This blog post is part of a new series called “A Tangible Challenge” where each month I take one in-person class related to something I know nothing about. The goal is to step outside my comfort zone and create something new. I am so excited to share this month’s endeavor: printmaking. (Read January’s adventure in pottery; February’s adventure in plants; March’s adventure in mosaic art lamps; April’s adventure in dumplings; May’s adventures in candles; June’s adventure in embroidery; July’s adventure in soap, August’s adventure in painted shells, and September’s adventure in perfume making here.)
On one of my first days at a new job, I realized my office was right next to the AKC Museum of the Dog. I immediately tracked it as a “must visit.” Earlier this year, when I began taking monthly classes, I discovered that the museum does after hours art classes where your ticket includes the admission to wander the exhibits and a class in some art form. I bookmarked it as an “absolute must.”
A lot of their after hours classes were watercolor painting classes—which, while very cool, I felt was pretty similar to my August painted shell class. That’s why I was beyond thrilled to see a new course offering that aligned with my schedule: printmaking.
The event description read: At this Art After Hours, try your hand at printmaking with art educator Jessica Ressler. Relief printmaking is an art process where ink is transferred from a printing plate onto paper. Ink doesn’t go into the places that the artist carved away, similar to a stamp. Design a print of your own furry best friend and learn two different techniques you can then replicate at home. In this class, students will create both fun and abstract prints ready to frame on the wall as well as a collection of custom notecards of your own creation!
It sounded familiar—surely I had done something like this in art class in school. Nevertheless, I was thrilled at the idea of doing something very different than my previous classes. And equally thrilled to do it at the Museum of the Dog! And, one big difference with this class? For the first time, my lovely partner was joining me. My cat-loving partner was joining me at the dog class. I was beside myself with excitement.
We arrived at the Museum of the Dog and were invited to browse the gift shop and gallery on the first floor while they finished setting up on the third level. Just before 6:00, we made our way upstairs and were greeted by about a dozen eager dog lovers, each holding prints of their pets. Thankfully, the museum was able to print our photos for us as that would be an important part of tracing and sketching our print boards.
The instructor went through a bit of history and context on printing and explained how we would be using styrofoam and pens as an easy-to-replicate at home format. Our first task was to create the print block itself. I’d chosen one of my favorite photos of my childhood dog, Carson. He’s been gone for several years now but his picture still dazzles my phone lock screen.
Once we had carved our styrofoam, we were taught how to apply the appropriate amount of paint and retarder onto the mixing surface and then to our applicator and then to our print. We each had colorful paper, notecards, and envelopes to print on to. We had our choice of ink colors though I tended to stick to black and yellow. (He was a golden retriever, after all!) The two hour class flew by in a blip and I found myself lingering at some of the dog exhibits as we made our way to the exit.
This is my tenth month of taking intentional learning into my own hands and stepping out of my comfort zone to try new things. These last 10 months have also served as great opportunities to catch up with friends I may not get to see on a regular basis. Going to this class with my partner (who I live with) added an extra level of variety to what was already a new experience. And, because the museum is in my work neighborhood, I had the added joy of walking the long way and pointing out my favorite lunch spots, outdoor parks, and random memories from the area.
It was fun to welcome him a bit into my world. Come take a class with me. Let me show you where I disappear to every month. Let’s do something unique to our normal life. How lucky I am to be with someone eager to experience with me.
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