Gel Printing with Drawing Media
Date: Saturday, April 4, from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm
Fee: $125/ discount with member code
Ages: 16+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studio 1 & 2
In this workshop, students will learn how to use various drawing media with a gel plate for printmaking. We’ll draw directly on our plates using acrylic and water-based markers and try transfer techniques using oil pastels and graphite.
This class is intended for students who have already taken a beginning gel printing workshop or have some experience using a gel plate.
Dress for mess!
All supplies included.
Gel Printing with Botanicals
Date: Sunday, May 3 from 12 pm - 3 pm
Fee: $115 discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studio 1 & 2
In this workshop, students will be introduced to Gel Plate Printmaking using an 8" x 10" gel plate and acrylic paint. We’ll learn to work with leaves, ferns, branches, and flowers to build unique botanical gel prints. Our goal will be to create botanical monoprints and monotypes that can stand on their own, but gel-printed papers are also excellent material for collages, cards, art journals, or other mixed-media projects.
Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, gel printing has a minimal setup and does not require the use of a press, making it possible to do it from almost anywhere.
Students will learn:
A basic understanding of how paints and papers may impact gel prints, including thick vs. thin papers, opaque vs. transparent layers, and “What is the right amount of paint?”
• How to use botanical items, such as leaves, ferns, and flowers as textures and masks for gel printing.
• How to clean, care for, and store a gel printing plate.
All supplies are included, but an apron is recommended. Please dress for mess!
Gel Printing with Botanicals
Date: Sunday, June 7 from 12 pm - 3 pm
Fee: $115 discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studios 1 and 2
In this workshop, students will be introduced to Gel Plate Printmaking using an 8" x 10" gel plate and acrylic paint. We’ll learn to work with leaves, ferns, branches, and flowers to build unique botanical gel prints. Our goal will be to create botanical monoprints and monotypes that can stand on their own, but gel-printed papers are also excellent material for collages, cards, art journals, or other mixed-media projects.
Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, gel printing has a minimal setup and does not require the use of a press, making it possible to do it from almost anywhere.
Students will learn:
A basic understanding of how paints and papers may impact gel prints, including thick vs. thin papers, opaque vs. transparent layers, and “What is the right amount of paint?”
• How to use botanical items, such as leaves, ferns, and flowers as textures and masks for gel printing.
• How to clean, care for, and store a gel printing plate.
All supplies are included, but an apron is recommended. Please dress for mess!
Scholarships through the City of Everett are available for all Sorticulture classes! To apply, please fill out our form here!
Intro to Gel Plate Printmaking
Date: Saturday, July 11, from 12:00-4:00 pm
Fee: $120/ discount with member code
Ages: 16+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studios 1 and 2
Learn how to create unique monoprints without a press using a gel printing plate. In this class, we'll use an 8" x 10" gel plate with acrylic paint, found textures, and DIY stencils and stamps. We'll work to create prints that can stand on their own, but gel-printed papers are also wonderful for collages, cards, art journals, or other mixed-media projects.
Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, gel printing has minimal setup and is easy to do almost anywhere.
Students will learn:
Techniques for creating layered prints using a gel plate and acrylic paint.
How to use homemade stencils/masks and found objects to create interesting textures in your prints.
A basic understanding of how different paints and papers may impact your finished prints.
How to use, care for, and store a gel printing plate.
Students will create monoprints and a variety of printed papers using a gel plate. These prints may also be used for collages, cards, art journals, or other mixed-media projects.
All supplies are included, but an apron is recommended. Please dress for mess!
Gel Printing with Botanicals
Date: Saturday, August 22, from 12 pm - 3 pm
Fee: $115 discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studios 1 and 2
In this workshop, students will be introduced to Gel Plate Printmaking using an 8" x 10" gel plate and acrylic paint. We’ll learn to work with leaves, ferns, branches, and flowers to build unique botanical gel prints. Our goal will be to create botanical monoprints and monotypes that can stand on their own, but gel-printed papers are also excellent material for collages, cards, art journals, or other mixed-media projects.
Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, gel printing has a minimal setup and does not require the use of a press, making it possible to do it from almost anywhere.
Students will learn:
A basic understanding of how paints and papers may impact gel prints, including thick vs. thin papers, opaque vs. transparent layers, and “What is the right amount of paint?”
• How to use botanical items, such as leaves, ferns, and flowers as textures and masks for gel printing.
• How to clean, care for, and store a gel printing plate.
All supplies are included, but an apron is recommended. Please dress for mess!
Gel Printing: From Play to Plan
Date: Saturday & Sunday, September 19 - 20, from 10 am to 4 pm
Fee: $295/discount with member code
Ages: 18+
Levels: Beginning/Intermediate
Sessions: 2
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Schack Art Center, Studios 1 and 2
In this two-day workshop, students will explore the creative possibilities of gel plate printmaking using an 8” × 10” gel plate. We’ll begin by experimenting with the playful, spontaneous side of the process—layering colors, textures, and marks to discover how this versatile, non-traditional printing method works.
Once everyone becomes comfortable with the materials and techniques, we’ll shift toward a more intentional approach, using our prints to build layered abstract compositions. Along the way, students will learn how to create depth, balance, and visual interest through thoughtful color choices, pattern, and texture.
This class encourages curiosity and experimentation while also guiding students toward developing their own unique visual language. By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a collection of vibrant prints and a deeper understanding of how to combine spontaneity with design.
While some gel plate printmaking experience may be helpful, it is not required to fully participate in this workshop.
All supplies are provided by the instructor, but an apron and sketchbook are recommended.
There will be a 30-minute lunch break each day.
Botanical Gel Printing: Christmas Trees
Date: Sunday, November 30 from 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Fee: $90/ member discount with member code
Ages: 13+
Levels: All
Sessions: 1
Instructor: Maren Oates
Location: Studio 1
In this workshop, students will use ferns, leaves, and branches (real and fake) to create a variety of botanical gel prints that mimic the look of Christmas trees.
Students will leave with festive prints that could be used on holiday cards, gift bags, wrapping, or tags. The instructor will also provide each student with 4 card blanks and envelopes to print on during class or to take home for future use.
Unlike many traditional printmaking techniques, gel printing has a minimal setup and does not require the use of a press, making it possible to do it from almost anywhere.
No prior gel printing experience is required.
All supplies provided.
