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Mixed media collage with cactuses and patterned-designs
Image Credit

Artwork courtesy of Alanna Austin

Printmaking: Relief Carving with Intuitive Patterns

February 28 – April 3, 2024, 1:30-3:30 pm

Utilizing traditional techniques of carving, we will be working with linoleum to put a contemporary twist on a classic medium of printmaking. Within this class, you will reflect on line, shape, pattern, and repetition to begin to understand layering in relief. Relief traditionally began in Japan with prints like the "Great Wave". Students will take traditional pattern elements and build on printmaking's ability to develop layers to create a series of one-of-a-kind prints. What you will learn can be carried on and done even at your own home after the 6-week class is done!

This class is part of the Winter/Spring 2024 semester of Creative Classes. Registration opens at 10 am MST on the following dates: November 8 for Museum Friends, November 9 for all members, and November 10 to the public. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

February 28 – April 3, 2024, 1:30-3:30 pm
Creative Hub—Martin Building, Level 1
Ticket required, discount for members and Museum Friends
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Class Pricing

  • Non-Members: $240
  • Members: $205
  • Museum Friends: $195

Students will purchase their own materials and should expect to spend $40-80.

Become a member and receive free general admission for one year as well as discounts on events and programs, such as Creative Classes.

Class Details

Location

This class will meet every Wednesday between February 28 and April 3, 2024, from 1:30 am to 3:30 pm. Creative Classes are held in the DAM’s state-of-the-art classrooms, located inside the Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center on level 1 of the Martin Building.

Class Cancellation Policy

If a class or workshop needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather or teacher illness, a “make-up” day will be scheduled on a Friday or Saturday as the educator’s schedule allows.

What to Expect

Students will be working on small 4” x 6” pieces of linoleum and carving 6 plates that you will use to create intuitive patterns and shapes. The patterns and shapes can be anything abstract or identifiable, it just needs to consist of a repeating pattern. Utilizing the gardens and spending time in the museum, we will identify repeating patterns that each student is drawn to and develop imagery and creative relief monotypes.

Timeline

  • Week One: Starting with basics! Introduction to relief printmaking.
  • Week Two: Students will learn how to transfer images onto the linoleum and how to safely carve into the surface.
  • Week Three: Learning the printing press. Continue carving plates.
  • Week Four: Printing Week! Students will set up presses and begin printing and layering imagery. Monotype discussion.
  • Week Five: Printing Week! Students will have this class to continue to print and develop their imagery and color layers.
  • Week Six: Final printing time. Informal celebration and critique, sharing your prints with the class.
Cal Duran standing in his studio

About the Educator

Cal Duran is an artist and art educator focusing on connecting with his ancestors from an Indigenous and Latinx background. His work often explores parallels between hybrid identities found in myth, religion, and ritual. Duran has shown altars, installations and artwork in museums and galleries throughout the Denver Metro area and beyond. He continues to honor his ancestors and recently created a room at Meow Wolf in Denver, honoring the indigenous tribes of Colorado and the Americas.

Group of guests in a Creative Classes in the Creative Hub

Creative Classes

Connect with professional creatives, learn a new skill, and expand your own creative practice in 1-day, 4-week, and 6-week creative classes at the Denver Art Museum. These classes are taught by practicing artists in a studio art environment in the Creative Hub, located on level 1 of the Martin Building.