The museum recently opened an exhibition viewing selected works
by John Taylor Arms (1887–1953), one of the most important
American printmakers of the first half of the 20th century.
Trained as an architect, he spent most of his 40-year career
documenting Europe’s great Gothic churches. “He was a very
religious man and his printmaking was a very spiritual process
for him,” said Jane Glaubinger, Curator of Prints. Glaubinger
says that the exhibition is a unique opportunity to see some
very beautiful and interesting prints depicting a variety of
subjects. In order to appreciate the exquisite detail of Arms’s
work, visitors will be provided with magnifying glasses which
will enhance their experience. The exhibition includes one of
the artist’s diaries. Arms meticulously recorded his daily
activities and his printmaking process. He often worked 18 hours
a day and once spent 2,000 hours to complete just one print.
Inspired by medieval craftsmen he made his own tools, mixed the
printing ink himself, and carefully c