UM-Flint Artist in Residence McCoy curates larger-than-life printmaking event, May 10

What do you get when you ask 23 artists from Flint, Genesee County and southeast Michigan to carve large, intricate plywood stamps so you can print them using a steamroller? A Flint Block Party — literally.

Flint Artist in Residence Janice McCoy collaborated with the University Musical Society, the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School, University of Michigan-Flint Fine & Performing Arts and Riverbank Arts to develop a celebration of the power of printmaking on a grand scale. The free, public event will take place at the Flint Downtown Development Authority Flat Lot, 1-5 p.m., May 10.

"The Flint Block Party is more than just a demonstration of printmaking; it's a celebration of community and accessibility for the arts. To see these massive prints come to life, powered by the sheer force of a steamroller, is to experience the thrill of printmaking at a large scale," said McCoy, who graduated from UM-Flint in 2018 with bachelor's degrees in fine arts and art education. "I hope this event sparks a sense of curiosity and creativity in everyone who attends, demonstrating that art is accessible to everyday people, regardless of their background. Artists are not magicians; they are real people in your community who love making things with their hands, and you can do it too! It's about bringing the power of creation out of the studio and into the open, right here in the heart of Flint."

Invited artists have been carving their unique designs since earlier this year. During the block party, their woodblocks will be inked and pressed into muslin cloth using a steamroller, which will be repeated several times throughout the afternoon.

During the event, visitors can view the steamroller printing process, learn more about the process of relief printmaking and engage with artists from the local area. The FIA Education department will host family-friendly art activities, including a guided texture exploration and a self-guided stamping station, and other local arts-related organizations will offer resources and information on opportunities for creative exploration.

Featured artists include many UM-Flint alumni and faculty, including Carly Aldridge, a 2017 graduate with a bachelor's degree in design and visual communications; Faith Butler, who earned her fine and studio arts bachelor's degree in 2023; Rob Carter, assistant professor of art and art history; Nalani Duarte, a 2021 grad who earned a bachelor's in fine arts; McCoy; Matthew Osmon, lecturer of art and art history; and Rebecca Zeiss, lecturer IV in art and art history. Other local and regional artists include Tanya Eakins Spolans, Amanda Edwards, Donovan Entrekin, Pauly Everett, Jesse Hill, Alyson Hollobaugh, Ann Jacob, Michele Leclaire, Emily Legleitner, Mike Mentz, RJ Munger, Paloma Núñez-Regueiro, Rachel Reynolds Z, Brian Spolans, Ed Watkins and Robert Zahorsky.

"Artists work in isolation most of the time. This event is a great opportunity to get together as the art-making community we are, and what an amazing way to do so by making relief print available to the viewer in such an exciting way," said Núñez-Regueiro. "It is such a treat for me to be invited to carve this big wood plate to share in this event. Kudos to Janice McCoy for generously creating space for the rest of us during her artist residency."