Ben Grzenia and Zach Van Horn discuss art, printmaking, and family influences after winning the 2018 artcritical prize.

At the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Ben Grzenia and Zach Van Horn were jointly honored with the 2018 artcritical prize, a recognition determined by faculty votes prior to the Annual Student Exhibition. Both were pursuing their MFA degrees at PAFA. This award, initiated in 2015 and showcased at the New York Studio School Alumni Exhibition since 2017, included a published interview by artcritical. Grzenia shared insights about his shift from graphic design to fine art, emphasizing how his design background equipped him to embrace criticism and not overly cherish his work. He found printmaking a natural link between the two fields, appreciating its process-oriented approach reminiscent of his family's hunting traditions in Wisconsin. A notable setback involving a $200 gallon of paint on a warped panel led to experimental techniques that unveiled textures and colors tied to his father's COPD and family memories. While studying in Philadelphia, the distance from his family allowed him to merge graphic design with outdoor inspirations, leading him to discover artists like Alex Dodge, Jacques Villeglé, and professor Didier William. For Grzenia, his studio work serves as a therapeutic outlet for anxiety, while he recognizes the inherent political aspects of all artistic endeavors. He aims to create his own print shop, delving into risography and collaborating with partner Diana Chu on self-published books, zines, prints, and community initiatives.