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Classes at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative
Morning! Multi-Block Relief
with Lauren Steinert
Wednesdays, April 1 – April 22nd, 2026
4 Weeks, 8:30am-11:30am
Cost: $250Description
The CPC is so excited to offer a morning Multi-Block Relief Printmaking class!
Using carving tools, students will learn how to make linoleum and/or woodcut prints with both hand-printing methods as well as on the press. This class will go over how to create a multi-colored print with two or more blocks. Open to all levels of experience from beginner to advanced. The class will cover carving, designing imagery, and printing along with tricks and techniques on how to create a wonderful multi-block print! A supply list will be provided prior to the first class.
Rocker’s Delight: Mezzotint Special
with Duffy O’Connor
Thursdays, April 9 – May 28, 2026
8 weeks, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Cost: $375Description
Experience the sublime beauty of the mezzotint technique with Duffy O'Connor at the CPC. Learn to use the rocking tool, scraper, burnisher, and scribe to produce beautiful, atmospheric intaglio prints! Technically challenging but just as rewarding!
Some supplies will be covered and others you will need to purchase. A supply list will be provided prior to the first class.
Description
In this class, students will have the opportunity to create individual and collaborative handprinted posters using text. Students will print their letterpress images onto paper with an etching press in this exciting one-day workshop. All experience levels are welcome!
Most supplies will be provided for students in this class. A supplies list will be emailed prior to the first class.
The Polvo Eres’ movable-type system is a self-designed/assembled tool collection composed by two sizes of letters and a handmade sorting system, crafted specifically for letterpress collective use. This alternative letterpress method purposes an alternative approach to the letterpress possibilities, making the access to the technique easier for the participants to efficiently print a letterpress poster.
This methodology was at the core of the foundation of student groups, has made possible a variety of workshops and has had a transformative impact in educational/artistic communities in the cities of Chicago and Bogota.
The process of elaborating a lock-up (letterpress composition), hand-inking the letters, printing the posters, pulling the prints and sharing them with others, creating a space of circulation, introducing transformative ways to approach language, promoting freedom of speech, voices visualization, and community building. Poster making laboratories facilitate the possibility of making an artistic object (poster), and offers visual similarities, while the originality of every poster produces contrast among the results. This artistic laboratory encourages the consolidation of democratic values and intends to produce peaceful and constructive discussion and brainstorming about the issues concerning collective and individual experiences in society. The combination of the playfulness of the medium and the authenticity and intention of the messages make powerful this possibility of expression.
Description
The CPC is excited to offer students a class that will create a great sense of relief with reductive relief printmaking!
Using carving tools, students will learn how to make linoleum and/or woodcut prints with both hand-printing methods as well as on the press. Students will enjoy the wonder of carving continuously from one block to create a multi-layered print. All experience levels are welcome and beginners will be guided through the basics of carving and printing while intermediate and advanced students will be able to dive right into carving their blocks. A supply list will be provided prior to the first class.
Monotype through Drawing
with Sarah Smelser
Saturday April 25 & Sunday April 26, 2026
2 days, 11am-5pm
Cost: $325Description
Want to make monotypes but prefer drawing to painting? Don’t have a press? Explore trace monotype, which allows an artist to work with the specific vocabulary of drawing while making one-of-a-kind prints. One can use trace monotype to make finished works, or as the beginnings of collages, mixed media works, or installation. Trace monotype is portable, low-tech, safe, and invites possibilities for plein air printmaking.
In this weekend workshop, students will also use an etching press to stencil print, counterproof, and ghost print to augment their images and add pattern or passages of color.
Accessible and unique, this technique is for artists of varied experience, from beginning drawing students to seasoned printmakers. A supply list will be emailed prior to the first class.
Description
Learn to make screen prints that look like watercolors without the need of a darkroom and exposure unit! Join us at the CPC for a day of inky fun.
All experience levels are welcome–you don’t need prior screen experience for this class. Screens, squeegees, watercolor materials, and cleaning supplies will be provided. You will only need to bring the paper you want to print on!
Description
Using carving tools, students will learn how to make linoleum and woodcut prints with both hand-printing methods as well as on the press. This class will include both exercises and step-by-step instruction to guide beginners through this medium. Anyone with previous experience will be supported in developing their ideas and learning more advanced techniques such as multi-block and reduction printing. A supply list will be provided prior to the first class.
Duffy O’Connor
Primarily an etcher, Duffy O’Connor also teaches relief printmaking and screenprinting. He offers private and small group sessions (up to three students) in intaglio processes (etching, drypoint, mezzotint, engraving), relief processes (woodcut, linocut, wood engraving), and screenprinting using photosensitive process or working directly on the screen.
To book with Duffy, please email: duffy@duffyoconnor.com
Description
Duffy O'Connor is an artist and educator residing in Chicago since 1999. Holding a bachelor's degree in History from Grand Valley State University and is a graduate of the University of Iowa's School of Art and Art History with a Master of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking. Mr. O'Connor has been a member of the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative since the year 2000. In addition to the Printmakers Collaborative, Mr. O'Connor teaches art and design at Harper College and drawing and printmaking classes at the Evanston Art Center.
Kim Laurel
Kim Laurel teaches private and small group sessions (up to three students) in Monoprint, Monotype, Gelatin/Gelli Plate, Collagraph, Collage and specialty techniques on a per-request basis both on and off the press. Classes are offered in 3-hour sessions. For more unique requests please inquire.
To book with Kim, please email: info@chicagoprintmakers.com
Description
Kim Laurel is an artist and graphic designer originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She studied at Oberlin College, The Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University and received her Masters Degree from Illinois State University. One of the original members of CPC, Kim has exhibited her work internationally and her works are part of both public and private collections.
Work Sessions
If you have a basic understanding of printmaking and don’t need how-to instruction (or if you’re a student looking for extra shop time) work sessions are for you! A shop member will be on site to help you find what you need; otherwise, you are expected to work independently. A prior private lesson, group class, or brief portfolio review may be necessary to ensure that you are capable of using the equipment.
Work sessions are available in the following techniques: Etching, Photoetching, Lithography (stone, plate, and paper), Screenprinting, Relief (woodcut and linoleum), Bookmaking, Collograph, and Monoprint.
Description
To inquire about a work session, email info@chicagoprintmakers.com with a description of what you'll be working on, as well as a brief description of your experience in the medium and ability to work independently.
Work sessions are currently only available to be scheduled on Sundays from 11-3 pm.
Work Session Rates:
- 3 hours ($45)
- 4 hours ($50)
- +$5 charge for using CPC emulsion for screenprinting
$275