ALMANAC: valuable information for *these times*
Exhibition and facsimile publication release
October 2 – November 15, 2026
Icebox Project Space, Crane Arts Building
1400 N. American St, Philadelphia 19122
BYO Printmaking Collaborative is pleased to present ALMANAC: printmakers’ portfolio book and facsimile publication, co-curated and edited by Jessica Aguilar and Kate VanVliet
almanac (noun)
: a publication containing astronomical and meteorological data for a given year and often including a miscellany of other information
: a usually annual publication containing statistical, tabular, and general information
ALMANAC calls for socially engaging works channeling the power of the artist’s voice to disseminate information and hope beyond their own community. Artists will meditate on the history of the Almanac in Philadelphia’s printmaking and publishing history and reinterpret it as a contemporary resource in 2026 with guidance to address the attacks on the rights of women, undocumented individuals, and the queer community. We strive to reclaim the Almanac as a feminist endeavor – a community-sourced guide to *these times* nodding to revolutionaries who promoted rebellion against authoritarianism through joint community action. As feminists, our Almanac will present an inclusive approach to resource building, inviting and curating a diverse group of artists’ voices outside those of powerful men.
Before the Declaration of Independence was signed, Philadelphia was already established as a production hub for almanacs to be distributed across the colonies. At the present moment, we see our rights, power, and freedoms stripped from us. We consider the role of the artist as a messenger to disseminate information and hope to the masses, and in this context, by the historically proven method of the analog printed page.
Our artists & writers:
Jess Aguilar (forward)
Kate VanVliet
Felisa Adderley
Rae Helms
Shelley Thorstensen
Rhonda Babb
Tanya Brassie
Rah Gerg / Kira Saks
Tory Franklin
Tania Qurashi
Nicole Saltzer
Ross Mazzupappa
Lya Finston
Peri Law
Michelle Wilson
Kalinda Tran
Molly Borth
Claire Folkman
Elizabeth Castaldo
Sophie Loubere
Max Hautala
Zach Ozma
Dave DiMarchi
Kelly Leitermann
Illkya Acosta
Marilyn Montufar
Mary Clare Butler
Printmakers’ exchange portfolios are editions of prints traded between participants, so each artist receives an identical collection of all works, often organized around a theme, event, or class. The facsimile edition of ALMANAC will be published as a low-cost resource for the public with a book release during the exhibition.
BYO Printmaking Collaborative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that fosters collaboration between artists, printmakers, and the public through a variety of means, including supporting special projects like this one. Learn more about BYO Print at byoprint.org