CHAMBERSBURG – Wilson College will present an exhibition of work by letterpress printing artist Amos Paul Kennedy Jr. in the Bogigian Gallery, Lortz Hall, from Sept. 18 through Nov. 7. The college will host an opening reception starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 18.
Titled “Amos Paul Kennedy Jr.: Citizen Printer,” the exhibition showcases Kennedy’s dynamic approach to letterpress printing, blending traditional techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. Known for his bold, layered compositions and distinctive typographic style, Kennedy’s work invites viewers to engage with language, color, and form in fresh and thought-provoking ways.
Working with handset wood and metal type, Kennedy emphasizes the physical labor and tactile beauty of the traditional printing process. His method of overprinting vibrant colors in dense, rhythmic layers results in visually striking pieces that allow chance and repetition to become part of the message. No two prints are ever the same as each carries its own visual weight and emotional resonance. The Library of Congress, Emory University, and the Newberry Library, among others, house Kennedy’s work, which is recognized for its combination of wit, insight, and craftsmanship.
This exhibition celebrates letterpress printing as a medium of artistic dialogue and cultural expression. The title “Citizen Printer” is based on a recent book about Kennedy, published in 2024 by Letterform Archive Books, San Francisco.
