I immediately started doing research into nonprofit organizations we could work with and was introduced to Urban Pathways, an organization that offers support services and housing to homeless individuals in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. To our surprise, printmaking was deemed essential in New York due to the overwhelming demand for health and safety signage.

When we heard that nonessential businesses would need to close because of COVID-19, we were preparing to deal with the financial consequences of shutting down the business. How did the studio’s partnership with Urban Pathways come about? Through the newfound partnership, Marr was able to organize the creation and dissemination of flyers and posters that can communicate messages from the CDC in an artistic and uplifting way and help keep the city’s homeless population safe during uncertain times. Marr partnered with Urban Pathways, an organization that provides housing and wellness services to the city’s homeless population, to fill their need for approachable, clear signage to post in residences. Melissa Marr ’02, managing partner of Gary Lichtenstein Editions, sprang to action when she found out that the studio - which normally produces fine art silkscreen editions made by Gary Lichtenstein, the studio’s namesake and Marr’s husband - was deemed essential. Screen printing might not be the first service that comes to mind when thinking of the essential businesses that have jumped in to help with COVID-19 relief efforts, but it’s a vital one.

Silkscreen printing nyc