Glen Alps prints and drawings, circa 1940s-1960s

Glen Alps was a professor of art at the University of Washington from 1945 to 1984; he is most widely known for his pioneering work in developing new artistic techniques, particularly in the area of printmaking.

Alps was born on June 20, 1914, in Loveland, Colorado. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from Colorado State College in 1940, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Washington in 1947. Alps also spent some time pursuing advanced studies at the University of Iowa. He joined the faculty of the UW School of Art in 1945, receiving tenure in 1954, becoming full professor in 1962, and retiring as professor emeritus in 1984.

Alps' specialty was printmaking. He was head of the printmaking department at UW from 1979-1984. He is best known for developing and promoting the technique of collography (a term he coined, fusing the words "collage" and "graphic"). He also pioneered a new technique involving burnt lacquer, and contributed to the development of the vitreograph and serigraph.

In addition to printmaking, Alps was also a sculptor and a designer and manufacturer of fine art printing presses. In the early 1950s Alps designed and made decorative screens, including one for the Seattle Public Library. In 1958 he exhibited his 3D sculptures, fireplace screens, and early collographs in a solo show at the Henry Gallery. In 1960 he designed a fountain for the Seattle Municipal Building.

Glen Alps passed away on November 3, 1996.