Story and photos by Hale Foster ‘25
In modern times, some artists take for granted the techniques they use in their work. Painting, drawing, and printing have all been developed for thousands of years to reach their current level of convenience and availability. As the world moves on, some techniques can become lost to time, but in “Cut, Press, Print – Printmaking,” MICDS students tackle printmaking procedures from the past to create beautiful collages and compositions. Taught by Brooke Williams, Upper School Fine Arts Teacher, this course aims to teach students a wide range of printmaking and painting processes, culminating in a final collage book to demonstrate their newly developed skills.
The course curriculum covers numerous printing processes, including relief, gelli prints, linoleum plates, ez-cut, and serigraphy. Students learned first by seeing, then by doing. Ms. Williams prepared video materials and practical demonstrations to highlight every aspect of the different artistic methods. Once students had the necessary background, everyone got to work. “There’s something for everyone,” reflects Isha Bogachenchu ’27. “There are techniques to interest anyone in the class.” Each student worked independently to create their final collage book of their pieces, using whichever processes most intrigued them. On one day, each student could be at a different step along the process or using a new printing method. The amount of creativity and artistic freedom in Ms. William’s classroom is palpable—even the room itself, decorated with materials like paints and stamps, conveys the idea of constant artistic innovation.
Most of the classwork was dedicated to independent work time. The classroom was very quiet during these periods, but the space was always very collaborative, with students sharing insights and tips with each other. Only halfway through the experience, the students had already learned numerous printing techniques. “Right now, I’m making my sketchbook, where I’m going to put all the kinds of printmaking that I’ve done. I just finished dry-point etching, but there are still more prints I plan to add,” shares Gigi Koster ’26 during a work period. Although the late start of Winter Term pushed back some of the course plans, students were still able to produce wonderful pieces and take an in-depth look at the art of printmaking. By the end of the experience, everyone had created something to show off their newfound skills and methods of artistic expression.
