The Art Department will honor one of its own next Wednesday, Oct. 15, by naming its printmaking exhibition area after Robert Strohmeier, the first chair of the department and founder of the printmaking program at Metro State.

The event, from 9-11 a.m. in AR 170, will begin with a potluck breakfast reception. Afterward, Strohmeier will lead an informal discussion with students about the history of the Art Department and the printmaking program.

The exhibition area, to be named the “Robert Strohmeier Printmaking Area @ Vicious Dog Press,” includes all the exhibition space in the printmaking lab and new cases in the hall. (Vicious Doug Press is the name of the College’s printmaking facility.) The first exhibition in the newly named space showcases a portfolio of prints produced through a collaboration between art students from Metro State and Purdue University last spring.

“Our department has not (historically) recognized the achievements and history of our faculty,” says E.C. Cunningham, professor of art and printmaking area coordinator. “This is a way to recognize the history and honor Robert for his contribution to the department and the College.”

Strohmeier, who designed the printmaking facility that all three institutions on the Auraria Campus use, says he is very excited and honored to be recognized by Metro State. He adds that he’s looking forward to speaking to students about the Art Department and its evolution, after 20 years away from the department.

“The way I understand it,” says Cunningham, “Bob was teaching in Alamosa when Metro State’s new dean hired him to get this department going. He mostly taught drawing and foundation design in the early years, before starting the printmaking program.”

A printmaker by training, Strohmeier worked in lithography in the mid-1950s, before it became widely popular, Cunningham says. “He was a real innovator.” Strohmeier is still active as an artist, with two exhibitions in the Denver area this fall.

Greg Watts, chair of the Art Department, says naming the printing exhibition space after Strohmeier provides the opportunity to create a legacy for both the department and for Metro State. “By having (Strohmeier) back and recognized here, it helps the department– and the College as well– establish history.”

“I like to think that 50 years from now, people will see the Robert Strohmeier Printmaking Area and know he’s the guy who started all this,” Cunningham adds.