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Print Lab – “Gyotaku” The Art of Fish Printing
In honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival time of year, explore the ancient art of Gyotaku fish printing!
About the Class
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a special pop-up Saturday afternoon Print Lab!
Our mission is to explore a creative arts technique socially with our community. Print Lab is not a traditional class, but an affordable art-making experience. We welcome you to print, play and experiment with an activity to create something unique in our printmaking studio!
In honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival time of year, explore the ancient art of Gyotaku fish printing!
Gyotaku (gyo=fish, taku=rubbing) is a traditional Japanese method of printing fish. This practice dates back to the mid-1800’s, when fishermen wanted a way to document the fish they caught at sea. Pronounced “ghe-yo-tah-koo” the process involves applying inks or pigments directly to the fish, and this inked fish impression is then carefully pressed and rubbed onto paper.
In Japan, fish rubbings became a very accurate way to preserve and record the species and size of a catch. Still popular today as a form of nature printing, it is practiced by sportsmen and artists alike.
Experience a rare demonstration of gyotaku printing and try communal printmaking!
We will have an assortment of real fish “catches” to share and print together. Each participant will have the opportunity to make and take home 2-3 prints using ink and watercolor on Japanese paper.
No printmaking experience is necessary. Light refreshments will be provided.
About your Instructor
Kelly Autumn
Kelly Autumn is an Asian American visual artist and multidisciplinary printmaker based in Sonoma County. Raised in Santa Rosa and deeply rooted in the Bay Area, Kelly is a passionate arts educator with a natural curiosity for combining traditional print methods with an experimental mixed-media approach. Kelly received her BA degree from San Francisco State University and an AA degree in Studio Arts with emphasis in Printmaking from Diablo Valley College. She currently leads the Printmaking Department as a studio instructor and Program Coordinator at the Sonoma Community Center where she enjoys sharing her love of print with folks of all ages. Kelly currently serves on the Board of Directors of the California Society of Printmakers and her work has been featured in various public exhibitions throughout the Bay Area.
https://www.instagram.com/kellyautumn/
www.kellyautumn.com
Membership has its benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
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.
Print Lab – “Gyotaku” The Art of Fish Printing
In honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival time of year, explore the ancient art of Gyotaku fish printing!
Schedule
Saturday, April 11, 2026
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This Session
Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
16, 17 and 18-overRegistration Cost:
$40
Materials Fee:
Included
Total Registration Cost:
$40
