The Provincetown Print (2026)

A documentary by Amy Davies with short talks & Q&A

Join us for a special screening of The Provincetown Print, a documentary that traces the origin and legacy of the white-line woodblock print — an American art form with West Virginia roots, born in the artist colony of Provincetown, Massachusetts, in the early 20th century.

At the heart of the story is Blanche Lazzell, a pioneering modernist and master printmaker with roots right here in West Virginia. Her work helped define the Provincetown Print technique and remains a touchstone of American printmaking today.

Before the film, join us for a short introductory talk by Jennifer Boggess on the life and work of Blanche Lazzell. Professor Boggess, a noted artist in her own right, will set the stage for the film — she is a contributing author to Blanche Lazzell: The Life and Work of an American Modernist (West Virginia University Press).

After the film, local artists and historians will profile two more West Virginians connected to Lazzell's legacy: Grace Martin Taylor of Charleston — Lazzell's own cousin, who learned the white-line technique directly from her and carried the tradition forward as a teacher and printmaker for decades — and Patty Willis of Charles Town, who also worked in Lazzell's white-line technique, adapting it to Appalachian subject matter. Stay for a discussion of their work and Lazzell's lasting influence on West Virginia art.

Pay-What-You-Can

Unrated

Program length: Approximately 100 minutes

This program is produced by the Shepherdstown Opera House as part of our wide-ranging "Film + Talk" programming. Donations to support our film program, which operates under the fiscal sponsorship of 501c3 arts support organization Fractured Atlas, are welcome and gratefully accepted.

Many thanks to Amy Davies and the Provincetown Art Association & Museum for permission to screen The Provincetown Print. Special thanks to community member Susan Mitchell for her vision and help arranging for the pre- and post-film discussions. And always thanks to our wonderful partners at Shepherd University, including the University's Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities.

The historic Shepherdstown Opera House is a cozy vaudeville-era theater that seats 100 people. Advance reservations encouraged to ensure seating. General Admission. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime.

Popcorn, candy, soft drinks, beer & wine available for purchase (no outside food or drinks please). Lobby, theater & restroom are wheelchair accessible.

Hearing-impaired? Download the app AudioFetch on your phone (iPhone or Android) for use with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.

More information available on OperaHouseLive.com.