Piramidal Gráfica
Guanajuato, GTO México
Jim Hibbard Jenny Hibbard Hugo Anaya Barba
PIRAMIDAL GRAFICA
Casa Masaguas Piletas 6 Masaguas Guanajuato, GTO 36070 México
Piramidal Gráfica is a printmaking studio and gallery, a teaching institution and artist's residence. It opened in December 2003, in Guanajuato, Mexico. Piramidal Gráfica is a print venue for artists in a country that has valued the printmaking tradition for two centuries. Located in a 17th Century ex-hacienda, the converted tannery contains 8000 square feet of studios, galleries, gardens and patios. The print shop is fully equipped and has a spacious well-lighted press space. There are two intaglio and two lithography presses. Spaces are flexible with comfortable areas in which to work. The gardens provide quiet niches for creative reflection.
Piramidal Gráfica includes several programs that will interest the artist/printmaker from beginning to advanced levels.
Guanajuato · Enchanted City
Guanajuato, a UNESCO world heritage city is at the geographical center of Mexico. Cobblestone streets, many not open to cars, run up the hillsides and make the city a great place to walk. A city of culture, Guanajuato has several art museums both historical and contemporary. There is a first-rate symphony orchestra with a nine-month season. Mariachis play in the plazas in the evenings. Contemporary music can be found in the many cabarets. The 17th century architecture mixes with old adobe structures and brightly colored houses giving the city a feeling of then and now. The people are warm and friendly. At 6500 feet, the average temperature is 70° F. The cuisine is típica mexicana. This city of vistas and mountains is an inspiring place in which to make art and experience another culture.
Important to Note
Mexico is a changing culture, economically and politically with its newly democratic government. Artist's materials are relatively costly compared to, say, a restaurant meal or a night on the town. Museum fees are low compared to state-side fees. Costs for rent, food and transportation are rising.
Part of our program fees go to supporting fellowships for young Mexican artists or students who would benefit from workshop contact with Piramidal Gráfica staff and artists. Piramidal Gráfica is committed to supporting the tradition of Mexican printmaking through our modern facility and our workshops and programs.
Directors of Piramidal Gráfica
Jim Hibbard, Artist
Professor Emeritus, Portland State University in Printmaking, Drawing and Painting
Jenny Hibbard, Artist
Hugo Anaya Barba, Artist
The directors are colleagues and professional artists who have exhibited widely. Their experience in teaching workshops and University classes make Piramidal Gráfica a repository of knowledge and expertise.
Press Advisors: Carol Summers . Ismael Guardado . Rachel Hibbard . Kate Delos . Louis Ocepek . Christy Wyckoff . Jane Gregorius . Miguel Angel Rivera
History of the Press
Pyramid Press was started in 1974 by Jim and Jenny Hibbard with Louis Ocepek in Portland, Oregon. The press, under the direction of Jim and Jenny Hibbard, was affiliated with Blackfish Gallery in Portland. Hugo Anaya Barba joined the press in 1990. Relocation to Guanajuato began several years ago. Conversion of the tannery space has provided a unique home for the studio, now called Piramidal Gráfica.
Piramidal Gráfica Workshops and Programs
For artists who would like to advance drawing/painting skills while being introduced to basic printmaking techniques, there are one to five day programs. These workshops will enhance visual abilities while providing good technical printmaking skills that will enable a participant to complete printed images in monotype or relief. Instructors will be available to assist in drawing and printmaking.
For more advanced artists who would like to focus on specific print techniques there will be more focused programs. Technical workshops may be in etching/intaglio, relief, lithography or monotype/monoprint. Print oriented artists will be able to learn or use as many techniques as feasible for the time selected. The workshops are designed as one to five day programs.
Individualized workshops can be arranged for artists who would like to work in the shop with some technical guidance while working more independently.
Printshop availability for artists in the Guanajuato area
Print Shop Basics
Studio Hours are 9:30-5:00 PM with 1 to 1 1/2 hour lunch breaks, if desired. Workshop participants may need to provide special inks or papers from their home states or countries. Piramidal Gráfica can provide a list of easily obtainable, appropriate printing papers that can be purchased locally. Some inks and papers are available for purchase at the studio.
Safe studio practices are encouraged in the shop.
Workshops are small and designed for individual attention to each participant.
