University of Mary Washington senior studio art major Chloe Rice sweeps a roller covered in black ink onto a giant woodblock carved with a grinning goat wearing a flower hat.
“Growing up, we raised goats that we’d dress in cute outfits, so I’m paying homage to them,” said Chloe, whose work is displayed with other Devil-Goat Day-inspired prints in the Cedric Rucker University Center this week. The exhibit is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the uniquely UMW tradition on April 23. “Plus, I’m a Goat myself!”
More than a hundred UMW students participated in the University’s first-ever Print-a-Palooza, a public-facing printmaking event supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. Last Friday, more than a dozen studio art majors printed large-scale pieces using a rented steamroller weighing 2,689 lbs. – over a ton – as an amp pumped house music and disco beats into the Ridderhof Martin Gallery parking lot.
A steady stream of students lined up throughout the afternoon to screen-print T-shirts and bags emblazoned with Mary Washington-themed designs, while others enjoyed the sunshine and watching the heavy machinery press oversized prints.
“Most art events at UMW are exhibition openings with beautiful, finished artworks,” said Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin, who organized the event. “But our students wanted to share their creative process, so the campus community can better understand the work that goes into it.”
Coorain began printmaking in high school after reading a biography about Andy Warhol, whose colorful prints of celebrities and commercial goods helped coin the concept of pop art.
“This story about an artist who was making art about everyday life and the things regular people talk about really resonated with me,” said Coorain, who praised printmaking as a generous and accessible medium. “I’m hoping folks who’ve never stepped foot in our studios can experience some of the awesome work we create here.”
Auden Thies, a sophomore psychology major, showed up with friends and said he hopes to enroll in a studio art course in the future.
“I love social events, people, and making things,” said Auden, who plans to sell the shirt he screen-printed at UMW’s Night Market, a craft fair for student vendors. “I’m going to crop it, cut off the sleeves, and add some stars in Mary Washington colors.”
Vicki Sprague Ravenel ’77 came to watch the festivities after completing her eight-year term on UMW’s Alumni Association Board of Directors. In her role, she helped lead the Impact Grant program over the past two years that awarded the Impact Grant to Coorain, as well as funds to other campus projects pitched by Mary Washington students, faculty, and staff.
“It’s so meaningful to see our gifts at work,” she said. “I couldn’t wrap my mind around this initiative at first, but it’s amazing to witness it in person.”
Sabrina Edney, a junior double majoring in studio art and psychology, added a thick layer of ink to her whimsical carving.
“My 2-year-old autistic son is obsessed with mermaids,” said Sabrina, who wants to pursue a career as an art therapist and is currently taking a printmaking class. “I love experimenting with different ways of making art while helping people with healing and recovery.”
Her classmate, Richard Simpson, a senior studio art major, described the labor-intensive process of woodblock printmaking, which involves sealing bare plywood with a coat of shellac to prevent splintering. He carved a series of overlapping weaves into the wood with tools before varnishing it again to make it easier to remove ink between prints.
Coorain then wrapped each piece with foam to cushion it before slowly driving over it with the steamroller, under the supervision of UMW’s Emergency Management and Safety team.
A sculpture artist who plans to pursue an MFA after graduating, Richard expressed appreciation to the donors who made Print-a-Palooza possible.
“It’s a dream to be able create with bigger tools and have this much space to make such large works of art,” he said. “Being able to operate on this scale is such a treat.”
UMW’s Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants program is made possible through donors’ gifts to the Fund for Mary Washington. These gifts are vital to the University’s ability to improve the student experience and support faculty, providing crucial flexibility to respond to emerging challenges and seize opportunities as they arise. When alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff give to the Fund for Mary Washington, they are choosing to be part of a community that is committed to giving back and making the world a better place – enabling students to make positive change through programs like the Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grants.




