Founding History
In 2003 Colina Maxwell and Katherine Zarull had a vision: to provide accessible and affordable printmaking facilities for artists in the Hamilton area. Thanks to their great vision, a significant Trillium Grant and support from regional partners like Turkstra Lumber, Dofasco, Matcom Industrial Installations and Threshold School of Building, “The Print Studio” came to life in 2004, opening its doors at 173 James Street North.
Founding director Maxwell’s vision and commitment were contagious. Before long, The Print Studio became a vibrant hub of opportunity, expanding to meet the needs of Hamilton’s energetic arts district with support from a dedicated board of directors, a growing group of artist-members and community patrons.
With a refreshed vision that encompassed a commitment to the synergies of “art, education, and community” and media arts development, The Print Studio changed its name to Centre[3] for Print and Media Arts in 2012.
Today the studio boasts world-class traditional printmaking facilities along with a state-of-the-art digital media studio. Centre[3] proudly exhibits local and international established and emerging artists in its main gallery, while showcasing local talent in the exclusive members’ gallery. Its retail space offers a platform for members to sell their art.
Beyond the walls of the studio, Centre[3]’s instructors are connecting the Hamilton-Wentworth communities through the arts through extensive education and outreach initiatives, and these programs continue to grow. Thousands of children and youth to-date have benefited from Centre[3]’s innovative approach to teaching.
Name & Identity Change
In 2004 The Print Studio incorporated as Hamilton Printmakers Arts Association offering traditional print practices to artists and the community at large. In 2010, The Print Studio, with support from the Trillium Foundation and the Department of Canadian Heritage, created a digital studio offering contemporary practices to artists in our community.
Wanting to reflect our digital development, The Print Studio Board and staff made a decision in 2011 to change both the legal and the street name. After a long process, we are happy to say that our new name is Centre[3] for Print and Media Arts. The number 3 works as it ties into the integration of art, education and community and it also reflects our 3 floors.
Phase 1: 2004 – 2007
- Incorporated and received charitable status in 2004
- Doors opened in 2005 for tradition printmaking (relief, etching, and lithography) and a storefront gallery
- Help to initiate James North Art Crawl – monthly cultural event
Phase 2: 2008 – 2010
- In partnership with the Hamilton Camera Club, opened the Digital Studio to provide digital services to our members
- Formalized integration of Visual Arts, Arts Education, and Community Arts
- Transitioned from a founder-led to a board-led organization
Phase 3: 2011 – 2013
- Developed a Screen Studio
- Partnered with Art Forum to create an editing suite
- Expanded our programming to include Media Arts
- Developed Nu Deal – a social enterprise program for at-risk youth
- Changed our name to Centre[3] for Print and Media Arts to reflect the media arts development
- Presented Function Keys, a three-day conference on technology and the arts
- Incorporated C3 Limited, enabling the sale of our members’ artwork
- Partnered with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board to run a parallel program entitled Nu Steel
Phase 4: 2014 –
- Expanded media arts centre
- Rebranded C3 Limited and changed the name to Design ‘n Art Inc. [DNA]
- Formed a partnership with McMaster University to pilot a new program using creativity for professional development
- Presented Function Keys2
Annual Reports
Centre[3]’s Annual Reports review all of the accomplishments that we achieved with artists and community organizations over the year with generous support from donors, members, partners, and volunteers.
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