Laura Grace Barrett Residency Program
Laura Grace Barrett Printmaking residencies are available from 1 week - 3 months depending on the needs of the artist. The ZACC’s selection committee will choose new residents throughout the year depending on availability. The selections are based on the quality of the work, its artistic merit, background, and stage of career development.
Resident Benefits
Long and Short-term Residents work alongside our Community Artists and receive 24 -hour access to the ZACC Print Shop, semi-private studio space (approximately 125 sq. ft.), a locker, flat file space, plus advice & assistance from printshop manager and printmaking community.
Paid Opportunities
Resident artists are encouraged to teach classes as a way to share their knowledge and experiences, as well as to interact with our local Missoula community.
More Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to put work up for sale in our sales gallery, and all long-term residents are invited to present a solo exit show near the end of their residency.
Expectations
The ZACC expects that each resident will contribute approximately 5 hours a week in studio and gallery maintenance. This contribution may include such general studio tasks as cleaning and organizing the studio, gallery assistance, class assistance, assisting with studio improvements, and performing other duties and special projects as needed. Residents are also asked to assist with the production of fundraising events and are often called upon to offer technical or creative advice to studio artists, interns, and students.
Printmaking Disciplines Supported
screen printing, intaglio, relief, monotype, collagraph, mixed media, and letterpress and experimental practices.
LGB Printshop Equipement
Monarch Letterpress
4 color Odyssey 4400 screen printing press
5 portable screen printing presses
Vactor LED Vacuum Exposure Unit w/ digital timer
Eco Dunk Tank
Poly Backlit Washout Sink w/ backlight system
Laguna Etching Press Model 2648 26” x 48” Bedplate
Conrad Press 16” x 32” Bedplate
And
water baths, tear bar, spatulas, large work tables, inking table, felts, squeegees, brayers, carving tools, rags, oil for cleanup, drying racks, clean towels, screen coater, screen cleaner.
Residents are responsible for all other materials needed to complete prints.
ZACC Print Shop Contract – Intern
Agreement Details: Term of Internship – 2 Month Minimum
The ZACC offers Interns free access during open hours in exchange for 8 hours of work a week in the ZACC Print Shop and/or Gallery.
Interns are required to assist with one or more of the following duties per week:
Screen printing at First Friday events
Wednesday evening and/or Saturday office hour coverage
Printmaking birthday parties
Print Shop upkeep and maintenance
Summer camp help
After school art camps
Adult instruction assistance
Instruction
Gallery prep & hanging
Gallery storage organization
Print Shop Access:
Interns agree to accessing the ZACC Public Print Shop, and associated wash-out room, during regular hours of operation, Monday through Friday 10 AM-6 PM, Wednesday 6-8 PM and Sunday from 12-4 PM.
*Supplies provided for your use (included w/ access): Paper baths, clean paper area, spatulas, inking table, felts, Squeegees, brayers, carving tools, rags, oil for cleanup, drying racks, ferric chloride bath, clean towels, emulsion screen coater, donated materials and screen cleaner.
Supplies you should bring (not included w/ access):
Photo emulsion, ink, substrates to carve (silk screens, wood blocks, linoleum, plastic, aluminum, or copper) and paper or other substrates to print on.
Care of the Space:
Interns agree to thoroughly clean up after themselves following each use of the Print Shop &/or the wash-out room. It is the expectation that the space be returned to its original state (before use) so other patrons may use the space without fear of damaging personal supplies or artworks. Print Shop users agree to treat the ZACC Print Shop with the same respect they would treat their own home or studio. They agree to follow signs posted throughout the print shop, and use the check-out list as a guideline while cleaning.
Care of the Equipment:
Print Shop Interns agree to follow all guidelines and safety instructions, provided both written and verbally, when working with ZACC Print Shop equipment. In the event that a Print Shop Intern discovers an issue with any piece of Print Shop equipment, they agree to immediately report the damage to ZACC staff (Print Shop Manager, Director of Operations, or Front Desk Associate). If the damage is not reported to staff, and damage is found after Print Shop use, Print Shop Interns understand and agree that their privileges will be revoked, and they may be held financially responsible for the damage.
