This was way back before Guttenberg had a brainstorm and invented the European printing press. (The Chinese, of course, had already invented it centuries before, but Western history likes to ignore such embarrassing facts. Please also continue to believe that Columbus discovered America and that Italians invented spaghetti.) By the 18th Century, artists first hit upon the idea of calling prints "originals." A century later, they were making limited-edition prints with notes of authenticity, thus beginning a gravy train that popular artists are riding to this day.
But how does the whole process work? Your family can answer that question at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood Art School's (1626 Harrison St., Hollywood) latest "Free Family Day." From 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, the whole family can participate in the printmaking process by designing images on Styrofoam plates, then using a water-based ink to transfer those images to paper. The Styrofoam bit is somewhat antitraditionalist -- the initial image usually comes from lithographs, engravings, etchings, or woodcuts -- but we can't expect the kiddies to do their own engravings, can we? Once you've created your masterpiece, head over to the Art and Culture Center itself (1650 Harrison St., Hollywood), where you'll get free admission to see how the big boys do the job. Call 954-921-3274. -- Dan Sweeney
Recycle This!
America celebrates those green and blue bins
SAT 11/15
Hey! Saturday is "America's Recycling Day"! You recycle, don't you? Fifteen years ago, recycling was all the rage. There were songs about it, short films about it, cartoons about it. Yes, recycling isn't as big as it used to be, but since it's a day to celebrate the miraculous ability of plastic, why not do it at the Young at Art Children's Museum (11584 W. State Rd. 84, Davie)? Activities include games and trivia with Broward County recycling specialists, along with prizes (environmentally friendly, of course). The festivities start at 11 a.m. in the museum's Earthworks Gallery, and all ages are welcome. Free with museum admission. Call 954-424-0085. -- Audra Schroeder