Fund established to make art and an art education more affordable

Alumna Nancy Luton’s gifts support printmaking, start fine art press

The Nancy Luton Scholarship Endowment for Innovation in Printmaking has been established in the School of Art. Nancy Luton is a graduate of the College who earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in English at UH.

She has also provided significant operating support to launch the UH School of Art Fine Art Press. This publishing workshop and teaching press collaborates with artists to produce limited edition etchings, lithographs, woodcuts, silkscreens, monoprints and artists books with an emphasis on innovation, experimentation and excellence. Proceeds from print sales will benefit School of Art student scholarships.

The College asked Ms. Luton about her generosity and interests in printmaking:

Q: What inspires you to make gifts to your alma mater?

A: I had the opportunity because of my family. I created a fellowship in my parents’ names in the English Department where I did my graduate work. I learned of this opportunity to support the School of Art through knowing Pat Masterson, who teaches Printmaking at UH and the Glassell School. As a printmaker myself, I was interested to learn about the resurgence of printmaking at UH and about the exciting plans for the future.

Q: What else led to you funding the printmaking project?

A: During my career, I was the Academic Coordinator in the CLASS Dean’s office; I worked with the Fine Arts students and faculty; and I enjoyed interacting with them. What drew me in was the proposal of two print projects a year that involved students working with established artists. It seemed a worthy project to fund, a way to meet a need that was not already met.

Q: What is your hope for Houston with regards to print making?

A: I see this university press as an extension of building an audience for prints, printmakers, and print making. I can support students and the local art community in a new way.

Q: To you, what is the most exciting thing about launching the UH School of Art Fine Art Press?

A: Students will have printmaking mentors through the visiting artists. I like that a product will be coming from the school. The sale of prints will bring in money for student scholarships and will serve a public relations function, promoting the excellence of the School of Art to a wider audience.

Look for information about the Fall 2012 launch of the UH Fine Art Press in a future edition of the CLASS News Update or email CLASS Development Officer Kim Howard at klhoward@central.uh.edu for more information.