Collection of Completed Work:
Print Shop Interns are required to collect any work left in the drying racks within 48 hours of their Print Shop session. Unless previous arrangements have been made, any items left behind for more than 48 hours after their Print Shop use will be subject to disposal at the discretion of the ZACC.
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Policy
The ZACC Print Shop is alcohol, tobacco, and drug free, and absolutely no illegal substances or unpermitted alcohol are allowed anywhere on ZACC property. Cigarette smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas outside. Smokers must keep at least 10 feet away from entrances. All cigarette butts must disposed of in trash receptacles.
LBPF 2025
Gallery Opening on First Friday, July 11, 5-8 PM, & exhibiting through July 25
Theme // At this Time
About Last Best Print Fest:
Last Best Print Fest is an annual month-long event devoted entirely to the wonderful world of printmaking, and features the ZACC’s Laura Grace Barrett Public Print Shop. Each LBPF we feature a local print artist, host a portfolio exchange and print auction, and provide free print demos.
About LBPF Gallery Event & Portfolio Exchange:
As part of the upcoming 2025 Last Best Print Fest, the ZACC Print Shop is hosting its 14th Annual Portfolio Exchange. All printmakers are invited to submit an edition of 12 prints based on the theme 'At this time'. Of the edition of twelve, ten of the prints will be redistributed to other participants in a random selection process. One print will be on display in the ZACC Main Gallery, as part of the LBPF exhibition/silent auction. The last will be retained as part of a complete set for the ZACC Print shop Archive.
How to submit/participate:
To participate in the Portfolio Exchange we require that you register through Submittable.
Requirements for Prints:
· This exchange is open to all printmakers and all forms of printmaking.
· Each printmaker will make one (1) edition of twelve (12) prints.
· Editions must contain twelve prints numbered 1/12 to 12/12.
· Prints must be printed on archival material.
· Prints must be 11 in. (wide) by 14 in. (high) or smaller.
· Each print must be labeled on the back with the artist’s name, title, date and media.
· Prints must be dry upon delivery to the ZACC.
. Portfolios must have slip-sheet between each print with interleaving, glassine, or newsprint.
. Portfolios must be delivered wrapped in paper or in an envelope.
The portfolio organizers reserve the right to refuse entry of any submission that fails to conform to the portfolio guidelines.
Important Dates & Deadlines:
LBPF 2025
· Submittable registration deadline // June 15, 2024
· Portfolio drop off dates // May 11 - June 25, 2024
· Opening Reception // Second Friday, July 11, 2025 from 5-8 PM
· Closing Date // July 25, 2025
. Portfolio pickup // July 11 after 5 PM – July 25, 2024*
*Portfolios not picked up by this date become property of the ZACC.
Show Promotion:
If you would like your image to be used for virtual and printed promotional materials, please submit press quality images with your Submittable application.
How to Drop Off Print Portfolios:
Portfolio's can be dropped off at the ZACC Monday through Friday 10 AM-6 PM or Sunday 12-4 PM.
Portfolio's can also be shipped to this address: Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W. Main St. Missoula, MT 59802.
If you would like your collated portfolio shipped please include a self addressed stamped-envelope, big enough for ten 11 x 14 inch prints.
For Additional Information:
Please contact Operations Executive Heather Stockton via email at heather@zootownarts.org with any additional questions.
Established in 2010, the ZACC houses four community art galleries. All four galleries provide space for artists to examine new visual narratives and engage deeply with visual arts while exploring the diversity and vitality of the arts in Western Montana and beyond. All media are welcome including: printmaking. installation, music, ceramics, dance, poetry, painting, media arts, sculpture, fiber arts, encaustics, and glass. Gallery exhibitions are accompanied with programming and a reception when applicable.
What you need: gallery proposal, artist statement, artist bio and press-quality jpegs of your work.
ZACC Main, The Blackfoot Communications Gallery and Youth Galleries are available for monthly solo or group shows.
The Phantom Gallery is reserved for Laura Grace Barrett Resident Artists and Pop Up events.
Community Engagement Opportunities: Gallery Walks, Gallery Talks, Artist Workshops and or Demonstrations are encouraged.
Accept or Decline notifications will be sent within one month from submission date. If your proposal is accepted we will arrange a meeting and review a ZACC Gallery Contract and select all meaningful dates for your show. Exhibition submissions should not include work/s that have previously been shown at the ZACC.