Ohio Arts Council Participates in Dresden Artist Exchange
by Jami Goldstein
Printmakers Scott Westhoven of Kent and Ian Ruffino of Columbus are in residency at the Dresden Graphic Workshop in Dresden Germany from October 10 through November 11 as part of the Ohio Arts Council’s International Program. Two artists from Germany currently are in residence in Cleveland at Zygote Press. The Dresden residency exchange is supported by the Ohio Arts Council’s International and Individual Creativity Programs.
About the Ohio artists participating in the exchange:
Scott Westhoven, Kent
Westhoven is a recent graduate of the fine arts program at Kent State University. He was awarded a number of fine arts scholarships at KSU and his work was selected for the Annual Student Show for three consecutive years. Westhoven’s work also has been featured in the publication Luna Negra.
Ian Ruffino, Columbus
Ruffino has an extensive teaching background as a lecturer in various printmaking courses at The Ohio State University. His work has been displayed at the Hopkins Hall Gallery, The Wayne and Geraldine Kuhn Fine Arts Gallery, James M. Cox Fine Arts Center, and Gallery 234. Ruffino earned his B.F.A. from Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York, and his M.F.A. in Printmaking from The Ohio State University.
During their residency in Dresden, both artists will enhance their skills in the graphic printing field. Working alongside other experienced typographers they will explore the possibilities that may result while using equipment for etching, photography, letterpress printing, and bookbinding. The Dresden Graphic Workshop was founded in 1958 to preserve original printing techniques and encourage experimentation in printmaking. Artists and typographers work hand-in-hand at the facility to explore the possibilities of printmaking. The goal is to make original prints of graphic art that have developed from the printing process. The facility has equipment for letterpress printing, hand impression, etching, lithography, photography and bookbinding.
Zygote Press is currently hosting German artists Detlef Schweiger and Barbel Voigt as part of the exchange. They will be in residence at Zygote Press in Cleveland through October 28 and work created during their residency will premiere at a Zygote Press exhibition on October 14. Zygote Press was founded by a group of artists in November 1995. The studio houses etching, relief and lithography presses and screen printing and letterpress facilities. The facility is available for artists interested in creating fine art prints and multiples. Zygote also provides technical expertise to artists and apprentices who desire further skills in print production and classes, exhibitions, lectures and demonstrations to community centers, schools and institutions throughout the Cleveland area.
Established in 1988, the Ohio Arts Council’s International Program is designed to foster long-term involvement in international cultural exchange and encourage Ohio artists and arts organizations to form partnerships with arts professionals abroad. In addition to Germany, exchanges have occurred between Ohio artists, performers and administrators and their counterparts in Argentina, Chile, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel and Japan.
The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.
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