The 2024 Printmaking Exhibition of Chinese and American Young Artists opened at the Zhiyuan Art Museum in Bencha ancient town, Rudong county, on June 16. It is the first international printmaking exhibition since the museum's establishment.

Featuring over 60 artworks, this exhibition showcases the latest creations from students at Michigan State University, New York University, State University of New York, and Purdue University, as well as a collection from students at William Paterson University, alongside works by 20 outstanding young Chinese printmakers. The exhibit highlights distinctive artistry in terms of techniques, materials, and concepts.

China is the global birthplace of printmaking, and the connection between printmaking and Bencha ancient town dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), where China's earliest woodcut book was compiled by Song Boren, the then salt official of Bencha.

At the exhibition's opening ceremony, Richard J. Helldobler, president of William Paterson University, expressed confidence that this exhibition will make significant strides in advancing the artistic goals of the museum and all participating artists.

"And we are especially pleased that William Paterson students are able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to further their education and artistic development by participating in this international exhibition, along with students and artists from across the Unites States and China," he said.

The opening ceremony also witnessed the donation of 27 selected fine prints from China and abroad to the Zhiyuan Art Museum.

Cong Zhiyuan, director and professor of the Center for Chinese Art at William Paterson University, is one of the curators of the exhibition. He is a renowned printmaking artist from Bencha and has been teaching printmaking in the United States for over 30 years.

Last year, the Zhiyuan Art Museum was established in Bencha, serving as a crucial hub for promoting cooperation and exchange between Eastern and Western art.

The opening ceremony for the 2024 Printmaking Exhibition of Chinese and American Young Artists. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]

Visitors admire works showcased at the exhibition. [Photo provided to nantong.gov.cn]