Ink, Imagination and a Steamroller: UMW's Print-a-Palooza Showcases Student Creativity

Ink, Imagination and a Steamroller: UMW’s Print-a-Palooza Showcases Student Creativity

April 24, 2026

Jill Laiacona

University of Mary Washington senior studio art major Chloe Rice sweeps a roller covered in black ink onto a giant woodblock carved with a grinning goat wearing a flower hat.

“Growing up, we raised goats that we’d dress in cute outfits, so I’m paying homage to them,” said Rice, whose work is displayed with other Devil-Goat Day-inspired prints in the Cedric Rucker University Center this week. The exhibit is in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the uniquely UMW tradition, which was held on April 23. “Plus, I’m a Goat myself!”

More than a hundred UMW students participated in the University’s first-ever Print-a-Palooza, a public-facing printmaking event supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. Last Friday, more than a dozen studio art majors printed large-scale pieces using a rented steamroller weighing 2,689 lbs. – over a ton – as an amp pumped house music and disco beats into the Ridderhof Martin Gallery parking lot.

A steady stream of students lined up throughout the afternoon to screen-print T-shirts and bags emblazoned with Mary Washington-themed designs, while others enjoyed the sunshine and watching the heavy machinery press oversized prints.

Two students sweep ink over a woodblock. — Lucy Hagerman (left) and Grace Geiser ink a woodblock to create a print with a rented steamroller as part of the first-ever Print-a-Palooza, a public-facing printmaking event supported by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant. K Pearlman Photography.

A professor rides the steamroller while students watch from a small tent and a line next to the tent. — Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin drives the steamroller, weighing 2,689 lbs., over a cushioned woodblock to make a large-scale print, while students line up to screen-print T-shirts and bags. K Pearlman Photography.

A professor and a student check the student's print with the rented steamroller in the background. — Assistant Professor Coorain Devin and Chloe Rice check Rice’s print on paper of a grinning goat wearing a flower as a hat. The piece was displayed in the Cedric Rucker University Center in honor of the Devil-Goat Day centennial celebration. K Pearlman Photography.

“Most art events at UMW are exhibition openings with beautiful, finished artworks,” said Assistant Professor of Studio Art Coorain Devin, who organized the event and drove the steamroller, under the supervision of UMW’s Office of Emergency Management and Safety. “But our students wanted to share their creative process, so the campus community can better understand the work that goes into it.”

Devin began printmaking in high school after reading a biography about Andy Warhol, whose colorful prints of celebrities and commercial goods helped coin the concept of pop art.

“This story about an artist who was making art about everyday life and the things regular people talk about really resonated with me,” said Devin, who praised printmaking as a generous and accessible medium. “I’m hoping folks who’ve never stepped foot in our studios can experience some of the awesome work we create here.”

Read more about Print-a-Palooza.