GPA Grows, Issues Standards for Quality

SPECIAL REPORT--The Giclee Printers Association (GPA), a business-orientated group of printers who have common manufacturing procedures and produce quality giclee prints, is growing and has established a nine-point standard and official logo for its member printers.

According to GPA spokesman John Doe, "the single biggest restraint on our companies' growth is the confusion caused by the introduction of lower quality digital products." And the GPA hopes the formation of this group and the establishment of standards will stop this trend.

Thus far, members of the GPA include Harvest, Pearl Publishing, Classic Art Prints, Appligraph, Final Proof/Renaissance, Art Prints on Canvas, Giclee Art Editions, New Era Publishing and Island Colours.

In order to become a certified member of the GPA, interested parties must sign an affidavit promising to do the following in printing:

* Exactly reproduce original artwork

* Use a reproduction process that bears no evidence of the technology used

* Adhere to archival standards consistent with that of a collectable fine art print

* Create the highest quality product available to this culture, at this time

* Fully disclose the products used in art reproduction.

* Enjoy a generally recognized reputation for honesty and integrity among customers and peers

* The artisan producing (or supervising the production of the work) has been certified as a Master Printer by the GPA.

* Participate in ongoing research and development efforts to improve the craft and the GPA.

* Actively educate customers and the industry as to the meaning and value of a Tru Giclee[TM] by displaying the logo at business locations, in advertising and at shows.

By joining the GPA, members will receive a Tru Giclee[TM] display, a Master Printers certificate, a CD with logo's to incorporate into advertising, Tru Giclee[TM] stickers which can be affixed to prints and more.

For more information about joining the GPA, please contact John Doe at (714) 279-2300.