STEAMROLLER PRINTMAKING EVENT
Steamroller Printmaking Comes to Downtown Flagstaff in Celebration of Public Lands and the Grand Canyon
On Friday, September 4, from 5–9 p.m., downtown Flagstaff’s Aspen Street will become a giant outdoor printing studio as Jill Sans of The HeArt Box and Jen Myhre of Sedona brings steamroller printmaking to First Friday ArtWalk.
Presented through an ArtX grant from Creative Flagstaff, this one-night community event will transform an asphalt roller into a giant printing press. Large-scale linoleum blocks will be inked and placed on paper or fabric, then rolled over by heavy machinery to create monumental prints right on the street.
At the center of the project is a collaborative block created by Los Angeles printmaker Pavel Acevedo and local, Liv KNoki of Wingbeat88, exploring the sacredness of the Earth, our relationship to place, and the importance of protecting our public lands, with the Grand Canyon as a central inspiration.
Acevedo has previously brought his printmaking practice to The HeArt Box through Sendero Gráfico. Now, he returns to Flagstaff to help create an experience rooted in one of printmaking’s most powerful qualities: community.
“Printmaking has always been a way to share ideas and spread messages,” says Jill Sans, owner and curator of The HeArt Box and organizer of the event. “This project is about putting that spirit directly into the hands of our community. We’re not just asking people to come watch something happen. We’re inviting them to help make it.”
EVERYONE IS INVITED TO CARVE
The community’s participation begins before the steamroller ever arrives.
From August 31 through September 4, the monumental linoleum block will be available for community carving at The HeArt Box and, as scheduling allows, at other community and educational settings. No printmaking experience is necessary. Tools, materials and guidance will be provided.
Community members are encouraged to stop in, bring a friend, bring a snack to share, and add their mark to the block.
“It’s going to take all of us to carve it,” says Sans. “There’s something really special about putting your hands on a piece of artwork that will eventually become a giant print made in the middle of downtown.”
Teachers and community groups are also invited to participate. The project can potentially travel to classrooms and other community settings during the week of August 31–September 4, schedule permitting. For all listed carving times and places check www.theheartbox.space
DRUMS, DANCE & THE FIRST PRINT
The September 4 celebration will begin with a powerful community drum roll.
From approximately 5–5:30 p.m., Guinea Rumba, an all-women West African dance and drum troupe, will kick off the evening as the community gathers for the first steamroller print. Their drumming, singing and dancing will continue throughout the evening, bringing rhythm and movement to the printing process.
“Printmaking is such a communal art form,” says Sans. “Adding the energy of live drumming and dance makes this feel even more like a celebration—a gathering of people, place, art and movement.”
PRINT, PROTECT, PARTICIPATE
The September 4 event will also bring together local artists, printmakers, educators and organizations to explore the larger question of what it means to protect public lands.
Community partners and advocates will help bring attention to the threats facing places like the Grand Canyon, including uranium mining and other forms of extraction, as well as infrastructure that disrupts wildlife migration and the interconnected ecosystems of the region.
The event is intended not only as a celebration, but as an opportunity to gather around a subject that is increasingly urgent: how we live in relationship with the land and what we are willing to do to protect it. Wild Arizona and Sacred Land Alliance will be on the street with us sharing. Stop by their table and print your own postcard to send to your representatives.
Several prints created during the event will be raffled, with all raffle proceeds benefiting Wingbeat 88, an Indigenous-led organization whose mission is to strengthen nihí Bilá Ashdlaa'í (our five-fingered beings') connections to hózhó (harmony) using Diné philosophy, arts, and kinship organizing to embody cultural responsibility and identity.
Local printmakers are also invited to participate. Artists with large linoleum or wood blocks who would like to print during the event are encouraged to reach out, as space and printing time are limited. Volunteers are needed for printing, inking, setup and cleanup.
The project is being organized by Jill Sans with artist and collaborator Jen Myhre, with additional support from artists, NAU community members and other local groups.
Inspired in part by the communal spirit of Print Fiesta in Silver City, New Mexico, the event offers Flagstaff a chance to experience large-scale printmaking in a uniquely public and participatory way.
Come carve. Come print. Come dance. Come celebrate the land.
How to be involved
Come carve with us in community. We need all hands wanting to help create this incredible linoleum block ready to print on Friday, September 4th. No experience necessary, all supplies provided. Bring a snack, bring a friend.
Carving Dates & Times at The HeArt Box
Monday, August 31st 1-7pm
Tuesday, September 1st 1-3pm at The HeArt Box | 3pm - 7pm at Wingbeat88
Wednesday, September 2nd 1-3pm, 3-7pm Heritage Square
Thursday, September 3rd 1-7pm
Friday, September 4th TBA
If you are a teacher, hold community you are welcome to bring your class/group by to participate or if you would like to host us in your setting we can come to you. Just give us a heads up.
PRINTMAKERS
Do you have a large linoleum/wood block you would like to print with us that night? We have limited time but would love to include others in this fun night. If so reach out and let us know - theheartboxart@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed
We are in need of a handle of folks to volunteer the night of the steamroller printing, Friday September 4th from 5-9pm. We need people who are comfortable being on their feet, crouching and moving around quite a bit. It can be a messy process so those who are ok with getting messy. If interested reach out - theheartboxart@gmail.com