Who We Are

Zea Mays is a studio, workshop, educational facility and research center dedicated to new approaches in printmaking. At Zea Mays we honor the rich tradition of printmaking by exploring alternatives that are safe for artists and the environment.

At Zea Mays we research new developments in alternatives to toxic printmaking. We test products and methods and strive to demonstrate the greatest aesthetic potential of each new medium. We document our research extensively and maintain a library of material on safer printmaking.

We are a fully equipped printmaking studio that can comfortably accommodate up to eight artists working in the large space. We provide a solvent-free, non-toxic working environment.

As an educational facility we offer workshops in safer and non-toxic approaches to printmaking. Our emphasis is on intaglio, photopolymer, relief and monotype printmaking and we offer a wide range of courses for all levels of expertise. Zea Mays' staff and guest artists teach the courses, which range from beginning to advanced techniques. We are also available to "take the show on the road" for offsite demonstrations and workshops.

Zea Mays is committed to bringing a safer, less toxic approach to printmaking into the 21st century through research, education and collaboration. We welcome all who want to share in this wonderful journey. Explore this web site and find out about all we have to offer.

Zea Mays (Sweet Corn) is a plant known for its ability to extract heavy metal toxins from the soil through its leaves and roots. Just as this plant is being used as a natural way of restoring contaminated earth back to health, our mission is to restore the art of printmaking to a healthy art form.

Who We Serve

Zea Mays offers a variety of services to artists, art collectors, exhibitors and the public. We are dedicated to research, education and collaboration in non-toxic, less-toxic and innovative printmaking. Therefore, we spend a great deal of time researching and testing new innovations in techniques and products. The results of this research are shared in workshops and classes at the studio.

Zea Mays also houses an archive of prints created by artists who have worked at the studio. These prints are available for loan to galleries and museums. We invite curators and collectors to call and schedule an appointment to view the print archives or to meet with member artists to view their work. Several studio artists have been featured in magazines such as the New England Watershed and Printmaking Today. Your can view some of our members' work in our online gallery.

In addition to scheduled classes and workshops, we offer open studio time for personal exploration and work. Participants can take advantage of our state-of-the-art facility and technical expertise. We also offer artist's memberships for those who would like to work at the studio for extended periods.

Zea Mays welcomes the opportunity to take our methods on the road through offsite workshops. Schools, clubs, museums, and art centers can contract Zea Mays staff to come to your facility to conduct demos and workshops.

Zea Mays does a variety of contract printing. Artists can work individually with Zea Mays' master printers to publish an edition of prints or to explore unique investigations in safer printmaking. Contact us to have a conversation about special opportunities.

Printmakers:

Experiment with the latest developments in safer printmaking. We are continually discovering new products and practices. We keep abreast of the latest innovations and test each one for it's creative, aesthetic potential. We can help you become comfortable working with unfamiliar methods and guide you in your artistic exploration. Discover the safe printmaking media that speaks to your work and style.

Artists and Craftspeople:

Perhaps you are a painter, sculptor, jeweler, digital, installation or video artist and you have thought about making prints. Prints are highly marketable and can help you approach your traditional art medium in a new way. At Zea Mays we respect each artist's way of working and seek to find a way to translate your vision into printmaking.

Teachers:

Teachers of all levels, from grade school through college, will discover new ways to teach the printmaking processes you love. There is no longer a need to expose your students to the health risks involved with traditional printmaking practices. Turn your space into a safer facility and become a mentor to your colleagues and your students.

Massachusetts Professional Development Points are available for all classes and workshops at Zea Mays. We are registered with the Department of Education. Log onto their website at www.doe.mass.edu and learn how to earn those points doing something you love.

Students:

Are you looking for something that just is not offered at your school? Are you tired of smelling those horrible fumes in the print studio and leaving with a headache? At Zea Mays we will teach you safer ways to approach printmaking. The supportive workshop environment will give you the freedom to explore and experiment without the pressure of assignments and grades. And you do not have to miss class to learn safer! We offer short workshops to get you started and open studio time to keep you going.

Novices:

You do not need to have any previous printmaking experience to take classes or workshops at Zea Mays. We love to teach from the ground up and will help you feel comfortable with all the new possibilities available to you in the field of printmaking.

Schools, Clubs, Museums and Art Centers:

Zea Mays Staff can "take the show on the road" and come to your facility to do workshops and demonstrations in a variety of print processes. Perhaps you're interested in bringing a group to our studio for a demonstration or tour. How about co-sponsoring a workshop, lecture or class. We are interested in all kinds of collaborations! Just call, write or email us!