In 2025, SCS hosted LA-based printmaker Elizabeth Jean Younce at Sea Pony Farm, to help us continue Eric Bealer’s printmaking legacy. Elizabeth holds an MFA in Printmaking and has taught at the Sitka Fine Arts Camp for 5 years. With the help and experience of Elizabeth, Eric Bealer’s Vandercook Press No. 3 proofing press and smaller etching press are both up and running; a project called Sea Pony Press.
During her residency, Elizabeth created three beautiful linoleum blocks of species that inspired her during her time at Sea Pony Farm: a red throated loon and flora, a northwestern salamander, and a brown creeper. These became the first original block prints carved and printed on these presses in 7 years.
She also led a wonderful printmaking workshop in Pelican for the community to learn from her and create art together. We are so inspired by her dedication to printmaking, continuing the legacy of Eric and these presses, and bringing people together to build community through creating art.
We also extend gratitude to Gregg and Rachel Dietzman, who spontaneously volunteered for five days to make a beautiful rolling cart for the etching press that they also took apart, and cleaned and oiled so it could be ready for use.
Thanks to Elizabeth, Gregg, and Rachel, SCS can now proudly steward what are likely the most remote printing presses anywhere. In addition to Elizabeth’s original blocks, we printed our very first letter-pressed manifesto and advocacy posters for the Tongass that other artists can create on in support of public lands and love for the Tongass. If you are interested in learning about how you can support keeping Sea Pony Press running each year, please reach out to [email protected].
