2026 Print Exchange Author: Mark Twain
Outstanding Authors
Print Exchange
The Mission: Artists are invited to submit letterpress prints to heighten awareness of the works of Mark Twain, and show his relevance to the USA, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Exhibition Theme: “Mark Twain’s gimlet-eyed look at America.”
The Print Exchange, now in its fourth year, is designed to focus attention on authors, artists, and creatives who show the way through messages of hope and personal activism. The artist exchange also provides an opportunity to exhibit the power of print in bringing home messages of hope and learning.
Registration Deadline: July 10, 2026. Register for this year’s Print Exchange
Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026.
Details: Participants should submit 40 prints this year for the exchange and exhibitions. Each participant will receive a full set of all prints. Prints may be any dimension, not to exceed 11” x 14”. Prints must be letterpress printed. The prints will be displayed at the Saint Louis Mercantile Library. Past print exchanges have also been acquired by the Newberry Library of Chicago. There will be a $40 application fee to cover the expense of documenting, shipping bundles, and exhibition materials. Prints must be shipped at participants’ expense to Central Print, 2624 North 14th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106. Informational flyer PDF
Mark Twain’s Legacy: Missouri born and raised Samuel Clemens (1835-1910), known to the world as Mark Twain, was, in William Faulkner’s words, “the father of American literature.” But he was no aloof literary figure: he worked in journalism, he engaged with working people, and he struggled personally and financially even in old age. Even as he gained
international fame, he never lost the common touch or his gimlet eye. He applied his wit, humor, satire, and uninhibited frankness to every subject, and in particular to the peculiarities, eccentricities, myths, and ideals of his native country. Oh, what he would say about the United States in 2026! Or has he already said it?
Just a few quotable and printable Mark Twain quotations:
(Many more are available in Mark Twain quotations[https://www.twainquotes.com/], in “The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain,” edited by Alex Ayres, and in standard quotations books.) pdf with additional quotations
Civilizations proceed from the heart rather than from the head. - Letter to Alvert Sonnichsen, 18 March 1901
There are three things which I consider excellent advice. First, don't smoke to access. Second, don't drink to excess. Third, don't marry to excess. - last public address, St. Timothy's School for Girls, Catonsville, MY, 9 June 1909
Citizenship is what makes a republic; monarchies can get along without it. - Speech, 4 March 1906
It is by the goodness of God that in our country we have those three unspeakably precious things: freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and the prudence never to practice either of them. - Following the Equator, 1897, vol. 1, ch. 20
You can't depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus. - Mark Twain's Notebook (Harper and Brothers, 1935), p. 344.
I haven't a particle of confidence in a man who has no redeeming petty vices. - Mark Twain, a Biography
2025 Print Exchange
Tennessee Williams
“Conscience and Kindness”
The Mission: To heighten awareness of the work of Tennessee Williams and his wise words on love, hate, friendship, the fragility of egos, the requirements of conscience, the importance of kindness, the limits of forgiveness.
Tennessee Williams’ Legacy: Tennessee Williams (1911 - 1983) was an American playwright and screenwriter considered as one of the greatest literary creatives of the 20th century. Willams’ formative years were spent in St. Louis and Missouri. At age 33, after years of writing obscurity, he suddenly became famous with the success of The Glass Menagerie, and a string of successes followed. The Glass Menagerie captures his early life experiences in St. Louis. Although his successful career took him to many other locations, he was buried in Calvary Cemetery in St. Louis in 1983. His many plays are now celebrated every summer by the Tennessee Williams Festival in St. Louis. View pdf Exhibition Flyer with images of the 2025 submissions.
2024 Print Exchange
Tina Turner
“Leaving a Mark”
The Mission: To heighten awareness of the life and work of Tina Turner, with a focus on the lyrics that she wrote or sang. Her lyrics point to the ability of ordinary people to leave their mark on the world, despite extraordinary obstacles put in their way.
Tina Turner’s legacy: Tina Turner was a singer, songwriter, and actress who was celebrated as the “Queen of Rock ‘N Roll” in her time. She spent her youth in St. Louis, graduated from Sumner High School, and began singing in local night clubs. She met Ike Turner there, and began singing with his Kings of Rhythm band. She became known as Tina Turner, as she wrote, sang, and performed nationally and internationally. Three of her recordings, including “River Deep – Mountain High” are in the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2021, Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. She died at age 83 at her home in Switzerland in 2023. pdf Exhibition Flyer 2024
2023 Print Exchange
Martha Gellhorn
The subject of our first print exchange was Martha Gellhorn.
“Bravery in War and Peace.”
The Mission: To heighten awareness of the work of Martha Gellhorn and her wise words on the scourge of war, the fragility of peace, the horrors of genocide, the requirements of conscience, the importance of citizenship, the uncertain future of the human race.
Gellhorn’s legacy: Martha Ellis Gellhorn (November 8, 1908 -15 February 15, 1998) was an American novelist, journalist, travel writer considered as one of the great war correspondents of the 20th century. Gellhorn reported on virtually every major world conflict that took place during her 60-year career. She was a trailblazer for women in journalism and the media, and championed human rights and individual responsibility.
View pdf Exhibition Flyer with images of the 2023 submissions.