Successful collaboration is a delicate, challenging process, which requires thoughtful flexibility as artists. Working collaboratively over the past year, regional groups of MGNE artists have learned much from and about each other. Through this expansive, unifying activity during a dark and difficult time, members have not only become acquainted and formed common bonds, we have become a community.

In early spring, 2020, in response to Covid-19, MGNE began to explore virtual programming and community building in order to continue to serve its membership while respecting CDC guidelines. Regional groups of printmakers began forming and meeting virtually throughout New England and beyond.

A group of MGNE members residing in Maine began meeting virtually in May 2020.  The regional group of Maine printmakers divided into four small randomly chosen autonomous groups of three or four printmakers. Usually each member would begin a print and mail it to another member in a pre-arranged order to continue working. Once each small group member had contributed to the print, it was returned to the originator to title and rework if needed. By late summer of 2020, the first cycle of collaborative prints was finished. As of Spring 2021, they are completing their second cycle of collaborative prints.

We are thrilled to present this virtual exhibition to showcase these collaborative transformations. As other regional MGNE groups have started their own collaboration print projects, this virtual exhibition will be ongoing through 2021 as projects continue to transform and evolve. Additional prints from the MGNE Maine artists and beyond will contintue to be added. Click on each of the images below to explore the collaborative process and how each print evolved. We also hope you can join us on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 6pm ET for our virtual reception and discussion from a group of the participating artists.

VIRTUAL RECEPTION: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 6pm ET. (Click here to register.)