Workshops
Join us at the Bluecoat on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st April for an exciting mix of workshops, perfect for anyone who wants to learn a new printmaking technique. We have six workshops available, each run by a different artist.
All basic materials such as inks, paper, tools and equipment will be provided. Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Attendees must be aged 14+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Saturday 20th April
On Saturday we have linocut printing, screen printing, and upcycled Tetrapak printing workshops available.
Abstract linocut printing with SimmthingCool
Saturday 20th April 2024
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Duration:
90 min
Cost:
£8
Location:
Bluecoat Intaglio Print Studio
Join us for a fun 90 minute linocut taster session with illustrator and printmaker Paul Simm. Within this session you will be introduced to the basics of the linocut process, using patterns and shapes to create a colourful and abstract collaborative print.
Description
During this workshop, Paul will take you through the step-by-step process of linocut printing, demonstrating how you can create a variety of lines, patterns and shapes using the tools provided. You will learn how to use specialised cutting tools to carve a design or pattern of your choice into lino.
Once you’re done carving, Paul will then guide you through the printing process. You will learn how to effectively roll up with ink, align your block, and print your design onto paper. When everyone has completed their tiles, each one can be inked separately and brought together to create a larger collaborative print.
Experience Level
This taster session is the perfect opportunity to try out linocut printing, with no prior experience required.
Attendees must be aged 14+. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
You won’t need to bring anything with you or prepare a design beforehand. You will be encouraged to have fun with your carving, using the session to play with the tools without being too precious about the outcome.
Screen printing with Ada
Saturday 20th April 2024
1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM
Duration:
30 minutes
Cost:
FREE
Location:
Bluecoat Screen Print Studio
Join us for a fun 90 minute screen printing taster session with illustrator and printmaker Ada. Within this session you will be introduced to the basics of the UV screen printing process, pulling your own prints from a selection of exciting designs.
Description
During each 30 minute session, Ada will briefly explain the screen printing process, presenting the tools and materials essential to this printmaking technique. From exposing the mesh screens, to mixing the acrylic paint and printing medium, you’ll learn about each step required to make a screen print.
Ada’s interactive presentation will feature a variety of designs which have been exposed onto the mesh screens, providing insight into the process involved. At the end of the demonstration you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, pulling your own print from the available designs.
Experience Level
This interactive presentation is the perfect opportunity to learn more about screen printing, with no prior experience required.
Upcycled Tetra Pak bird prints with Laura Alice
Saturday 20th April 2024
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Duration:
90 minutes
Cost:
£8
Location:
Bluecoat Intaglio Print Studio
Join us for an exciting introduction to intaglio printmaking with illustrator and printmaker Laura Alice. Within this session you will be introduced to the basics intaglio printmaking, carving repurposed Tetra Pak cartons to create your own bird prints.
Description
During this workshop, Laura will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating your design and carving it into a small Tetra Pak plate. By cutting, scoring, and peeling the plate, you will be able to create fascinating results in your final image.
Once your plate is ready, Laura will demonstrate how to effectively ink up your plate using intaglio inks, before aligning it on paper and carefully running it through the printing press.
By repurposing Tetra Pak cartons for printmaking, you not only create unique artworks but also contribute to reducing waste through recycling and upcycling.
Experience Level
This workshop is a great introduction to the intaglio process, suitable for both complete beginners or experienced printmakers who want to experiment with a new technique.
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
To make the most of the 90 minutes, you may want to prepare a sketch or a rough idea of the design you’d like to create on the day. Reference materials will be provided however, so this isn’t a requirement.
Sunday 21st April
On Sunday we have linocut printing, screen printing, and upcycled Tetrapak printing workshops available.
Carve your own Ex Libris with A.M. Doherty
Sunday 21st April 2024
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Duration:
90 min
Cost:
£8
Location:
Bluecoat Intaglio Print Studio
Join us for this engaging 90 minute linocut taster session with fine art printmaker Anthony Doherty. Within this session you will be introduced to the basics of the linocut process, creating a personalised bookplate to take home with you.
Description
During the workshop, Anthony will take you through the step-by-step process of linocut printing, starting with tracing your own initials and transferring them onto a lino block. You will learn how to use specialised cutting tools, carefully carving your initials into the block.
Once your block is ready, Anthony will demonstrate the technique of jigsaw printing, combining your block with a pre-cut bookplate design. You will learn how to effectively roll up with ink, align with your paper, and safely use the printing press to print your bookplate.
Experience Level
This taster session is the perfect opportunity to try out linocut printing, with no prior experience required.
Do I need to prepare beforehand?
To make the most of the 90 minutes, you may want to prepare a sketch or a rough idea of the design you’d like to create using your initials on the day. Reference materials will be provided however, so this isn’t a requirement.
Screen printed postcards with Things By Us
Sunday 21st April 2024
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Duration:
90 minutes
Cost:
FREE
Location:
Outside the Performance Space
Drop in session.
No booking required.
Print your own Liverpool themed postcard at Liverpool Print Fair. This is a great opportunity to have a go at screen printing, choosing from a selection of illustrations and typography designed by Things By Us.
Description
During this session, a member of the Liverpool Print Fair team will be located outside the Performance Space with screens, paints and blank postcards ready for you to print onto.
You will have the opportunity to select an option from a variety of fun illustrations, based around a Liverpool theme. Under the team’s guidance, you will be able to pull the screen yourself and create your own screen printed postcard.
Once the first layer has dried, you can also choose from a selection of Liverpool themed phrases to print over your chosen illustration.
While you’re waiting for the paint to dry completely, you can leave your postcard with us and take the opportunity to browse the stalls full of handmade prints in the Performance Space.
Experience Level
No prior experience required.
Japanese woodblock printing with CuriousInkyMe
Sunday 21st April 2024
2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM
Duration:
30 minutes
Cost:
FREE
Location:
Bluecoat Intaglio Print Studio
Discover the art of traditional Japanese woodblock printing, known as Mokuhanga, with fine art printmaker CuriousInkyMe. In this session you will be introduced to the intricate process of Mokuhanga, and guided through each step of the process, discovering its rich history and contemporary applications.
Description
During the session, CuriousInkyMe will showcase each step of the Mokuhanga process, presenting the tools and materials essential to this printmaking technique. From the hangito knife used for carving to the vibrant watercolours and inks, you’ll witness firsthand the magic of creating art through woodblock printing.
CuriousInkyMe’s interactive presentation will feature a display of carvings and work-in-progress pieces, providing insight into the techniques involved. At the end of the demonstration you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, producing your own print from a pre-prepared carving.
Mokuhanga is perfect for anyone interested in a non-toxic, table-top printmaking technique. It has a rich history in Japanese art and has been used to create a wide range of prints, including ukiyo-e (woodblock prints of the Edo period), as well as contemporary works by artists around the world. It continues to be practised and celebrated for its intricate beauty and unique process.
Experience Level
This interactive presentation is the perfect opportunity to learn more about woodblock printing, with no prior experience required.
Sponsors
Many of the things at our fair just wouldn’t be possible without the support of our fantastic sponsors and the venues we’ve worked with so far.
Our workshops are sponsored by Cass Art Liverpool and Essdee, who have both provided materials for these workshops.
We also want to thank the artists running workshops for us: