LSU Hosted Mid-America Print Council Conference

The Baton Rouge campus welcomed artists for the Printelligence biennial event.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Fine Art

Screen-print poster illustration of a heavy industrial relief press, evoking a nostalgic printmaking studio atmosphere. — The Mid-America Print Council conference, Printelligence, gathered artists at Louisiana State University to explore the future of traditional printmaking techniques. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe traditional manual skills will remain vital in the age of artificial intelligence?

Louisiana State University hosted the Mid-America Print Council biennial conference this October. The event, titled Printelligence, showcased portfolio displays and hosted competitive printmaking relays.

Why it matters

The conference highlights an ongoing industry effort to preserve traditional printmaking methods in a modern context. It also provided a platform for experts to discuss the integration and impact of AI on these classic artistic processes.

LSU secured the right to host the Printelligence biennial conference by winning a competitive national bid process. The event featured organized portfolio displays from attending artists and a printmaking relay between alumni and students.

The players

Louisiana State University

This is a public research university located in Baton Rouge that served as the host for the 2026 Printelligence conference.

Mid-America Print Council

This organization is a collective dedicated to the field of printmaking that manages biennial conferences for artists and academics.

The details

The event centered on the intersection of legacy craftsmanship and emerging technology, with panel discussions dedicated to the role of AI in traditional printmaking. Participants engaged in portfolio reviews and a high-energy relay competition to test printmaking skills.

The Mid-America Print Council conference took place in October 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The Printelligence conference follows the pattern set by the Mid-America Print Council biennial conference series to promote collaborative artistic exchange. By rotating host sites among universities, the event ensures broad regional engagement within the printmaking community.

The conference provided local artists and students in Baton Rouge direct access to national printmaking experts and portfolio reviews. Attendees gained insights into how modern artificial intelligence tools might shift future printmaking workflows.

The takeaway

Traditional art forms remain vital, even as they adapt to incorporate new digital tools and AI-driven processes. Engaging with these techniques in a competitive, collaborative setting helps maintain the specialized skills necessary for the printmaking craft.

What happens next

Organizers are expected to announce the host institution and location for the next Mid-America Print Council conference at the conclusion of the event.