February 15| Screenprinting on Fabric (4 Weeks)

This course introduces the full process of printing on fabric and garments, from coating and exposing screens to printing, reclaiming, and editioning. Students will print on flat fabric and apparel using both print tables and a T-shirt press, learning how images behave on different materials.

The class emphasizes hands-on practice, repeat printing, and registration, with time set aside for experimentation. Students will leave with a finished garment or small edition and the confidence to work independently in the screenprinting studio. Throughout the class, students are encouraged to bring their own fabric and garments to print on as well.

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

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 23 | Screenprinting Refresher & Authorization (4 Hours)

Note: Experience is required to take this refresher class.

This refresher & authorization workshop welcomes students with previous screenprinting experience who are feeling out-of-practice or fuzzy regarding the finer points of the process, or who have never printed at Spudnik before, and want familiarity with our facilities and offerings. Students should have already completed a one-day workshop or full class, although it need not have been at Spudnik. We also welcome printers that would like support working through a particularly complex project or reoccurring printing issue.

The class will review an assortment of skills such as selecting the best mesh count, applying the perfect coat of photo emulsion, troubleshooting and diagnosing exposure and printing issues, ink mixing, registration, and screen reclamation. Equally as importantly, we will address how to consider these technical factors and limitations when designing a project for printing.

During the workshops, each student will expose a screen, and work with peers to print a two-color image designed to hone nuanced printing skills. Students are welcome to bring specific questions about their next project.

To help build printing confidence at Open Studio sessions, students are invited to return within the week to put their freshly acquired knowledge to use. Through this workshop, students will not only brush up on old skills and become authorized to print at Spudnik, but are sure to walk away with new morsels of useful information regarding the art of screenprinting.

March 14 | Family Workshop: Screenpainting (2 Hours)

Explore screenprinting with your family through one of its most improvisational and expressive techniques: screenpainting. Using dry pigments or watercolor paints applied directly to the screen, participants will collaborate to create bold, unexpected marks and textures not typically associated with traditional screenprinting.

All materials and instruction are provided, making it easy to jump in and experiment. Families will produce a series of monoprints and ghost prints that can stand alone or serve as a base for further refinement. No computers required—just hands-on making and creative play.

Each registration includes up to four participants of all ages. You’re welcome to attend with the people you consider family. So bring the people closest to you and enjoy creating together.