Steam power fuels second annual ImPRESSED exhibit

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The Roots making prints. Courtesy photo.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, Calif. — The second annual ImPRESSED printmaking exhibit opens Aug. 26 at the Mendocino County Museum.

Best known for their restoration of steam engines, the Roots of Motive Power, or Roots, are also avid supporters of the arts.

Since 1998, Roots have been sharing their Buffalo 1924 Steam Roller, and talented crew, with Bay Area printmakers at the annual Roadworks Steam Festival in the Do.Re.Mi Arts District, hosted by the San Francisco Center for the Book, or CFTB.

Roots have provided this same opportunity locally at their annual Steam Festival in Willits.

Mendocino County Museum decided to spotlight the printmaking aspect of this great event, by hosting linocut workshops and showcasing a stunning collection of works from Emmy Lou Packard, Henry Evans, and Bill Zacha, along with contemporary artists from Art Explorers in Fort Bragg.

The museum then exhibited the 60-plus community prints made during the event.

This year, the museum has invited innovative printmakers with connections to the CFTB to showcase their work, further encouraging and expanding the exchange of ideas and community connections initiated by the Roots of Motive Power.

Renowned printmaker Rik Olson will be featured; he is busy carving a 3-foot by 3-foot block to be printed at Recreation Grove during this years’ Steam Festival.

Guest artists Meg Pohlod and Solange Roberdeau will be showing innovative designs that push the boundaries of traditional printmaking.

The museum is pleased to have Art Explorers return and showcase their work, printing blocks and products, to demonstrate the endless possibilities of this medium.

This exhibit celebrates the power of artmaking as fuel for strengthening community and encouraging innovation and collaboration.

Everyone is encouraged to participate, no previous art or printmaking experienced is required; all are welcome.

The museum is seeking volunteer support for upcoming printmaking activities. Contact the Museum to register as a volunteer and sign-up to help with a program.

For more information, please visit www.mendocinocounty.org/museum or contact the Mendocino County Museum at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-234-6365.