Since 1915, the Society of American Graphic Artists (SAGA) has survived world wars, the Great Depression, and the digital revolution by doing one thing: keeping the press rolling. In this episode of Platemark, we're going behind the scenes of the cornerstone of American printmaking with three powerhouses who have steered the ship—Diego Briceno, DeAnn Prosia, and Esther Schwalb.

We dive into SAGA's gritty 110-year evolution, from its origins as a Brooklyn etching club to its current status as a national titan championing inclusivity and technical mastery. Discover the secrets behind their longevity, the "radical community" that supports artists for a $75 annual membership, and why this legacy is more vibrant today than ever before. Plus, don't miss the SAGA 90th Annual Exhibition, Ink and Impressions, on view at the Housatonic Museum of Art now through February 16, 2026.

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https://sagaprints.com/

SAGA members images through the years.

Welcome to Platemark, where we dive into the creative minds shaping the art world. This week, we connect with Chuck Webster, an exceptional artist whose deep and impulsive connection to drawing is both therapeutic and transformative. From publishing his own childhood sketches to constantly finding inspiration in sources ranging from Russian folk art to urban graffiti, Chuck's work is a fascinating dialogue between instinct and refinement. Join us as he opens up about his cathartic process, how content magically emerges from form, his love for experimenting with vintage materials, and how his passion for history and antiques informs his rich, multi-layered approach to drawing, painting, and printmaking. Get ready to be inspired to view art as Chuck does: an endlessly evolving and deeply personal adventure.

https://www.chuck-webster.com/

IG @chuckwebster

Planthouse Gallery

Wingate Studio

Jungle Press

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Ready to be globally inspired? On this episode of Platemark, Ann connects with the visionary Amé Bell, Director of David Krut Projects, who wears the hats of artist, historian, and curator. From the bustling print studios of Johannesburg, Amé brought South African voices to the world stage by curating the 2022 Venice Biennale Pavilion. They dive into the profound journey of collaborating with artists, how digital spaces are rewriting the rules of curating, and even get a peek at Amé's other passion: podcasting! Find out what it takes to make a moment in art history and the enriching impact of printmaking on artists' lives.

IG @_amebell_

https://davidkrutprojects.com/about

@davidkrutprojects

Chopped Liver podcast on Spotify

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In this episode of Platemark, Ann converses with Yashua Klos, a passionate artist finding new connections through collaborative printmaking. They discuss his unique woodblock collage technique, his journey of self-discovery, and the impact of reuniting with family. We talk about the nuances of his artistic process, the emotional resonance of his work, and the importance of representation in the art world. Don't miss this insightful conversation that intertwines personal growth, artistic expression, and the vibrant community of printmaking.

Cover image: Sean Pressley

Artist's IG: @yashuared

Artist's website: www.yashuaklos.net

Sikkema Malloy Jenkins Gallery: https://www.smjny.com/yashua-klos

Wingate Studio: https://wingatestudio.com/project/yashua-klos

Neiman Center: https://www.neiman.arts.columbia.edu/klos-yashua-1

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In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with Yayoi Shionoiri, an arts lawyer and Vice President of External Affairs & General Counsel at Powerhouse Arts. Yayoi, who has over two decades of experience in art law, discusses her unique career path, from her initial interest in art history to working in law supporting artists and cultural workers. They talk about working together on the Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair, the significance of transparency in art production, the evolving field of art law, and the intersections of technology and art, particularly generative AI. The conversation also highlights the collaborative and inclusive nature of the printmaking community, the impact of digital tools, and the fair's success in bringing together artists, students, and print enthusiasts.

Cover art by Phong Bui

@yayoi_shionoiri

In this episode of Platemark, Ann delves into the intricate world of prints and printmaking with master printer Robert Townsend. With over 55 years of experience, Bob shares his journey, techniques, and notable collaborations with artists like Peter Milton, Jim Dine, and Michael Mazur. They take a deep dive into plate wiping, steel facing, and other essential intaglio processes. Tune in to learn about the nuances of printing detailed etchings, and gain insights into the collaborative efforts that bring them to life.

https://retownsendstudio.com/

https://www.facebook.com/retownsendstudio/

IG @retownsendstudio

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In this History of Prints episode, Tru and Ann look at the considerable output of British satirist James Gillray (1756–1815). Younger than William Hogarth by nearly sixty years, Gillray took Hogarth's social commentary, its energy, and caustic approach, and used his skills to skewer politicians and kings, laugh at Napoleon and his empire building, point out the absurdity of the fear of vaccines, and make clear the debauchery of public executions. In fact, he's now called the father of the political cartoon. With scary parallels to current events, Gillray's acerbic eye nails it every time.

You can listen to Platemark or watch a video version. Links to all the possibilities are on the episode page at www.platemarkpodcast.com. While you're there, sign up for our newsletter-emails, which alert you to new episodes and occasional other stuff. And, do me a favor and leave us a review. It really helps people find the pod.

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In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with Evan Summer, who shares his journey from studying chemistry to becoming a printmaker and educator. We talk about the technical aspects and challenges of collagraph, a lesser-known printmaking technique, discussing its potential and common pitfalls. Evan also offers some essential hot tips on the technique. Evan explains the intersection of science and art in printmaking, emphasizing safety and technical precision. We also explore his dark, apocalyptic-themed landscapes contrasted with his occasional, whimsical animal prints. We talk about his his influential teachers and his teaching career at Kutztown University, as well as his experiences with international artist residencies in places like Venice and China. The episode highlights the artistic and technical expertise required in printmaking, while Evan provides valuable insights and anecdotes from his extensive career.

USEFUL LINKS

www.evansummer.com

IG @evansummer

https://www.facebook.com/evan.summer/

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In this episode of Platemark, Ann talks with Sue Oehme, owner of Oehme Graphics in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Sue shares her journey into printmaking, starting with her initial foray into lithography before discovering her love for etching. We talk about the unique process and intricate technique behind her renowned watercolor monotypes, including how different surfaces and types of paper influence the final artwork. We also talk about her collaborative approach and highlight her experience with artists at Oehme Graphics. Sue also touches on her previous significant work experience at Tyler Graphics, her own artistic practice, and the recent exhibition she curated at the Steamboat Art Museum.

USEFUL LINKS https://oehmegraphics.com/artists

https://www.facebook.com/oehmegraphics

https://www.instagram.com/oehmegraphics/

https://spacegallery.org/artist/sue-oehme/

https://www.jimkempnerfineart.com/susan-oehme

https://steamboatartmuseum.org/museum-moments-the-art-of-printmaking-process-and-passion/

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In this episode of Platemark, Shraddha Ramani and William Villalongo discuss their monumental project Printing Black America: Du Bois's Data Portraits in the 21st Century, which is being published in fall 2025. This modern update of W.E.B. Du Bois's data visualizations from 1900, which was created in response to the George Floyd protests, focuses on the lives of Black Americans today, incorporating contemporary data and research. The project includes 30 prints produced by six major printshops across the U.S., aiming to reflect the geographic and demographic shifts of Black populations since Du Bois's time. We talk about the project's historical context, some of the challenges they've faced, their personal experiences, and the significance of printmaking in preserving cultural history. We also talk about its debut in an exhibition at the Print Center in New York and the broader implications of the project for future generations.

IG @wvillalongohttps://villalongostudio.com/ https://www.printcenternewyork.org/data-consciousness Project abstract

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