Art After Hours at the Zimmerli

What was it like to help painter Elizabeth Murray make her first lithographic series in 1980? Or to work with Keith Haring as he transformed his iconic subway murals into his first prints? And what technical skills are required to assist Jeff Koons?

Stop by Art After Hours on Wednesday, April 3, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, to learn about these and other printmaking innovations over the last 35 years. The evening spotlights the new exhibition “Stars: Contemporary Prints by Derrière L’Étoile Studio.”

Zimmerli curator Marilyn Symmes and studio founder Maurice Sánchez lead a tour of “Stars,” followed by a conversation about his experiences working with many artists who have defined the American art scene since the 1980s. In addition, the Museum Store welcomes Kuhl Designs for a jewelry trunk show and members of the Zimmerli Student Advisory Board (ZSAB) answer questions about becoming involved with Art After Hours programming. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for 65 and over; and free for museum members, children under 18, and Rutgers students, faculty, and staff (with ID).

Art After Hours is the eclectic evening series held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Zimmerli. The April program begins with a 5:30 p.m. tour of “Stars: Contemporary Prints by Derrière L’Étoile Studio,” led by Symmes, and Sánchez. The exhibition is the first survey of the studio’s printmaking achievements and features works from the 1980s through the early 1990s. Other artists showcased are Vito Acconci, John Baldessari, Sarah Charlesworth, Barbara Kruger, Sherrie Levine, Robert Longo, Susan Rothenberg, Kenny Scharf, and Laurie Simmons. On view March 23 to Sept. 29, this is the first in a series of three exhibitions.

At 6:30 p.m., a conversation program features Symmes and Sánchez discussing anecdotes and insights about the creative process behind the many Derrière L’Étoile Studio collaborations with top artists of America’s art world. When Sánchez founded his workshop in 1978, he called it “Derrière L’Étoile”—meaning “behind the star” in French­­—to express his role as part of a technical team supporting the artist in printmaking projects.

“In the late 20th century, many artists created images by using original photography, as well as manipulating commercially published stock photographs or film stills,” Symmes explains. “Derrière L’Étoile Studio already excelled at lithography. It then became one of the first workshops to combine newoffset, photographic, and digital technologies in realizing these innovative images. Maurice is widely admired for his printmaking expertise, which has made possible remarkable contemporary prints that are found in many leading museums.” A question and answer session follows.

Sandwiches, salads, and snacks are available for purchase in the recently reopened Z Café. The Museum Store features 20 percent off all purchases. The Museum Store also welcomes Kuhl Designs for a trunk show from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hilary Shank-Kuhl is a painter and assemblage artists who has been making jewelry since 1992. She combines stones and settings from the late 19th to late 20th century with her own vintage-style designs to create unique pieces that can be worn for all occasions; from casual and business clothing, to evening attire.

Members of the Zimmerli Student Advisory Board (ZSAB) are available throughout the evening to answer questions about becoming involved with this student-run organization that contributes to Art After Hours programming.

The Zimmerli Art Museum is located at 71 Hamilton St. at George Street on the College Avenue campus of Rutgers University in New Brunswick. The Zimmerli is a short walk from the NJ Transit train station in New Brunswick, midway between New York City and Philadelphia.

Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., and the first Wednesday of each month (except August), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, major holidays, and the month of August.

Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for 65 and over; and free for museum members, children under 18, and Rutgers students, faculty, and staff (with ID). Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month. For more information, call 848.932.7237 or visit the museum’s website:www.zimmerlimuseum.rutgers.edu