Gallery of Superb Printing is May 9; Frank Romano to get Ben Franklin Award
Boston Litho/Craftsman’s Club teams up with Printing & Publishing Council of New England
Some of the best printing created by companies from throughout the eastern Massachusetts and surrounding marketplace will be recognized at the Boston Litho & Craftsman’s Club’s 29th Annual Gallery of Superb Printing Tuesday, May 9 at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Mass.

Additionally, Frank Romano will be presented the annual Ben Franklin Award by the Printing & Publishing Council of New England. This will be the third year the award is presented along with the printing awards competition.

Gallery of Superb Printing Awards
A total of 332 entries have been submitted to this year’s competition representing an increase of more than 100 entries from 2005. Eight new companies submitted their work this year. There was even a letterpress entry. There will be 188 awards given out in 80 categories, including new categories for digital printing and small press work. Winners for first, second, and third place as well as honorable mention will receive a framed award in recognition of printing excellence.

Last year, approximately 230 people attended the award banquet, and event planners expect that number will be close to 300 this year, according to Litho Club President Dick Errico.

“We’re predicting a wonderful turnout for this year’s Gallery,” Errico said, “and we are excited to be partnering with the Printing & Publishing Council’s Ben Franklin Award honoring Frank Romano.”

The Litho Club is also hoping for sponsorship support for this year’s Gallery by companies that are part of the process to produce the award-winning pieces, including paper, ink, machinery and other graphic arts related products.

Frank Romano to be honored
The Ben Franklin Award is given annually to an individual who has demonstrated a generous and exemplary interest in the graphic arts for a substantial period of time. The 2006 Ben Franklin Award will be given to industry expert Frank Romano. Romano, professor emeritus of RIT and world-renowned author and speaker, is a native son of New England with deep roots in the local and national graphic arts industry.

Frank Romano’s career has spanned more than 40 years in the printing and publishing industries. He is the author of 42 books. Many know him best as editor of the International Paper Pocket Pal. He lectures extensively, having addressed virtually every club, association, group and professional organization at one time or another.

PPCNE scholarship students
Select New England graphic arts scholarship recipients will be recognized during the evening. Each year the Printing & Publishing Council of New England awards nearly $100,000 in scholarship money to students throughout New England — making it one of the largest scholarship programs of its type anywhere in the country. Awards are usually made in an amount up to a maximum of $2,500 annually.

Ticket information
Individual tickets for the May 9 event cost $70, or $700 for a table of 10. For ticket information, please contact Larry Crichton at Flagship Press at 978-975-3100, ext. 139, or e-mail him at lcrichton@flagshippress.com.

Companies that wish to participate in sponsorship of the Gallery night should contact Dick Errico at Northeast Offset/Sullivan Brothers by calling 978-256-9939 or e-mailing derrico@neoffset.com.

Held at the Burlington Marriott Hotel (at Routes 95/128 and Route 3A/Cambridge Street), the evening begins with a cocktail reception from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., followed by dinner.

The program consists of a series of awards given to printers and other graphic arts providers, the bestowal of the Ben Franklin Award, and public recognition of PPCNE scholarship students.