News: Summer Silkscreen Classes for Kids and Teens
The AS220 Industries is expanding their course offerings to include classes for children. Printshop Keymember Kara Dunne will be teaching two silkscreen classes in the Printshop in July, one for children ages 8-12 and another for teens. In these classes, students will learn the basics of screen printining and be able to print their own artwork. AS220 Printshop Manager Lara Henderson sat down with Kara Dune to ask her some questions about her upcoming classes.
What can kids expect to learn in this class?
Students will learn the ins and outs of screen-printing, and how to apply the technique to what they want to make. Each student will have their own unique idea of what to print and what to print on; another reason why I love teaching screen-printing to kids and teens. First we will use ‘the old school’ way of printing so that they can use this method at home. Students will focus mainly on the photo-sensitive process of screen-printing- the beautiful and simple process that takes place in the AS220 Printshop. Utilizing the special facilities and materials supplied at the Printshop, the students will develop their drawings and designs onto light sensitive screens with the help of an exposure unit. After they’ve developed their screens, they will learn the proper printing techniques of screen-printing. And then it’s off to the races! And printing printing printing.
What will they get to leave the class with?
They can expect to come home with a box of cool stuff, jam packed with awesome crazy colorful stationary and cards, as well as bright and bold t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, you name it. For wearables, like t-shirts, they just have to bring that stuff in. They can bring in a few boring old white t-shirts they’ve had forever and go home with a brand new wardrobe. The best part is that they will be able to take what they’ve learned about screen-printing, and make their own t-shirts or cards at home. And teach their parents, friends and siblings!
Can you give a background on your experience teaching kids and teens about silkscreen?
I started teaching silk-screen at a summer camp when I was 18. I taught there for many summers. I’ve been teaching both middle school and high school art classes now at a school south of Providence for three years. We don’t have the kind of equipment AS220 has, but the great thing about screen-printing is that you don’t need fancy facilities to make t-shirts and simple prints, you just need patience and time. I love teaching both age groups because they come to their art instruction with such enthusiasm and love for making things they can take home. Both kids and teens desperately seek a way in which to express themselves, and screen-printing is an excellent way for young people to do just that.
In what ways will the two classes (children and teens) be different?
Both classes will make crazy cool t-shirts and stationary. The teen class will go a bit further and address multi-colored printing methods. They will learn how to make a fine art print that has multiple layers. This is of course for them to take home and give to their parents who may be jealous of their crazy cool t-shirts.
Why is screen-printing a great option for kids?
They love that their drawing or design can show up on a t-shirt, on a poster for their room, on a postcard they send out to their friends. There is so much artistic license that comes with screen-printing, and it’s an excellent way for kids to express themselves.
Screen Printing for Teens will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, July 17th and 18th from 2pm to 5pm. Screen Printing for Kids (ages 8-12) will meet on Wednesday and Thursday, July 24th and 25th from 9am to 12pm. To sign up for the classes, visit the shop.as220.org.
News: The AS220 Printshop is recruiting Monitor Members
The AS220 Printshop’s next Monitor Training is Friday, January 25th at 10am, and there are two offerings in February. The Shop Manager will walk you through the multiple areas of the shop and explain the various monitor tasks that happen in each area. Some printmaking experience is helpful. Monitor Members exchange volunteer hours for reduced monthly membership fees. Come learn more about the shop and see if a monitor membership is right for you!
Monitors “staff” the Printshop, providing guidance and support to new users and enabling access for regular monthly members. In addition to monthly dues, Monitors commit to two 4 hr volunteer shifts and participation at 2-3 meetings per month.
Monitor Memberships require a three month commitment.
Every month we schedule two 4 hour free Printshop Monitor trainings. You can find and register for these trainings via AS220′s online store, where they are listed alongside the Printshop’s workshop offerings. Simply select the one that works for you.
