths, 12+ printing stations, and a 4’ x 17’ yardage screenprinting table
Aquatint Box Coat plates for intaglio etching
Litho Stones More than 100 traditional lithography stones, ranging in size from small to very large
Exposure Room Dedicated exposure room for photolitho, photopolymer, and photogravure processes WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Schedule a meeting with the Graduate Admissions Team. go.willamette.edu/graduate-info
Copper-plate Risograph GR1700 and RZ220 Risographs
Storage Individual storage spaces for each student working in the print studios
Printmaking Store Printmaking Store is open during weekdays, and sells affordable hard-to-find materials, tools, and papers
Natural Light Large windows in each studio, and a large skylight, which bring in natural light
Print Archive Extensive print archive, including many prints and items from Gordon Gilkey
Fabrication Lab 3-D printers, plotters, milling machines, and vinyl cutters
Digital Print Studio Large format inkjet printers
Documentation Studio Staffed studio for professionally cataloguing your work Julie Noyes Assistant Director of Recruitment Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies jmnoyes@willamette.edu | 503.821.8975
PNCA admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.