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Concordia prof Mitch Mitchell wins the 2024 Parizeau Award in Print Arts
Left to right : Jean-Michel Parizeau, Mitch Mitchell, Annie Gauthier (Executive Director and Chief Curator at the Musée d'Art de Joliette (MAJ) and Odile Brunelle Beauchemin Executive Director of the Museum's Foundation).
Credit: Musée d’art de Joliette
Mitch Mitchell, a Print Media professor in Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts, has won the 2024 Monique and Robert Parizeau Award in Print Arts. The award, presented on March 12 by the Musée d’art de Joliette (MAJ) in collaboration with the Fondation du Musée d’art de Joliette (FMAJ), recognizes exceptional contributions to the printmaking field.
The jury highlighted Mitchell’s dedication to the discipline — not only through his artistic practice but also his teaching at Concordia. The jury specifically highlighted his bold and visionary approach to print media and how it has resulted in "striking installations that explore complex themes and create immersive, thought-provoking experiences for audiences."
Reflecting on the significance of this honour, Mitchell shared, “It is a shock and surprise, to say the least. I am in awe of the artists who were also nominated, having presented their work to my students in the past. For me, this award expresses a broader sense of community gratitude for the years I have dedicated to both my studio practice and teaching Print Media at Concordia.
“Being recognized by this community also acknowledges the many people I have worked with at the university — collaborating on exhibitions, engaging with students, and working alongside curators and fellow artists who have championed my practice over the years. For this, I am eternally grateful,” he added.
The prize was created in 2023 to honour Monique Parizeau, an artist dedicated to printmaking. For the first four years of its five-year cycle, the $15,000 award will be granted annually to an artist whose work showcases significant innovation in the medium. In the fifth year, past laureates will be invited to participate in a group exhibition at the MAJ, offering the public a chance to discover their exceptional works.
The jury also acknowledged the high quality and diverse range of this year’s nominees, which included Concordia faculty and alumni, emphasizing the strength and vitality of printmaking in both Quebec and Canada.
Find out more about the Department of Studio Arts and the Musée d’art de Joliette.
