At Raven Editions, we have worked with Mel Edwards many times over the years, both in-studio and offsite. Our latest collaboration with the artist, in February 2023, included experiments with spray paint and found objects including barbed wire, locks, metal chains, and more.

"Watching his process is very prolific, his use of light stands out to me the most. He uses this light technique to highlight the metal objects and create dramatic imagery. He turned the white pieces of paper into a true Mel Edwards original. There is a sense of play in his process that is only overshadowed by the deep meaning of his work. It is very inspiring, and an honor to assist him during his visits our studio.”

EducationalRaven Fine Art EditionsOctober 9, 2024Printmaking, Melvin Edwards, spray paint

Staff Pick: Mask I Series (2019)

Coty West, Raven’s assistant printmaker and studio manager, recounts working on one of Driskell’s last projects with our studio.

“One of my favorite editions is David C. Driskell’s Masks I Series, which I worked on back in 2009. The series features a restored woodcut, which was part of an archived collection of plates made by Driskell in the 1970s, that had never been editioned before. When the woodblock arrived at the studio, it was covered in old ink, evidence of Driskell’s earlier attempts to print the work.”

Raven Fine Art EditionsOctober 3, 2023

Resident Artist Mel Edwards with the Historical Society of Pennsylvania

Artist Mel Edwards has drawn inspiration from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania’s collections. In collaboration with Raven Fine Art Editions, Edwards has created Vision and Purpose I, II, III, and IV, a series of serigraph prints.

Image info: In creating the work, Edwards made use of HSP’s collections related to Father Divine (1877-1965), a religious leader and founder of the International Peace Mission.

Raven Fine Art EditionsSeptember 26, 2023

Conversations with Collectors: Eric Key, Lynn Sylvester, Christina Waddler in conversation with Curlee Raven Holton

This compelling first installment of our latest series, Conversations with Collectors, brings together collectors Eric Key, Lynn Sylvester, and Christina Waddler in conversation with Raven Editions founder Curlee Raven Holton about their collecting journeys and practices over the years. This conversation explores the emotional draws of collecting, efforts to engage in impactful art endeavors with a focus on supporting African American creativity, and the role of collectors in building a culture of art-making and collecting.

5 Tips for Archiving Your Collection

Research has shown that collecting begins as an impulse for many, often based on memories and desires from childhood. Americans collect just about everything: photos, memorabilia, collectibles, antiques, fine art, etc. In these childhood-related impulses, we often find ourselves collecting for the thrill of the hunt without thinking about the responsibilities of purchasing and caring for our collected objects.

Beginner's Guide, 5 TipsRaven Fine Art EditionsJune 20, 2023Collecting101, 5Tips

Dispatch: Raven Edition attends the Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair at the Baltimore Innovation Center

Baltimore’s thriving art scene is home to world-class institutions, including The Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Maryland Institute College of Art, as well as numerous local galleries and exhibition spaces. Serving as a catalyst for promoting the vitality of Maryland’s arts communities, the second annual Baltimore Fine Art Print Fair (BFAPF) brought together artists from all over the nation to showcase diverse and relevant contemporary work.

Raven Fine Art EditionsApril 6, 2023Dispatch, Art Fair, Baltimore

Artist Talk with Curlee Raven Holton on Printmaking with David C. Driskell

From the Collectors' Preview Reception of A COLLABORATION OF CREATIVITY: PRINT WORK BY DAVID C. DRISKELL.

Dr. Curlee Holton who curated this show talks to us about his printmaking collaboration with David Driskell. The exhibition showcases the artistic genius of Driskell, the printmaking mastery of Holton, and the power of collaboration.

5 Tips for Navigating Art Fairs

With the recent resurgence of art fairs, we have witnessed firsthand how enthusiastically collectors have been to browse and purchase works of art in person. These large events are often held in intriguing venues that can host a large number of participating artists, galleries, and studios, making it possible to browse a wide range of works in a short period of time. For those interested in collecting art, art fairs are a great place to begin, but they may also seem incredibly daunting. Here are a few of our tips for navigating the bustling environment of fairs as a collector.

Beginner's Guide, 5 TipsRaven Fine Art EditionsMarch 14, 2023Art Fair, Collecting101, 5Tips

Dispatch: Raven Editions attends printPHILLY! at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia

Since the late seventeenth century, Philadelphia has been a hub for publishing and printmaking as a central component of the city’s evolution. Today, shifting market conditions have fostered new approaches to the printmaking culture. And a new wave of printers and publishers has pushed to build more understanding and appreciation for the marginalized media.

Raven Fine Art EditionsMarch 13, 2023Printmaking, Dispatch, Philadelphia, Art Fair