The Grand River Historical Society & Museum is continuing its Traditional Arts series with a Linocut Printmaking Class on Tuesday, May 6. This hands-on workshop, led by artist Dustin Rennells, will introduce participants to the art of linoleum block carving and printmaking.
The class will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the basement of the Bethel AME Church Museum, located diagonally adjacent to the Grand River Museum. The course fee is $45 for non-members and $40 for lifetime museum members. The fee includes a full printmaking kit with tools and materials needed to continue practicing at home.
Linocut, also known as linoprint, is a form of printmaking similar to traditional woodblock carving but with a modern twist. During the workshop, participants will design an image, transfer it onto a linoleum block, and carve it to create a custom stamp. This technique is ideal for creating handmade cards, wrapping paper, home decor and more.
Attendees must bring an idea for their design, preferably an image with bold areas rather than fine details. Photocopied images work best for transfer, though carbon transfers will be available. Participants may also bring additional materials such as greeting cards, acrylic paint, rubber stamp pads, or pre-washed fabric for printing. Only water-based inks or paints can be used in the studio.
The class is open to beginners and those with some printmaking experience. Rennells, who studied printmaking in college, will guide participants through the process, sharing tips and techniques to ensure successful prints.
The museum launched its Traditional Arts series to promote heritage crafts within its Ron Wilder’s Traditional Arts Center, located beneath the Bethel AME Church Museum. This initiative provides a creative space for artists and the community to explore hands-on art forms.
For those interested in registering for the Linocut Printmaking Class, visit https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/49ed1426-752b-4eed-aa90-7ab70185e80a . Registration is also available for a previous class in the series, Wool Felting, at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/wool-felting-clasS. This class will be held Feb. 19 from 5:30-8 p.m. and is being led by Zelma Cleveland.
Parking for the class is available in front of the basement entrance or along the street. The museum encourages anyone interested in traditional arts to take part in this creative learning opportunity.
Call 660-646-1341 for more information or stop by 1401 Forest Drive in Chillicothe.
