The exhibit currently inside the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum's (EAGM) Gallery I pays tribute to the printmaking skills of a one-time Estevan resident.

"Andrew King: Welcome to the Circus" features many of the circus and fair posters that King made during his time as a printmaker from 1912 to 1958. Also on display are the blocks that King used to make his posters.

He established King Enterprise Showprints while living in Rouleau in 1912. He met a promotional agent from a theatre company, who lamented that there wasn't a poster-making business in Canada.

King opened the business in 1912, and it was immensely successful, said EAGM curator/director Amber Andersen. His posters were shipped across North America.

He moved to Estevan in 1944, and he remained in the showprint business until 1958.

The EAGM is home to Canada's largest collection of King's posters, Andersen said.

"They're an absolute asset," said Andersen. "This is an amazing collection, and we are very proud owners."

Andersen, who focused on printmaking while obtaining her master's degree, said she has always been intrigued by King's methodology. She recalls when she received a postcard of one of King's posters – a striking poster of a tiger that says "World's Greatest Shows." Only three colours were used in the poster: red, yellow and black.

She marvelled at the boldness of the colours on the text, and the appearance of the tiger.

"Initially I was struck by his phenomenal skill. I've become even more appreciative of King as a writer, businessman, entrepreneur and also as an artist," said Andersen.

Not only did King complete the show prints by hand, but Andersen said he had to write the text backwards.

When King passed away in 1981, his family donated posters and wood blocks to the EAGM. Andersen said about a third of the EAGM's King collection is currently on display as part of "Welcome to the Circus."

Also paying tribute to King was Monique Martin, whose fish-themed printmaking exhibit, "Flow," is currently on display inside of Gallery II. Martin said King has been a big inspiration for her, and that she continues to enjoy creating posters via printmaking.