The Ashantilly Center was delighted to welcome friends, supporters, and art enthusiasts for the Closing Reception celebrating our Artist in Residence, Martin Mazorra. The evening was a fitting conclusion to an inspiring three-week residency that filled the Ashantilly Press with creativity, conversation, and the unmistakable rhythm of letterpress printing.
Guests enjoyed the opportunity to hear Martin speak about his time at Ashantilly, sharing stories behind the remarkable works he created during his residency and offering insight into his artistic process. Martin is a Brooklyn-based printmaker, woodcut artist, and founder of Cannonball Press. Originally from West Virginia, he has built an international reputation for his masterful woodcuts, artist books, and letterpress printing. He teaches at Pratt Institute and Parsons School of Design and has received numerous honors for his contributions to contemporary printmaking.
Among the highlights of the evening were four stunning floral letterpress broadsides created during his residency. Each design was produced in an extremely limited edition of just twelve prints, making them truly special collector’s pieces. Guests also admired A Sailor’s Farewell (available at the Ashantilly Center for purchase), a beautifully crafted, hand-printed book featuring a short story, as well as a charming pocket-sized volume filled with memorable toasts (available at the Ashantilly Center for purchase). Martin generously made these works available for purchase at exceptional prices, allowing many visitors to take home a piece of his artistry.
Throughout the evening, refreshments were enjoyed as guests lingered long after the reception officially began. Conversations flowed easily as friends old and new gathered around the presses, asked questions, and spent time getting to know Martin. It was heartwarming to see so many people remain until the very end, eager to hear more about his work and celebrate the creative community that had formed during his residency.
Although the residency has come to a close, a limited selection of Martin’s books are still available for purchase in the Ashantilly Center Gift Shop. We encourage anyone who was unable to attend, or those who simply wish to add another piece to their collection, to stop by while these beautiful works remain available.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the reception. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, and appreciation for the art of letterpress made this experience truly memorable.
Most of all, we thank Martin for sharing his talent, generosity, and passion with the Ashantilly community. His three weeks at the Ashantilly Press were inspiring for everyone involved, and we are grateful for the beautiful work he leaves behind. We wish him continued success and hope to welcome him back to Ashantilly again in the future.
Watch the video here.