International Society of Scratchboard Artists

15th Annual International Exhibition of Scratchboard Art

The 15th Annual International Exhibition of Scratchboard Art is a juried exhibit of the International Society of Scratchboard Artists highlighting the technical range of contemporary scratchboard practice, from black-and-white works to color applications layered over scratched surfaces. With subject matter open to any style or theme, the exhibition invites visitors to focus on process, mark-making, surface, and the discipline required to build an image through removal rather than addition.

Scratchboard is a two-dimensional, subtractive process. Artists use knives, blades, or abrasive tools to remove a surface layer to reveal a contrasting layer beneath. Form, texture, and value are created primarily by the amount of surface that is scratched away or left intact. Transparent color may be added, but the underlying scratched marks remain central to the medium.

Founded in 2011, the International Society of Scratchboard Artists promotes scratchboard as a fine art medium, supports artists working in the medium, and advances public education through exhibitions, demonstrations, and artist engagement.

www. scratchboardsociety.org