Jules Heller, photo in studio, by José Y. Bermudez, 1983
Jules Heller (1919-2007) was a pioneering American artist, author, teacher, and arts administrator who spent nearly seven decades exploring all sorts of printmaking and papermaking techniques. Born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he earned his B.A. degree from Arizona State University, his M.A. at Columbia, and his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.
Heller wrote the first studio textbook on the graphic arts, Printmaking Today, originally published in 1958. It influenced many generations of artists, as did his book Papermaking (1978). He also did important research on the history of female artists—including then-neglected Mexican and Inuit women, and was Editor of the graphic-arts journal Impression.
JH, Printmaking workshop at Silpakorn University, Thailand, 1974 (1)
Heller was Founding Dean of Fine Arts at both the Pennsylvania State University and York University in Toronto, Canada; he also served as Arts Dean at his alma mater in Arizona. He was an artist-in-residence in Mexico, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and northern Argentina. The recipient of many awards, his work is represented in prestigious public and private collections. In addition, Heller was a professional jazz pianist, and an avid fisherman.
“Heller was arguably the most prolific promoter of the graphic arts of the era (1946-63).”
– Leah Lehmbeck, “Proof: The Rise of Printmaking in Southern California” (Getty Publications, 2011) (p. 16)
“Jules Heller’s contribution to the teaching of studio art is legendary. In over four decades, his integrity, imagination, and philosophy have impacted on literally thousands. Three major universities across North America have been inspired and led by this man, who has been consistently described by colleagues and former students with the respect and love due usually to a demigod. As an artist, teacher, mentor, educational pioneer, historian, and author, Heller’s accomplishments are overwhelming.”
– College Art Association’s Distinguished Teaching of Art Award, San Antonio, TX, January 27th, 1995
JH, Printmaking workshop at Silpakorn University, Thailand, 1974 (2)