Join us for the final documentary screening in conjunction with the fall exhibit D.I.Y. in the District: Celebrating D.C.'s Artist-Run Spaces.

Washington, D.C. has a rich history of Black owned printmaking workshops where artists thrived and formed community. Before the 1970's, Black artists had few opportunities to own their own studios, and showcase their art. Percy Martin and Michael Platt's story is part of a larger history. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 expanded the number of Black owned businesses. Martin, founded WD Printmaking Workshop in 1972 . Platt established "Platt Studios" in 1989. These studios embraced a steady flow of emerging and established artists from DC to as far away as Jamaica. During a time when Black artists were denied access to the city’s galleries, museums and universities, Percy and Michael offered places where Black artists formed community, shared ideas, exhibited their work and made prints. Percy and Michael, both teachers; Percy at Sidwell Friends, and Michael at Howard University and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in Alexandria, VA.; were often, among the only Black artists, who regularly attended the Southern Graphics Council International printmaking conferences, taking information from demonstrations of the newest materials and techniques back to their communities.Printmakers Percy B. Martin and Michael B. Platt, participated in pivotal political movements, having significant impact on American art and arts education. This documentary provides personal accounts of their history, training, involvement with the development of print departments, studios, and their art. After the screening, join us for a conversation moderated by art historian Claude L. Elliott featuring: Susan J. Goldman, Printmaking Legacy Project, Percy B. Martin, WD Printmaking Workshop, Dwight E.Tyler, artist, and Carol Beane, poet and book artist.