Instructor: Jonathan Creese, Jamie-Lee Girodat, Stephanie Hayward, Hannah Sandford, and Tracy Wormsbecker
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 10 am to 5 pm
Location: Alberta Printmakers
A/P Studio, #460 42 Ave SE
Calgary, AB
Cost: $135
Visit HERE to register
Want to learn more about the world of printmaking?
If you want to give it a go but have no idea where to start, this workshop is for you! You will get a hands-on taste of FOUR unique techniques, including screen printing, drypoint, linocut, and typesetting on a Nolan Proof Press. Come away with four unique prints! This course is a perfect choice for those beginning in print or want to dabble in different techniques as a lead-up for taking further courses that Alberta Printmakers offers.
This workshop is for folks who are 18 years of age or older.
No experience necessary and all supplies are provided.
What is printmaking?
Printmaking includes a range of processes where ink is transferred from one surface (a matrix) to another (the substrate) to create an image. There are several printmaking techniques, including silkscreen, relief, etching, relief, letterpress, and lithography.
Printmaking has been used for both artistic and commercial purposes for hundreds of years (books, illustrations, artworks, newspapers, posters, textiles, etc), and it continues to be a popular and versatile medium for artists who print on various surfaces, such as paper, fabric, wood, and metal.
About each technique that you’ll learn in this sampler:
Drypoint is a process where a sharp, pointed tool is used to scratch a design into the surface of a matrix (often a copper or plexiglass plate). Ink is then applied to the plate and wiped off so that it remains only in the grooves before transferring the ink onto paper using a printing press that applies substantial pressure.
Participants will create, ink, and print their own 4”x6” plexiglass drypoint plate.
Typesetting: before digital applications like Microsoft Word or InDesign, compositions of text (as well as symbols, fancy decorative ornaments, and illustrations) were manually arranged and ‘set’ by placing movable physical pieces of ‘type’ onto a letterpress machine. The surface of the composed form is then inked and transferred onto paper.
Participants will work in small groups to compose a line of text using wood type before printing the text using a Nolan Proof Press multiple times.
Silkscreen is a process where ink is pressed through the openings of a fine fabric mesh (the screen, which was traditionally made of silk) onto a flat surface beneath using a squeegee. Images are made by creating stencils that block some areas of the mesh, while leaving other areas open for the ink to pass through, resulting in a printed design.
Participants will design and prepare vinyl stencils that they will attach to a silkscreen to print their own unique compositions onto paper.
Linocut is a process where the surface of a linoleum plate is carved into using special tools to remove areas of the linoleum. The areas that are not removed result in a raised design. Ink is then applied to the surface design and printed onto paper either through pressure applied by hand or using a printing press.
Participants will each carve and print a 4”x6” linocut plates by hand, as well as by using a table-top relief press.
What’s included with your registration:
- A directed drypoint carving, inking, and printing session on 4 x 6″ plexiglas plates
- A demonstration on type setting, followed by collaborating on a composition on the press
- Pulling your own prints off the Nolan press with the assistance of staff
- Designing and printing lino using a 4 x 6″ block
- Screen printing your own design using cut stencils
This event includes all project supplies, participants are recommended to prepare:
- Image ideas for drawing and carving
- Bring reading glasses if you need them for fine work.
- Wear suitable clothing for working with ink and/or a work apron.
- Wear close toed shoes and avoid overly loose long sleeves.
- Tie back long hair when operating machinery.
- Personal PPE (if uncomfortable with Shared Studio PPE)
Additional Notes:
Event limited to 16 Participants
This event is open to only participants of 18 years of age
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Want to learn more about printmaking, but don't know what is right for you? Try our Sampler class! No experience required!
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Want to learn more about printmaking, but don't know what is right for you? Try our Sampler class! No experience required!
