Printing and Bookmaking

Picasso and the Fearless Print!

Fenella Belle, Instructor of Art, Piedmont Virginia Community College

Picasso was not only a prolific artist, but also a fearless one! Throughout his long life, he was constantly trying new ideas and techniques. One of these fun techniques is the reduction print, which provides a quick introduction to relief printmaking and color layering. The print is designed in advance, and then slowly carved and printed in a succession that produces a final multi-colored print and a fully exhausted carving block. Since there is no "reverse," reduction printing rewards both careful planning and spontaneous problem solving!

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment.
Available: July 2011 – June 2013
Audience: High School through Adult
Enrollment: Maximum 15
Facilities needed: Nearby sink with hot water, tables that can be covered, no carpets.

Exploring the Mellon Collection: I Spy Through Edgar Degas' Eye

Donna Drozda, Painter, Author, and Educator

This workshop begins with a slide-and-poster-talk introduction to works by Edgar Degas from the VMFA Paul Mellon Collection. Students create Degas-inspired drawings that they transfer to print blocks. They make relief cuts from the transferred drawings using block printing gouges and produce hand-rubbed black ink prints on colored stock.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is supported by the Paul Mellon Endowment.
Available: July 2011 – June 2013
Audience: 3rd grade – 8th grade
Enrollment: 10 – 20 participants

The Sculptural Book

Rachel Sawan White, Art and Design Faculty, Orchard House School

This workshop is designed for people who like to try something new. Students break through the traditional concept of "book" and explore new ways of thinking about bound materials. Traditional basics such as stitches and folding are demonstrated. The only limit to the possibilities is the imagination of the student. Students are encouraged to bring any items that may spark their creativity. Anything from metal bolts and tree bark to CD cases and duct tape can be used to create a unique and exciting book.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Available: July 2011 – June 2013
Audience: High School through Adult
Enrollment: 5 –15 participants

Beauty in Small Forms: Japanese Book Binding

Jennifer Van Winkle, Artist and Arts Choreographer

Craftsmanship first. Learn to finesse precision and find out how to hold loose pages together. In this workshop, participants learn about the historical importance of craftsmanship to the Japanese culture by viewing images of VMFA's scrolls and screens from the East Asian Collection. Participants also learn about the history of Japanese bookbinding and view images of book art. Then participants have the opportunity to explore craftsmanship by creating four small books using basic Japanese book binding techniques. A variety of papers are used including decorative rice papers. Books can be used for drawing or writing. Participants create a box to store the books.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships, and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Available: July 2011 – June 2013
Audience: High school through Adult
Enrollment: 5 – 20 participants

Sketchbook: Constructing and Content

Robyn Raines, Artist

This workshop is a combination of bookbinding and idea generation. We begin with learning and preparing the basic parts of a sketchbook, as well as discussing the importance of keeping a sketchbook. Then, as we begin to bind the textblock, we will do several content-based exercises to “get those creative juices flowing.” At the end of the day, students will leave with a hand-made sketchbook and new ideas to take back to their workspace and turn into masterpieces.

This program has been organized by the VMFA Office of Statewide Partnerships and is funded, in part, by the Jean Stafford Camp Memorial Fund.
Available: November 2011 – June 2013
Audience: High School through Adult
Enrollment: minimum 10, maximum 15