Introduction to Relief Block Printing with Visiting Artists Sardine Press

In this introduction to printmaking workshop, students will learn the process of creating a small relief print from start to finish; from getting the image on to the block, to carving, all the way to creating an edition of prints.

Inspired by the compositions in Fighters for Freedom: William H. Johnson Picturing Justice, this workshop will begin with a tour of the William H. Johnson's artwork to examine his use of space and imagery in his paintings. Blocks carved by students will be arranged around a central image carved by the instructors, mirroring the compositions and color seen in Johnson’s work.

Students will provide photos or sketches to work from surrounding the theme of “comfort”. This can include images of anything from that favorite mug for your morning coffee to an abstract image of the feeling of the sun on your face- anything you can think of that brings you comfort.

Class capacity is 12 registrants; ages 16 and older. All materials will be provided to participants with a small, curated printmaking kit to take home following the workshop.

$45 Members | $55 Non-Members
A 3% credit card fee will apply

About the Instructors

Sardine Press is a collaborative endeavor by the artists Allison Koch and Leigh Sabisch. After years of shared time in shifting social dynamics the two became close and founded Sardine Press. Coming together on this project, the pair realized how their drive for creating art overlaps and intertwines— not only that, but their motivation behind the work they create is unavoidably similar. Expressing themselves in very different ways, they grapple with their need for movement, chaos, and physicality in their work. Koch, explores movement and chaos through the creation of intangible landscapes and spaces; for them, piles of knotted strings or intricate, unplanned patterns do the trick. Sabisch uses the human form to depict twisted faceless figures, intertwined and grasping. The two are always looking for resolution and have found that when they work together, they are able to fill gaps they did not know were there.

This program is made possible by the generous support of the Art Bridges Foundation.