Historic printmaking demonstration Wednesday at USI

Michael Aakhus, dean of the University of Southern Indiana's College of Liberal Arts and a master printmaker, will make a print of John James Audubon's American Bittern from the original engraved copper plate during a special demonstration at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the University of Southern Indiana Art Studio.

The plate, one of only 80 surviving plates used to print Audubon's Birds of America in 1838, was recently purchased by the John James Audubon State Park Museum, which celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year. This is the second plate from the Audubon collection from which Aakhus has produced prints, or "restrikes."

Aakhus will discuss the process of printing from the historical plates and a restrike print will be unveiled to the public at a banquet and celebration at the museum on Saturday. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to bid on a restrike at the unveiling. Prints of American Bittern will be available for sale at the museum after November 4.

John James Audubon State Park is the site where Audubon studied and painted birds from 1810-1819.