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Introduction to Etching
About the Class
Join us in this popular two-session workshop! Learn the basics of etching using a copper plate. This 500-year-old printmaking process was used by masters such as Rembrandt, Dürer, Chagall, and Goya. These two-consecutive weekend workshops will focus on using copper to create intaglio prints. During the first meeting you will learn how to prepare the plate, design your image, and use an etching needle to draw into your copper. Between sessions, the instructor will immerse your plate into the etchant solution. At the second meeting you will learn how to ink your plate, soak the paper, and train to use the printing press. You will complete the class with the familiarity of working on copper and creating your own one-color, hand-pulled intaglio prints. You will also own your etched copper plate and gain the experience to continue working independently during sessions of Printmaking Open Studio. You will learn about paper, tools, and inks used in this process. No prior printmaking experience is required. All levels are welcome, and prior etching students are welcome to attend for a refresher course. Supplies are provided through the materials fee, but you are welcome to bring small sketches or photos as inspiration.
Please note: This class requires some hand dexterity to maneuver the etching tools. Participants should feel comfortable using tools with sharp edges.
About your Instructor
Dennis Ahearn
Dennis Ahearn is a multidisciplinary artist and printmaker. He received his BFA in Studio Art Ceramics from the University of Central Florida in 2004 and his MFA in Printmaking from Tyler School of Art at Temple University in 2007. During his time at Tyler, he spent one year at their campus in Rome, Italy. From 2007-2019 he was a full-time Lecturer at the University of Central Florida where he taught all levels of printmaking, drawing, and design. Dennis uses painting, drawing, and printmaking to combine art with text and creates deeply personal images. He lives and works in Santa Rosa, California with his wife and two young children.
www.dennisahearn.com
Location
Schedule
Sundays, October 5 & 12, 2025
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
This Session
October 5, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Experience Level
BeginningAges
Adults
Adults
$165 registration fee
$45 materials fee
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
