February 18 | Bookbinding 101 (4 Hours)

This workshop focuses on styles of bookbinding that are low-cost yet dynamic, and well suited for poetry chapbooks and portfolio books. Students will learn how to choose materials and create simple book structures that best highlight the content within their book.

The lessons will address the logistics of organizing book forms and explore the book as a vessel for information, and how material choices can inform how the book is read. While the workshop will create blank books, each style of binding will begin with standard 8.5” x 11” paper to allow your content to be easily printed from a common inkjet or laser printer.

February 19| Screenprinting Explorations (8 Weeks)

Screenprinting is an art form with a sometimes daunting degree of possibility. From bold graphic shapes to delicate and detailed halftones, almost any image you can think of can be created with a screen and some ink. So where to begin?

In Screenprinting Explorations, students will be walked through the steps necessary to pull a successful print in a variety of styles and with increasing complexity. At every stage, students will be encouraged to experiment and explore, pushing the techniques and trying new things. Our eight-week class provides adequate time for new printers to complete a range of projects on paper and fabric. Along the way, students will become familiar with dark room exposure, mesh count, screen tension, ink consistency, and registration. In addition to developing A+ printing skills, this class will help students develop their imagery, be it hand-drawn illustration or digital files, to successfully translate to print.

By the end of the class, students will know their way around the print shop, and be well equipped to continue printing independently at Spudnik Press.

February 20 | Analog Screenprinting: Stencils, Marks, and Monoprints (4 Weeks)

In analog screenprinting, students will learn multiple methods for stencil and image generation without the aid of machines (aside from our exposure unit). We will begin by experimenting with cutting, tearing, and selectively oiling our stencils to change how light passes through them, before moving on to the interactions between drawing fluid and screen filler, before finally exploring monoprints using watercolors and transparent base.

Decompress and unplug during this class, while meeting other like minded printers to see what you can accomplish with just a few simple tools on hand.

In addition to gaining authorization to print independently at Spudnik Press, students will have access to Open Studios to work on their projects.

February 22| Drypoint Printing (4 Hours)

This workshop is great for ambitious beginners curious about intaglio techniques. The drypoint process covers the basic skills needed to become familiar with etching and other intaglio processes, and therefore would set students up for further success with intaglio in the future.

Students will learn drypoint techniques, plate wiping techniques, and gain familiarity with intaglio printing. Students will leave with a finished drypoint plate and print, as the class hours will be devoted to learning technique versus creating a perfected artwork.

February 24 | Monotypes & Collographs (6 Weeks)

Monotypes & Collographs is a hands-on introduction to two expressive printmaking processes that emphasize texture, gesture, and experimentation. This class is ideal for beginners as well as artists working in painting, drawing, mixed media, or sculpture who want to explore printmaking in an approachable, playful way.

Students will create monotypes by working directly on plexiglass plates using additive and subtractive techniques, layering color, stencils, and ghost prints to build dynamic images. The class also introduces collographs, where textured plates are constructed from found materials and printed in small, varied editions.

Throughout the course, students will make many prints while learning how ink, paper, and pressure shape the final image. By the end of the class, participants will complete a small body of work that combines multiple techniques and reflects their individual style. Students will leave comfortable using the etching press and eligible for studio authorization at Spudnik Press.