Printing Workshops

• Engaging communities within the LEADER+ area to learn an old form of printing, using modern techniques
• Developing creativity through fine art printmaking
• Extending participation to those who do not often take part in art activities, including the disabled and elderly

“Intaglio” is a generic term for etching, engraving, drypoint and other traditional printmaking techniques that have been central to European visual culture for the past 500 years.

The workshops were aimed at adults of all ages and abilities and also at GCSE and A-Level students. They were suitable for artists and non-artists alike. Participants did not need any previous printmaking or art experience. The workshops also appealed to people who would like to refresh a rusty knowledge of Intaglio printmaking.

Mike Clements, the Trust’s printmaking tutor, ran the introductory workshops in Intaglio printmaking with groups throughout the LEADER+ parishes, over the course of two years. A portable etching press was taken to community centres, museums, galleries, secondary schools and parish/village halls.

The outreach element of this project allowed more people to access the workshops, including those who may not consider themselves “arty”, and also cut down on fuel costs and pollution within the county by taking the workshop into the community, rather than only having workshops run at The Rodd (the Sidney Nolan Trust headquarters near Presteigne). All of the equipment necessary was brought to the workshop by the Trust. Groups were kept small, up to 10 people per workshop.

As well as learning Intaglio printmaking techniques, participants looked into the links between people and the Herefordshire Rivers, discussed their local river environment (how it effected them and how they could contribute to its sustainability), and focused their artistic creativity on these issues.

The Trust also offered mentoring, by the printmaking tutor, for a small number of trainees interested in gaining experience in running art workshops. The printmaking tutor is experienced in providing mentoring guidance.

Follow-up sessions will be run at the Trust’s print studio, located at The Rodd, to provide outreach participants the chance to develop their printmaking skills and creativity. Sessions run during the course of 2006 and 2007 will carry on with this river-focused theme.

A photographer was present at a selection of workshops to document the outreach project. The artwork created and photographs taken from the sessions were displayed at the Trust’s exhibitions, which are attended by hundreds of people every year. The exhibition curator  presented the work in a way that encouraged visitors to think about the county’s river environments and sustainability – using visual art to further public debate on the environmental issues concerning Herefordshire’s rivers.

Anthony Plant
The Sidney Nolan Trust
The Rodd
Presteigne
Powys
LD8 2LL
Tel: (01544) 267362
Email: sidneynolantrust@therodd.org

Mike Clements
Printmaking Tutor
Email: sidneynolantrust@therodd.org

Website: www.sidneynolantrust.org.uk