The Kansas State Printing Department will host the 2024 Mid America Print Council Biennial Conference, From the Ashes: Printmaking, Preservation, and Renewal Oct. 2-5. There will be many special events throughout the week, including conference and community-based activities, throughout campus and across Manhattan. 

According to the conference website, “MAPC 2024 From The Ashes: Printmaking, Preservation, and Renewal will explore the relationship between printmakers and the natural environment. This conference will showcase those who draw upon this connection to challenge convention, preserve aspects of tradition and define printmaking for the future: the artists, innovators, scientists, experimenters, curators, critics, educators, students and professionals who are driven to make a difference.” 

Current Prints Electrolytic Research Fair and Ice Cream Social

Wednesday | 5-6:30 p.m. | Grand Ballroom at the Student Union

On Wednesday the MAPC 2024 Conference hosted the Current Prints Electrolytic Research Fair and Ice Cream Social to officially kick off the conference. There were booths teaching copper-etching, how to build your own electro-tank and how to safely use non-toxic chemicals within the workplace. This event was designed to show students a safer side of printmaking. 

Downtown Community Block Print Party

Thursday | 5-8 p.m. | Poyntz Avenue

On Thursday, Poyntz Avenue between 3rd and 5th was closed for the Downtown Community Block Print Party to invite the students of K-State and the MAPC members to experience printmaking through different activities. There were various activities to choose from at the festival, including pop-up print exhibitions, interactive demonstrations and themed portfolios. Buses transported registered students from campus between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

From the Ashes Campus Art Crawl

Friday | 5-8 p.m. | K-State Campus

The convention is hosting a night campus art crawl starting at the Beach Museum to stroll around the K-State campus and tour various art galleries. This event is for all conference attendees and community members to attend and view the immersive exhibitions created by students and MAPC printmakers. 

The Final Ember – MAPC 2024 Closing Bowling and Dance Party

Saturday | 6-10 p.m. | Student Union

The final event of the week is between 6 and 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 for convention attendees and MAPC members. This complimentary party will consist of fun activities, including cosmic bowling, dancing and video games at the newly reopened K-State bowling alley in the Union. This event will wrap up the week’s activity-filled days and serve to recognize all the hard work students, alumni and MAPC members have put into this conference.