National Small Print Show 2025

Created by former CAC Board Member and local printmaker Larry Basky, the the National Small Print Show has been an integral part of CAC's mission and provides support for other programs. For over 20 years, the NSPS has been held in the lobby of the Creede Repertory Theatre.

The NSPS will be on display at Creede Repertory Theatre's lobby for in-person viewing from May 24 through June 23. The virtual show has been well-received since its inception in 2021; the CAC has decided to continue offering online sales and auction of monoprints as well as the in-person exhibit.

Sales made through this auction will support the artists and CAC.

CAC patrons that attend the in-person opening at the Creede Repertory Theatre on May 24 from 10 am to 3 pm will be given the first option to purchase prints. Prints will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Therefore, some prints may be sold out before the online auction begins on May 25. The price at the opening will be the same as the buy now price online. We will put information about sold out prints on the auction site as soon as possible after the opening.

SILENT AUCTION FOR MONOPRINTS: In order to allow all to have a chance to purchase monoprints, CAC has traditionally held a drawing for monoprints or monotypes (When only one print is available for sale.) Since this is not possible with an online format, we will be using a silent auction for those prints. If only one bidder is interested, they will be able to purchase the print for the minimum bid price at the end of the show. However, other individuals will be able to bid on those prints if they desire during the run of the show. If purchasers want to insure that they get the print of their choice, they can purchase the print by paying the BUY NOW price.

BUY NOW FOR ALL OTHER PRINTS: If there is more than 1 print in an edition available at the beginning of the show, there will not be a silent auction for those prints. They are available to purchase at the buy now price until all of the available prints have sold.

TO LEARN MORE about printmaking techniques, please head to https://creedeartscouncil.com/national-small-print-show

JUDGE'S BIO: Christine Mercer Kraft:
Christine obtained a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio. After a successful and award-winning career as a Graphic Designer, Art Director and Executive for major corporations, nonprofits and advertising agencies, she now enjoys creating her own artwork from her studio in Creede, Colorado. She draws inspiration from nature in the San Juan Mountains, Creede, Colorado, observing nature, incorporating the colors, textures, and light in her paintings, prints and collages. She is currently working predominantly in printmaking using landscape as her subject matter.  She has not limited herself to creating in any one particular media though and is also known for her trout inspired art, translating the decorative patterns of trout into large decorative paintings.  She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Creede Arts Council, Creede, CO and was the chairperson of the Annual Steamroller Printmaking Event. 
JUDGE'S STATEMENT from Christine Mercer Kraft:

I believe the artwork submissions this year are particularly strong, in their clean technique, composition, color application, concept, and visual appeal. I could have chosen many winners! However, I chose the First Place winner because they exhibit their painterly ability and excellent manipulation of the ink/paint. I loved that they captured the essence of the landscape. It gives us a glimpse of what is identifiable, but ephemeral and dreamlike.  The Second Place winner’s entry spoke to me because I’ve often observed rocks at the river’s edge and contemplated their beauty. I liked the semi-abstraction of the artwork and how they interpreted what they saw through color and technique; the shadows in the water, color reflections and texture.  I recognized the Third Place entry because of their personal concept, etching technique and strong use of lines, shapes and delicate drawing and forceful monochromatic palette yet a secondary addition of transparency. I like that they thoughtfully considered the paper as part of the palette.  Honorable Mentions: Honorable mentions went to an artist whose linocut exhibits carefully considered composition using strong linear shapes that is pulled together with a lovely arrangement of objects and application of color and paper to present a harmonious and attractive visual.  The drawing ability and execution of the etching of the artist of Fatigue was apparent in all their entries, but this one stood out because I felt the emotion in it. The placement of the face in the middle, and nearly front on grabs our attention as does the chiaroscuro technique to make us contemplate the emotion of the person in the composition.  Congratulations to the award winners and artists who entered. We appreciate your contributions to the art world. Christine Mercer Kraft

The Creede Arts Council provides access to the arts for residents and visitors to this scenic, rural, mountain community.
The Creede Arts Council's mission is to cultivate the arts and humanities in our community through education, exhibition and performance, and to foster local artistic talent.
Providing opportunities for the creation of new works
Celebrating and preserving Creede’s heritage through the arts
Involving children and adults in the arts through educational programs
Creating a healthy, recognizable arts atmosphere in Creede
Exposing increased numbers of people to the arts and humanities
Promoting community development through the arts.
The Creede Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.