History

Founded in 1995 by Grace and William Shanley and a group of artists and community leaders, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking (originally called the Connecticut Graphic Arts Center) is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of original prints.

For over 30 years, the Center for Contemporary Printmaking has served as a creative haven for artists of all levels—offering hands-on workshops, exhibitions, artist residencies, independent work spaces, and professional printing services. The Center fosters a deep appreciation for traditional and experimental printmaking techniques, including intaglio, lithography, monotype, silkscreen, woodblock and linocut relief printing.

A Historic Building Reimagined

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking is housed in a stately 1860s stone carriage house, originally built as part of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion estate. The structure once featured three carriage bays, a hayloft, a coachman’s quarters, and stables for up to 12 horses. During World War II, after the City of Norwalk acquired the estate, the building served as the Norwalk Police Department headquarters. The former stables were even converted into jail cells—traces of which remain visible near the building’s main entrance today.

In the early 1990s, the Shanleys secured a lease from the city and led a thoughtful renovation to repurpose the space for artmaking. Heavy beams were installed to reinforce the structure, allowing it to accommodate large etching presses and modern studio equipment while preserving the original architecture’s character and charm.

The Helen Frankenthaler Cottage

Just behind the main building is a small, wooden structure that once served as the gardener’s cottage and laundry for the estate. By the late 20th century, it had fallen into disrepair. In 2006, thanks to a generous donation from the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, the cottage was fully restored. It now serves as a studio and live-in space for artists-in-residence. Frankenthaler herself attended the dedication and contributed funds to purchase a large, motorized printing press for the cottage’s studio. The cottage is not open to the public.