Print Club of Cleveland

The Print Club of Cleveland is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation for and stimulating interest in printmaking and print collecting. Founded in 1919 by Ralph R. King, it is recognized as the oldest print club in the United States.

History

The Print Club was incorporated on December 20, 1919, with the first meeting held on January 5, 1920, at the Union Club. Its initial purpose was to assist the Cleveland Museum of Art in acquiring and enhancing its print collection and to promote broader interest in print collecting. Charles T. Brooks served as the club's first president. By 1922, the Department of Prints & Drawings at the Cleveland Museum of Art was established, largely due to the efforts of the Print Club. The club has a reciprocal relationship with the museum, contributing significantly to its collections over the years.

Activities and Achievements

• Annual Presentation Prints: Since 1923, the Print Club has commissioned an annual "presentation print," available exclusively to its members and the Cleveland Museum of Art. This tradition highlights contemporary artists and contributes to both the club's and the museum's collections.
• Fine Print Fair: In 1984, the club initiated its annual Fine Print Fair, one of the longest-running events of its kind in the United States. The fair features dealers from around the country showcasing works spanning centuries, including prints by masters like Dürer, Rembrandt, Degas, and Picasso. Proceeds from the fair support the museum's Department of Prints. By 2010, the fair had raised over $400,000 for the prints department.
• Community Engagement: Through lectures, exhibitions, and educational programs, the Print Club educates the public about printmaking and collecting. Its efforts have significantly enriched the Cleveland Museum of Art's print collection, with approximately one-third of the museum's over 18,000 prints gifted by the club or its members.

Structure and Membership

The Print Club of Cleveland operates as a limited membership organization, with up to 250 members residing in the Western Reserve area. Membership is by application, ensuring a dedicated group of collectors and enthusiasts who support the club's mission.

Nonprofit Status

The Print Club is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization under the arts, culture, and humanities category. Donations to the club are tax-deductible, reflecting its charitable and educational objectives. As of recent reports, the club's revenue is primarily derived from program services and investment income, with significant assets to support its mission.

Legacy

The Print Club of Cleveland has played a pivotal role in establishing and enriching the Cleveland Museum of Art's world-renowned print collection. Its legacy extends beyond its own region, contributing to the broader appreciation and support of printmaking and collecting across the United States.