Printmaking is one of the least known and practiced mediums in the visual arts, but holds the biggest element of surprise. For that reason, it is one of the most fun to learn how to master the various techniques. Although artists that pursue printmaking professionally and at the collegiate level have a wider scope of materials and processes to develop this craft, there are still ways to introduce this medium to children. In my experience teaching, the element of the unknown result excites young students just as much as it does me in my practice!

Printmaking is the process of transferring one image to another matrix, most often paper or cloth. There are a number of ways printmaking can be modified to teach younger audiences. Instead of using sharp tools to cut into metal or wood plates, rubber and styrofoam can be used. Monoprints, where only one image can be reproduced, are fun to teach with a folded paper method and squirt bottles. What turns out on the other side you’ll have to wait and see!