Art Explorers: Printmaking (Grades 3 - 6)

An exploration of texture and surface using found object textures and stencils where older students will work collaboratively to create a suite of prints that employ multiple colors and registering (lining up) multiple runs to create a layered print. Activity Objectives: Students will have a few minutes to investigate multiple surfaces and textures including fabric, natural materials like leaves and feathers, as well as pre-cut stencils and develop an abstract design. Students will then lay out their design onto a Gelli-plate monoprint plate and create a simple registration jig to line up multiple runs of color onto the same image. Then students will work collaboratively rolling different layers of ink onto the Gelli-plate surface and using the found textures and stencils to create a variable edition of prints and learn a printmaking process that is fun, inventive, and doesn’t require a printing press at home!