Foam Block Printing with Bill Mitchell

Description

Join us at the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm for a Foam Block Printing Basics Class with juried artist William Mitchell. Dover printmaker Bill Mitchell will guide you in exploring a fun and easy block printing process with low cost foam blocks. In this workshop you will learn how to carve into foam materials with simple drawing tools to create a stamp-like block that can be repeatedly ink and printed. Students are welcome to bring a simple sketch idea no larger than 5x7 to help prepare their screen. The class will provide all materials to use, but an apron or old clothes is recommended. The workshop is suitable for all levels of experience. About the Artist: William Mitchell is a printmaker and painter who lives in Dover, New Hampshire. Originally from Catskill, NY, William received his B.A. from the State University College at Oneonta NY and later studied at the Boston Museum School. In 2007 William completed graduate studies at the University of New Hampshire receiving a Master's in Education. William has been a juried printmaker in the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen since 1991 and is a listed artist in Who’s Who in America. William’s work is included in many private and corporate collections. Some of his limited edition holiday greeting cards are included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum. William Mitchell has a strong affinity for New Hampshire's lakes, rivers, and mountains, and that love of the outdoors is evident in every one of his hand-made serigraph (silkscreen) prints. An avid hiker and skier, William is intimately familiar with many of New Hampshire's most beautiful places, and through his prints, he is able to depict that beauty in a way that makes those places seem both familiar and brand new. While most people think of silk screen prints as being composed of straight lines and solid blocks of color, William's prints show the hand of a skilled painter. In fact, many of his prints got their start in the paintings that serve as his initial "sketches." In addition to their flowing lines, William's prints are known for their striking use of color. His prints are bold and bright; there is nothing tentative or hesitant about William's work. And in the combination of his painter's hand and his vivid palate, William is able to put on paper the joy and reverence he feels for the New Hampshire landscape. William writes: “the beauty of New Hampshire continually moves me. Many people feel a personal connection with my prints because they depict some of their favorite places. I hope the inspiration I receive from such vistas are protected now and forever. William was a art teacher at Pittsfield Middle High School for many years, retiring in 2020. William and his wife Mary have made Dover, NH their home since 1983. Tuition is $45.00 per student. All materials will be included. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Those who wish to take the class MUST sign up by Monday, June 10th. To register for this workshop call the League of NH Craftsmen – Meredith Fine Craft Gallery at (603) 279-7920 or visit the Gallery at 279 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith. For more details, visit our website at http://meredith.nhcrafts.org/classes/ and our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/nhcraft/