Art on Thursday – June 8th – Linoleum Printing

Linocut is a relief block printmaking technique using linoleum as a matrix. An image is cut into the top surface of the linoleum with a gouge or graver. The surface is inked and printed onto paper or fabric using a baren or press. Areas that are raised print. Areas in the block that are cut away do not print. Relief block printmaking also includes woodcut and wood engraving which were first used in Medieval China to create religious texts (sutras).

The artform appeared in Western Europe during the Renaissance. The most famous relief prints are by the German Albrecht Durer who illustrated stories from the Bible. Linoleum is sometimes chosen over wood because it’s cheaper in price and easier to cut. Picasso used linoleum in many of his abstract prints. A more recent example is by Joshua Henry (attached). Relief prints are characterized by flat color shapes and fine lines.

Students are to bring a simple line drawing for a 5” x 7” block. The instructor will provide all other supplies needed for students to create a print which they will take home.

Classes are limited to 6 students so register early for the Thursday, June 8th. Choose either an afternoon session (1 pm to 3:30 pm) or an evening session (6 pm to 8:30 pm). Class is open to anyone 12 years and older. Cost is $35. Classes meet at Athens Arts, 216 E. Main Street, Crawfordsville, IN.

To reserve a spot for the June 8th class, stop by Athens Arts Thursdays and Fridays 10 am to 6 pm or on Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm or call 765.362.7455 during business hours to pay via credit card.

Come be pART of it!

This project in part is made possible through funds from The Arts Federation (TAF) via the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) allocation to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).