Prior to World War I, printmaking in the United States was, with a few exceptions, primarily the domain of commercial enterprises that produced largely picturesque European scenes or depictions of popular towns on the East Coast. Prints of Minnesota scenes, especially by Minnesota artists, formed a very small part of American art exhibits. Robert Crump relates the fascinating story of Minnesota's graphic arts world and its growth from provincialism to part of a national movement, showing how art printing -- etchings, woodcuts, lithographs, drypoints, monotypes, and silk screens -- blossomed after the turn of the last century. He chronicles the support of the federal government during the 1930s and the important role played by local organisations such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, and the Minneapolis School of Art (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design). This book offers short biographies of and sample prints by nearly two hundred printmakers, including Wanda Gag, Adolf Dehn, George Resler, Miriam Ibling, Syd Fossum, Gilbert Fletcher, and Gustav Goetsch.
Crump's eye for memorable images makes the handsome volume a pleasure to behold for collectors and readers interested in Minnesota art. Notes on printing techniques and several appendices help newcomers appreciate the challenges of printmaking.