NIU will bring the “Global Matrix: An International Printmaking Exhibition” to its gallery in Chicago.

The exhibition will run Saturday through May 29 and will feature artwork from more than 67 artists from 19 countries.

The art pieces were chosen from more than 1,500 entries. Some countries represented include Japan, Estonia, Mexico and Canada.

“Many of the artists are relatively young and will offer the viewer the opportunity to discover something new,” said Peter Olson, NIU Art Museum preparator.

Olson said the exhibit is exciting because it gives people the chance to see what artists in other countries are doing and how they are using printmaking techniques to achieve their artistic goals.

Visitors will be able to see lithographs, woodcuts, etchings and wood engravings. There will be works that use recently developed media such as photo etching and digital prints.

All the artwork was created recently, and selected works can be viewed at www.vpa.niu.edu/museum.

A panel discussion moderated by Michael Barnes, an NIU assistant art professor and Mid-America Print Council president, will help lead the exhibition from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Olson said the NIU Art Museum put together a panel to let people know what goes into organizing an exhibition like the “Global Matrix.” It’s also to explore artists’ and museums’ concerns.

A reception will follow the panel discussion from 4 to 6 p.m.

The NIU Art Gallery, 215 W. Superior Street, Chicago, is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Wednesday through Saturday.

To make an appointment, call 312-642-6010. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the gallery, call the NIU museum office at 753-1936.