Sonoma Community Center

Enriching lives through education and the arts — for Sonoma Valley and beyond

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Printmaking Open Studio

Recurring Event see all

April 30, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Experienced printmakers are welcome to work in Sonoma Community Center’s dedicated print studio, alongside monitors who are available to answer questions about techniques and equipment. Sessions are uninstructed and focus on etching, monoprint, and relief printing, but you are welcome to use other techniques. With 700 sq. ft. and 3 presses, there’s plenty to do. Join our printmaking community and create something unexpected!

Read all the details on the PRINTMAKING OPEN STUDIO FAQ first.

Uninstructed time for you to work on your own prints, practice your printmaking technique and explore. A volunteer studio monitor is present to answer questions and help if needed.

Experienced printmakers and students who have had sufficient experience using the presses to do so safely. Many of our workshops include instruction and practice to qualify you to attend Printmaking Open Studio. Printmakers do not need to be a member of the Sonoma Community Center to attend Printmaking Open Studio.

The studio monitor determines whether you are ready to print independently. If you are new to the Printmaking Open Studio, the monitor will talk with you, then watch you work. The monitor may decide that you need to take a class as a refresher before attending open studio.

Every Tuesday from 10am-4pm and select Sundays from 11am-5pm . Reserve a 3 hour slot (10-1 or 1-4) or a full 6 hour slot.

Half session cost is $15, full session cost is $28. This pricing is good through December 31, 2022.

No, the $15 half session and $28 full session rates are just enough to cover the costs to keep the Printmaking Open Studio running.

Reservations are required. Create an account with SignUpGenius and click here to reserve and pay for your slot(s): https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040d44ada62fa5f58-printmaking

No more than 6 people.

Unfortunately we cannot make refunds. If you signed up but cannot attend, you can open up your slot to someone else by sending an email to jill@sonomacommunitycenter.org. (The payment you made will be a donation to the print program.)

The studio is set up for a variety of printmaking techniques: etching, monotype, relief printing, gel plate printing, and a limited amount of screen printing. If a technique is new to you please take a class first.

Three presses: large electric Griffin etching press, manual Griffin etching press, Dick Blick 999 etching press. Paper soaking sink, work surface, drying rack, soft grounds heating plate, platens, brayers, barens, etching tools, spray bottles, palettes, tear bars, ink spatulas, gel plates, silkscreens, squeegees, tabletop exposure unit, emulsion scoop coater, vertical etching tank. Also tarlaton, newsprint, blotter paper, ferric chloride, aprons, nitrile gloves, baking soda, paper towels, rags, cleaning supplies. Oh, and there is a small Keurig coffee machine.

22” x 30” is the maximum paper size that will fit on the large Griffin press.

Ink and paper are the main things. If you prefer a certain size/type of gloves bring your own. As you gain experience you will most likely accumulate your own supply kit to bring with you when you print.

We recommend you bring your own paper, but if you run out we have a limited supply of Canson Edition paper for sale.

No, you have to take everything with you. Lay an old sheet in the trunk of your car on which to lay your wet prints. Each volunteer monitor receives shelf space and a flat file drawer to store their supplies.

Not yet but we are heading in that direction. Water-soluble inks are highly recommended, and less-toxic solvents, please.

No, due to space constraints, visitors are not allowed in the open studio.

Facemasks are currently not required inside the building. When you enter the studio, fill out the required contact information on the sign-in sheet. To see all of the Sonoma Community Center’s health and safety guidelines Click here for more details.

If you’d like to keep working, check the SignUpGenius to see if there is a slot available. If there is, go ahead and snag it. Otherwise you must clean up and depart in order to make room for the next person. The monitor will remind you that your allotted time is coming to an end.

Keep in mind that the Print Studio is a community-use space. You are responsible for caring for tools and equipment and for cleaning up after yourself. Please plan your project to allow 20 minutes to clean your area and the shared equipment. Let the monitor know that you are leaving.

Yes! Please contact Jill (jill@sonomacommunitycenter.org) if you, or someone you know, would like to donate any of the following:

  • Print drying rack
  • Newsprint
  • Felts (blankets) for printing press
  • Pin press
  • Squeegee rack (wall-mounted)
  • Tower fan
  • Dish drying rack
  • Dish tubs
  • Tongue depressors
  • Small and large brayers

The Sonoma Community Center (the Center) strives to create an inclusive, safe community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The Center is committed to creating such an environment because it brings out the fullest potential in each of us, which, in turn, contributes directly to creating a community of belonging. In order to ensure a positive, safe, and welcoming experience for everyone, all program participants are asked to abide by the following policies, community agreements, and restorative safety protocol.

Financial aid is handled on an individual basis. If you think you qualify, follow the link below to apply.

Date: Every Tuesday and First Three Sundays
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Printmaking Studio

Register Here

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