Printmaking Playground

In this hands-on and idea-driven course, you’ll be encouraged to develop your own visual language—symbols, images, and icons that reflect your personal stories or artistic direction. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to a variety of printmaking techniques, from screen printing to woodblock, drypoint, collagraph, and monotype.

With guidance from two experienced tutors, you’ll get the chance to experiment, play, and refine your work, all while collaborating, sharing feedback, and building your creative confidence in a welcoming, well-equipped printmaking studio.

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ How to generate your own creative ideas and translate them into visual forms
✔️ How to develop a personal ‘visual language’ through icons and symbols
✔️ Hands-on techniques in a range of printmaking methods including:
✔️ Woodblock
✔️ Screen printing
✔️ Drypoint
✔️ Collagraph
✔️ Monotype
✔️ How to safely and confidently use studio tools and materials
✔️ How to work independently while benefiting from peer collaboration and feedback

What You’ll Create:

Throughout this course, you’ll make a range of experimental and finished pieces, including:

• A collaborative print created with the group
• A sample book of your explorations
• A repeating design on fabric
• A poster print of your own design
• Heaps of personal test prints and process pieces

This course is not about rushing to a perfect result—it’s about exploration, learning, and finding your creative rhythm.

Course Structure:

Weeks 1–2: Collaborative woodcut printing, idea development & group sharing
Weeks 3–6: Personal project planning & technique-based skill building
Week 4: Printmaking shop open for purchasing additional materials
Week 7: Final project completion & group reflection

Each week will offer space to try new processes, share your work, and get supportive feedback from tutors and classmates.

Why Join This Class?

Whether you're just starting your creative journey or looking to experiment in new directions, this class is an open, playful, and supportive environment for anyone wanting to make meaning through print.

✔️ No experience needed – beginners welcome
✔️ Explore a wide range of printmaking styles
✔️ Work at your own pace with tutor support
✔️ Discover how to turn your personal ideas into powerful visual forms
✔️ Build studio confidence with safe, expert instruction
✔️ Connect with like-minded creatives in a collaborative studio

Is This Workshop Right for Me?

This course is for anyone who’s curious, open-minded, and ready to explore. If you’re motivated by ideas, images, and process, you’ll thrive here—whether you’re new to printmaking or want to deepen your creative approach.

Meet Your Tutors:

Marci Tackett and Linda Smith are seasoned artists and printmakers with decades of combined teaching experience. Marci is a globally exhibited printmaker and a multi-time finalist in the NZ Painting and Printmaking Awards. Linda brings extensive expertise in both the technical and conceptual aspects of printmaking. Together, they offer a dynamic and deeply supportive learning environment where experimentation and individual growth are at the heart of the process.

What Do I Need to Bring?

• Inspirational materials – e.g., sketches, symbols, images, or ideas you'd like to explore
• Additional materials may be required later in the term depending on your chosen project 

What Will Be Provided?

• Basic materials and access to the printmaking studio
• Tools and supplies for the early project stages

When is this course?

This course consists of 8 sessions. The sessions are held on Fridays, 2nd May to 27th June, from 10AM to 1PM. (Please note there will be no class on the 20th of June due to a Public Holiday).