This four-hour workshop introduces you to the art of screen printing, an ancient method of transferring pigment to a surface. Modern-day commercial printers use screen printing for T-shirts and textile printing. An experienced printmaker will guide you through the basic screen printing process. You'll learn about types of ink to use, how specific techniques affect the final image, and how to use the screen as a design tool. After a brief history of screen printing and a few tool/technique demonstrations, you'll dive into the hands-on portion of the workshop:

• Screen prep.
• Image design.
• Creating stencils using vinyl or paper.
• Printing repeating images.
• How to heat set for washing the fabric.
• Tips and tricks for thorough cleanup.

Details 

• You'll make several copies of the same image on fabric and paper using water-based ink and silkscreens.
• Dress for a mess! Dyes and ink are made to stain, so wear dark clothing or clothes you don't mind getting stained.
• Bring a bag lunch. A communal refrigerator and microwave are available near the stairs on BARN's lower level.

Materials

• A $4 materials fee, included in the cost of the class, covers ink, paper for drawing and stencils, and cotton muslin for screen printing (white and off-white). 
• You're encouraged to bring other plain-weave fabric to print on, and sketches or simple 8 1/2-by-11-inch images for design inspiration.

Class Policies

• Ages 14 and up are welcome.