UNF and FSCJ to host 11th annual ‘Blocktoberfest’ steamroller extravaganza
The University of North Florida’s Department of Art and Design, in collaboration with Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), will host the 11th annual Blocktoberfest steamroller extravaganza event on Friday, Oct. 29, from noon to sunset. This is an open air, free public event for the Jacksonville community to enjoy.
Every fall, printmaking students from UNF and FSCJ plan, draw and carve designs onto large-scale woodblocks measuring 4 by 8 feet. On the date of the event, the woodblocks will be hand inked and rolled over with the steamroller to press the image onto fabric. This unique style of printmaking not only makes for a spectacle for viewers, but gives students an opportunity to produce a one-of-a-kind, larger than life original print. In this collaborative event, students from both institutions have the opportunity to work alongside, helping each other ink and print these large-scale blocks.
The theme for this year’s Blocktoberfest pieces is “Art and Politics,” an idea introduced by Sheila Goloborotko, associate professor of printmaking. The woodblock designs will all have strong contemporary political imagery accompanied by manifestos students are required to write.
UNF is grateful to be participate in this yearly event hosted by Patrick Miko, professor in the Art department at Florida State College at Jacksonville
This year’s event will also feature a special gallery opening and lecture with Benjamin Muñoz, a Texas-based printmaker and sculptor, at FSCJ South’s Gallery at the Wilson Center for the Arts on Thursday, Oct. 28. Muñoz’s work is often reflective of his cultural heritage, upbringing, and current surroundings. By stacking the imagery in his work, Munoz seeks to symbolize the idea of everything in life being dependent on what came before it, particularly the idea of family and how each generation supports the succeeding one.
For more information or questions, contact Sheila Goloborotko at s.goloborotko@unf.edu.