WEN has a long tradition of conducting print exchanges among its members. A print exchange is a printmaking tradition whereby participating artists agree to create an edition large enough to supply one print for each participant. Exchange coordinators then usually collate the prints together creating a set of prints that each artist receives. The annual calendar is exchange is one such tradition that has been going on since at least 1998. Members who attend the annual conference are usually given first opportunity to choose a month. Any months left over are offered to other members. In the end, each participant gets 7 full sets of calendars to distribute as they see fit – usually to friends and family as gifts – a cherished gift!
WEN member Jon Hinkel of the Tight Squeek Press proposed a second auxiliary calendar project because most of the annual calendar’s project slots get snatched up so quickly. Those who were not able to attend the conference had to make special arrangements to reserve a coveted place in the original calendar project. Well now, thanks to Hinkel’s idea and organization, WEN members have a brand new opportunity to participate in what has become a great tradition! Another nice feature of the new Double Calendar project is that it benefits WEN’s entire membership as one full set of calendars was included in the Autumn bundle mailing in 2017 – meaning every single member received a calendar!
The debut Double Calendar Project’s January/February calendar was designed, printed, and engraved by Michael McGarvey – the host of the 2017 Annual Conference at Stockton University in New Jersey.
