Ulverston, Cumbria – Printfest has announced an exceptional line-up of printmakers for 2025, highlighting the therapeutic power of art through the theme “Art for Health”.
This year’s festival, set to return to Ulverston between 1st-4th May, brings together a diverse range of talent, including its esteemed Printmaker of the Year, Rachel Gracey, and an exciting collection of emerging and established artists who demonstrate the transformative potential of printmaking.
Printmaker of the Year 2025: Rachel Gracey
Printmakers’ Printmaker 2024: Jemma Gunning
| Sally Adkins | Margaret Ashman | Jamie Barnes | Johann Booyens | Laura Boswell | Joanna Bourne | Louisa Boyd | Peon Boyle | Alexandra Buckle | Adele Burdon | Ian Burke | Ian Cox | Hester Cox | Blaze Cyan | Alison Diamond | Sarah du Feu | Jane Duke | Katie Edwards | Rosemary Firth | Graham Firth | Richard Foster | Jane Gardiner | Angela Hall | Aga Kubish | Jon Mackay | Laura MacLennan | Polly Marix Evans | Pete Marsh | Jane McKeating | Joshua Miles | Peg Morris | Lindy Norton | Anja Percival | Clare Phelan | Jay Seabrook | Kelly Stewart | Caroline Stow | Richard Studer | Mark Wheatley | Victoria Willmott | Deb Wing |
Graduate Printmaker 2025: Maya McMahon-Boon
Rachel Gracey, Printfest’s 2025 Printmaker of the Year, takes centre stage with her work that celebrates the healing and restorative qualities of print. Joining her will be Jemma Gunning, named Printmakers’ Printmaker in 2024, and Maya McMahon-Boon, who has been awarded Printfest’s inaugural Graduate Printmaker title.
This new award represents the festival’s ongoing commitment to fostering new talent. This year’s recipient, Maya McMahon-Boon, a recent graduate from the University of Glasgow’s BA (Hons) Fine Art programme, captivated the selection committee with her innovative approach to etching and intaglio on calico. Maya’s work bridges the realms of printmaking and painting, challenging traditional boundaries of the medium.
Maya’s artistic journey is supported by mentorship from renowned printmakers Kelly Stewart (Printmaker of the Year 2012) and Jason Hicklin (Printmaker of the Year 2017). Their expert guidance, spanning concept development to technical mastery, will support Maya’s growth as a contemporary artist.
Printfest 2025 will also celebrate a wealth of local talent. Participating artists will represent regions from right across the UK including five from Cumbria, one from the North West, twelve from the North East, six from the Midlands, ten from the South, eight from Scotland, and two from Wales. These printmakers bring a rich variety of techniques to the festival, including etching, lithography, monotype, photoetching, aquatint etching, linocut, reduction linocut, woodcut, collagraph, mezzotint, screenprint, and wood engraving.
Sally Bamber says: “We are delighted to reveal such an exciting line up for Printfest 2025. Among our selected artists, fourteen are new to the festival, while many others return after several years, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas for all to enjoy.
“We are so passionate about Printfest, and the upcoming festival will not only celebrate outstanding craftsmanship but will also emphasise the important role art plays in promoting health and well-being.”
Under the theme “Art for Health”, the festival invites visitors to explore the healing potential of printmaking, offering a space for connection, reflection, and inspiration.
Ulverston is set to welcome Printfest in Ulverston this May to celebrate the intersection of art and health, and experience the vibrant community of printmakers shaping the future of this dynamic art form. Tickets will be available in March from www.thecoro.co.uk/printfest.
To find out more about Printfest, visit www.printfest.uk
