MISSION AND HISTORY
The
Manhattan Graphics Center (MGC) was founded in 1986 by a group of 20
printmakers who banded together to create a collaborative workshop. They
found a loft space on lower Broadway in Soho, and with their own labor
and ingenuity were able to create and operate the studio - a tradition
that continues to this day. From the time of its opening, MGC has been
run by volunteer artist members (known as key-holders) who staff and
maintain the facility 7 days a week, year-round.
MGC's
principle purpose has always been to provide a printmaking studio in
Manhattan that offers professional facilities at a reasonable cost, and
an environment where artists can work and learn together. Classes in the
basic disciplines, along with shorter workshops in adjunct techniques,
are an integral part of the mission.
MGC's studio includes a
gallery space for member exhibitions (group and solo), for an annual
jurried show, and for exchange shows with other artists' organization.
In addition, exhibition opportunities are made at outside galleries and
through exchanges.
MGC reaches out to the broader community
through its high school printmaking initiatives, both in at MGC and on
site at schools and community centers.
MGC
was incorporated in November 1986 under the laws governing
not-for-profit public corporations. IRS tax-exempt charitable statues
followed in 1988. By 1989, the goal of adding a scholarship student each
terms became a reality, and recently the number of scholarship students
has grown to 10 annually.
The
Board of Directors oversees the organization as a whole: policies,
strategic planning, fiscal health, programs, and services.
The
Operations Committee (consisting of key-holders and other elected
volunteers) handles day-to-day management and maintenance of the
workshop. Special committees are fall under this umbrella:
- Program Committee, establishing each term's curriculum;
- Exhibition Committee, scheduling and overseeing monthly exhibitions in the MGC gallery;
- Scholarship Committee,interviewing applicants and awarding scholarships;
- Shop Committee, solving the physical/mechanical problems that arise in the studio;
- Publicity Committee, getting the word out;
- and other Committees for fundraising, the website, and other needs.
Paid staff consist of faculty, a part-time manager, and an accountant.
Manhattan Graphics Center has just begun it's 26th year of operation in a
newly-outfitted space in midtown Manhattan. We're proud of our history
and committed to our mission.
