The 12th annual International Society of Scratchboard Artists (ISSA) exhibition is an international art competition dedicated to showcasing the fine art of scratchboard.  The goals of the competition are to provide members of ISSA the opportunity to exhibit their work with other scratchboard artists; and provide the public with a unique opportunity to witness the incredible skill and artistry involved in mastering this intricate medium.

​

The Scratchboard technique is a two-dimensional, subtractive process. It involves the use of abrasive tools to directly remove a surface layer of one value (typically dark) to expose a second layer of a contrasting value (typically white). The values within the artwork are predominantly achieved by varying the amount of surface layer that is scratched away. For a piece to be considered a true scratchboard piece, the texture and form of all key compositional elements within the artwork must be created by subtractive removal, not exclusively by the addition of paint or ink. Reapplying transparent mediums over the scratching is permissible, but the underlying scratches must remain visible. Works may be color or black and white.

​

​

​