BATON ROUGE — A printmaking conference at LSU is bringing artists together to show their work, compete and discuss ways to preserve traditional printmaking.

Printmaking is a centuries-old method of transferring images onto paper, wood and metal. This weekend, the Mid-America Print Council (MAPC) is hosting its biennial conference, titled "Printelligence," on LSU's campus. The university won the privilege of hosting this year's event after competing against several other national institutions.

The conference kicked off with portfolio displays from attending artists. The schedule also features a printmaking relay competition pitting alumni against current students.

Organizer Lauren Cardenas hopes visitors unfamiliar with the craft will discover that printmaking carries a much deeper meaning than just ink on paper.

"The great thing about producing art by hand or the process is the tactility, almost a spiritual ritual between the hand, the eye and the senses for the artist," said Cardenas.

MAPC President Brett Taylor noted that panel discussions are also addressing contemporary technological shifts: "In the age of AI we're grappling with those questions, tactile knowledge versus digital knowledge or mechanical trades versus digital trades; those are pertinent conversations right now.”

Organizers will announce the location of the next MAPC conference at the conclusion of the event.