Ink & Press: Relief Printmaking Workshop

Join us for Ink and Press: Relief Printmaking Workshop, a hands-on artmaking experience led by Pyramid Atlantic Art Center during the final weekend of A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000.

Inspired by the exhibition’s rich legacy of printmaking—featuring works by renowned DC-based artists such as Elizabeth Catlett, James Lesesne Wells, Lou Stovall, and Lloyd McNeil, participants will explore the fundamentals of relief printmaking from start to finish.

Relief printmaking is a printmaking process in which an image is carved into a flat surface, such as linoleum or wood. The raised areas of the surface are inked and then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This technique allows artists to create bold lines, strong contrasts, and repeatable images, and has long been used for storytelling, social commentary, and artistic expression.

Under the guidance of Pyramid instructors, participants will learn the full relief printmaking process, beginning with carving a printing plate and concluding with hand-printing an original design on paper. Instructors will also provide samples and share historical and contemporary context, connecting the technique to select works featured in the exhibition.

Whether you are new to printmaking or returning to the press, this workshop offers a meaningful opportunity to create, reflect, and connect with the enduring legacy of Black arts education in Washington, D.C..

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