The Ontario Museum of History & Art is gearing up to showcase two powerful printmaking exhibitions, beginning January 9 and running through March 9, 2025. According to the City of Ontario, "Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print" and "Centered in Ink: Printmaking in the Inland Empire" will highlight the medium's potency in addressing community issues and cultural identity.
Delving into the specifics, "Mission Gráfica: Reflecting a Community in Print" is a touring exhibit co-developed with the San Francisco Public Library, which spotlights the pivotal role of the Mission Gráfica print center in political and cultural discourse in the Bay Area during the 1980s. Visitors can expect to stumble upon a range of topics from US Imperialism to gender inequality, captured through the works of both renowned and nascent artists with pieces that are as much about provoking thought as they are about celebrating various facets of life, according to the museum. In contrast, "Centered in Ink: Printmaking in the Inland Empire" will feature works by local printmakers that reflect the pulse of the community through their take on identity, activism, and the environment, while resonating with more contemporary issues and discussions that still ring true today, as detailed by the City of Ontario.
As reported by the museum statement, Samantha Herrera, the Curator of Exhibits, said, "These exhibitions invite audiences to explore the unique narratives embedded in each artwork and witness the profound impact that these creative expressions have on our shared community." With the anticipation of both exhibitions offering a chance for viewers to interact with a fusion of artistic styles and statements, the community reception is set for Saturday, January 11, offering a firsthand opportunity for guests to meet the artists and delve into the stories behind their creations.