Norwalk has yet another hidden gem in the The Center for Contemporary Printmaking (CCP). Their mission is to support, preserve, and advance the art of original prints. The Center is dedicated to increasing awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for prints and the process of printmaking through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and artist workshops.
Housed in a 19th century historic landmark in Mathews Park, the architecturally stunning but dilapidated building was once the stone carriage barn to the Lockwood Mathews Mansion. Totally transformed in 1995, it is now a state-of-the-art printmaking facility and gallery space. The facility is fully equipped with intaglio presses, a lithographic press, a Vandercook press, an hydraulic press, an acid room, silkscreen facilities, a paper mill, a metal shear, an exposure table for photo-plate making, and a digital studio for printmaking projects—a veritable treasure trove for artists and printmakers! Explore the center through workshops, edition printing with master printers, exhibitions, community programs, and an Artist-in-Residence Program.
Also, throughout the year, the Grace Ross Shanley Gallery hosts exhibitions that are free and open to the public. Currently, CCP is open for visitors and artists, following protocols mandated by the State of CT.
The gallery is open Mon. through Sat. from 9 AM to 4 PM and Sun. from noon until 4:45 PM by appointment. Anyone visiting Mathews Park and wish to see if the current appointment slot is open, please check in with staff at the front entry. All visitors are required to wear masks, maintain 6 feet of distance between each other, and sign-in and sign-out at reception.
Go to CCP’s website, contemprints.org for info and updates on up-coming exhibitions.