Extension project: permanent workshop of printmaking

Abstract

This article analyses the extensionist activities in art of the Department of Art of the Federal University ofParaná, specially the Extension Project Permanent Workshop of Printmaking. Created in 1999 and operatinguntil to 2007. It was idealized to create a space for printmaking production and reflection as an artisticexpression. Opened to the community, it brought together students, artists, art-educators and professionals ofother areas, interested in investigating the printmaking language, wich includes the traditional techniques ofengraving and also the most updated ways of image reproduction like the photocopy, the off-set and thedigital print. The methodology used was based on the theories for art that have like principal theoreticiansElliot Eisner, Brent Wilson and Ana Mae Barbosa, that advocate the the strict relation among art production,history of art, aesthetics and critics. Besides the work in studio, the Project promoted weekly meetings drivenby the teachers advisors, for discussion of the participants process. There were promoted also initiation andimprovement courses, administered by artists and theoreticians of the art, what were invited to speak on theirpoetics or on relevant subjects for the the art and of the printmaking debate. Besides, there were promotedexhibitions of the artistic production of the Workshop and demonstrations in institutional events like a way ofsocializating this experience.