Screenprinting is the process of using a stencil on a stretched, fine mesh and pressing ink through the mesh. There are two types of youth screen classes we offer at Highpoint, each focusing on different ways to create an image using a screen. Both classes use acrylic screen ink, and prints can be made on paper or cloth.
Emulsion Screenprinting
For this class, students will create a drawing on frosted Dura-lar or use our classroom printer to print a digital positive. Screens are coated with a photosensitive emulsion, and then the positives are used to expose an image to the screen. The unexposed emulsion is washed out, leaving the image on the screen. This is the most common form of screenprint, as similar methods are used for commercial screenprinting. It is the most intensive of the processes we offer.
Single layer (3 hours) - $25 per participant, with a maximum of 12 students.
Two-layer (5 hours) - $35 per participant, with a maximum of 12 students.
Contact Paper Screenprinting
The second type of class uses a contact paper stencil. Students cut out a stencil using matte sticky paper, which is adhered to a screen. Ink is then squeegeed through the stencil to create the print. This is an excellent, nontoxic introduction to screenprinting and is recommended for younger or beginning students.
Single-layer (3 hours) - $22 per participant, with a maximum of 12 students. The maximum can be extended to 24 students if students pair up on images.
Two-layer (5 hours) - $32 per participant, with a maximum of 12 students. The maximum can be extended to 24 students if students pair up on images.
Techniques and concepts learned during this process include:
Use of positive and negative space
How to utilize the print studio safely
How to prepare a screen for printing
How to clean and maintain screens and the print studio
How to edition a print
Recommended for ages 14 and up.
If you are looking for more information or to schedule a class, please email education@highpointprintmaking.org
