Mohawk (Cohoes, NY), North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty materials for commercial and digital printing, has announced the grand opening of Paper is Part of the Picture: Strathmore Paper and the Evolution of American Graphic Design at The Opalka Gallery, located on the Sage College (Albany Campus) in Albany, New York. Paper is Part of the Picture is an exhibition that tracks the evolution of American graphic design from the 1890’s to the 21st century through the collected body of promotional materials produced by a single company – Strathmore Paper. If you’re visiting New York on or before December 15, this exhibit is well worth your time.
Now owned by Mohawk Fine Papers, the Strathmore brand strategically used design as a means to drive business growth and consumer demand for over a century. This strategy was a bold innovation when they embraced it in 1895, and contributed to Strathmore’s iconic status in the commercial and fine-art worlds throughout the 20th century. Among the designers’ work included in the exhibition are such luminaries as Will Bradley, T.M. Cleland, W.A. Dwiggins, Lester Beall, Milton Glaser and Seymour Chwast. Almost 200 pieces of paper of lasting significance are on display – many for the first time!
“Since we acquired the Strathmore brand in 2005, we have served as the steward of this legendary name and are proud to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Strathmore’s founding with this important exhibition,” said Mohawk CEO, Tom O’Connor Jr.
“We’re thrilled to host the first comprehensive exhibition of the Strathmore Archive in conjunction with Mohawk Fine Paper,” said Opalka Gallery Director, Judie Gilmore. “Talk about the creative economy…..this show tells a story about a local industry that has understood for over a century how to showcase their products using innovative art and design.” The show’s curator Paul Shaw added: “This show reminds us that the history of graphic design includes an immense amount of printed ephemera, and that even in the digital era, much design remains physical and tactile.”
The exhibition will accompany a series of programs the gallery will host throughout the Fall including a curator’s talk with Paul Shaw, a tour with Chris Harrold, Vice President and Creative Director at Mohawk, and “Coffee with Creatives” in partnership with AIGA Upstate. Details about programs and events can be reviewed online at https://opalka.sage.edu. The exhibition can be viewed during the gallery’s open hours (Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm), and continues through to December 15, 2017.
The Opalka Gallery is the formal exhibition facility of The Sage Colleges. Located on the Sage College of Albany campus, its primary focus is on modern and contemporary art and design from nationally recognized artists. An important part of the cultural life in the Capital Region, the Gallery frequently hosts lectures, films, concerts and other events in conjunction with its exhibitions. The Opalka Gallery was constructed in 2002 with funds generously donated by the Opalka family. The 7,400-square-foot facility includes a vaulted gallery and a 75-seat lecture/presentation hall. It’s a member of the American Alliance of Museums, the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries, The Exhibition Alliance, and the Museum Association of New York. Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Mohawk and The Opalka Gallery announce a fascinating new Fall Exhibition
