The Center for Contemporary Printmaking, known initially as the Connecticut Graphic Arts Center, was founded as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in 1995. From its beginning, CCP’s mission has been to support, preserve and advance the art of original prints. The Center is dedicated to increasing awareness, knowledge and appreciation for prints and the process of printmaking through its exhibitions, educational programs and workshops, an artist residency program, and studio facilities for artists.

CCP is located in an historic, landmark 19th century stone carriage house in Norwalk, Connecticut. The space has been transformed into an important and dynamic printmaking facility and gallery space. It is fully equipped to accommodate all printmaking techniques: intaglio, lithography, monotype, silkscreen, woodblock printing, papermaking, book arts and digital processes.

The Center’s Grace Ross Shanley Gallery is host to many world-class historic, contemporary, and thematic exhibitions of original prints, including alternating biennial international exhibitions - Miniprint and Footprint - that attract submissions from artists in more than 90 countries. The adjacent Lithography Studio Gallery hosts parallel exhibitions to the main gallery’s schedule. All exhibitions are free and open to the public.

CCP maintains an Artist-in-Residence Program, hosting artists from around the world at our Helen Frankenthaler Residency Cottage attracting artists from print centers around the world who come to CCP to print. CCP also offers a rotating schedule of workshops in all aspects of printmaking at all levels, taught by visiting instructor artists and printmakers from around the world as well as from CCP’s own staff of talented printmakers.

In September 2015, CCP launched the Grace Ross Shanley Memorial Scholarship Program with the goal of educating future printmakers. As part of this program, the Center offers two-year apprentice/mentor opportunities for high school juniors through their senior year, enrolling students from many of our area high schools.

For 29 years, CCP has given artists and art lovers alike a place to expand their knowledge of the print medium. It serves as an oasis of creativity where emerging and professional artists from throughout Fairfield County, the tri-state area, and beyond, are experimenting and learning traditional and contemporary print techniques.