LASER CUTTING
Intro to the Laser Cutter – Saturday, October 6, 13 10am-1pm, $80
Learn how to use this tool to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles! This class will cover the basics of using the laser cutter safely, techniques for working with different materials, and the software for preparing work for the cutter.
Laser Cut Acrylic Side Lit Signs and Figurines – Wednesday, September 26, 7-10pm, $40
In this class students will learn about side-lit acrylic. We will discuss the concept, design a project, and build a side lit sign or figurine. Each student will get to make their own side lit acrylic project on the laser cutter.
NEW! Laser Cut Jewelry Making – Monday, October 22, 7-10pm, $40
In this class students will use AS220 Labs’ laser cutter to cut patterns and shapes out of acrylic to make jewelry. Participants will be provided will all the necessary materials to make their very own laser-cut earrings.
Press Fit Construction -Wednesday, October 24, 7-10pm, $40
Make a custom birdhouse, wine rack, or box! Participants will learn about the basics of press fit design using the Lab’s Epilog Mini Laser Cutter. This is a great starting point for students interested in developing their own press fit designs.
Laser Cut Textiles – Saturday and Sunday, November 17 & 18, 1pm-7pm, $120
Learn to laser cut textiles! This machine enables entirely new possibilities from easily cutting pattern pieces to create new textures, functional decorations, dimensional objects, and even etching images or text onto fabric!
Laser Cut Relief Printing – 2 Saturdays, November 3 & 10, 2-6pm, $95
Using the laser cutter in the Labs as a carving tool, prepare wood blocks. At the Printshop, you will print images on the etching press. This is a great opportunity to learn what the laser cutter can do for your work.
Letterpress Label Making – Tuesday, September 25, 6pm–10pm, $35
Print your own labels using the letterpress for canning and home-brewing beer!
3D PRINTING
NEW! Intro to the 3D Printer – 2 Thursdays, September 27 & November 29, 7-10pm, $40
Learn how to use this tool to do rapid 3D prototyping. This class will cover the basics of using the 3D Printer safely, proper techniques, and the software tools for preparing work for the printer.
CNC ROUTING
NEW! Intro to the CNC Router (ShopBot) –
Mondays, September 17 & 24 7-10pm, $80 / Saturdays, October 27 & November 3, 7-10pm, $80
Learn how to use this tool to cut and carve tadalafiltablets into materials up to 4’ x 8’ x 6” in size. This class will cover the basics of using the CNC router safely, techniques for working with different materials, and the software for preparing work for the cutter.
VINYL CUTTING
Sign Making with the Vinyl Cutter – Tuesday, October 9, 7-10pm, $40
In this class, students will learn how to use the Lab’s Roland Desktop Vinyl Cutter by making custom signs. This tool is perfect for any artist or small business owner in need of signage.
NEW! T-Shirt Making with the Vinyl Cutter – Wednesday, November 28 4, 1-4pm, $40
In this class, students will learn how to use the Lab’s Roland Desktop Vinyl Cutter to cut vinyl decals and transfer them onto t-shirts. Students will be supplied with the vinyl material but are required to bring a t-shirt to use for the workshop.
ELECTRONICS
Intro to Soldering – 3 Tuesdays, September 18, October 16, November 13, 7-10pm, $40
Learn how to solder electronics in these introductory workshops. Every month, we offer a new kit for the public to build. Participants will leave with soldering skills and a fancy new gadget. Check the website for kit of the month
Soft Circuits – 2 Saturdays, November 10, 1-4pm, $50 (Brooch) / November 17, 1-4pm, $50 (Bracelet)
This workshop is an introduction to soft circuits, including tips on working with conductive thread and guidance on sewing connections between a light and a battery. You will experiment with conductive everyday objects, like metal beads, to make a flickering felt brooch or an illuminated bracelet. No previous sewing or electronics experience necessary.
NEW! Fabduino – Build your own Arduino Clone – Saturdays, October 20, 27, 10am-1pm, $80
Make your very own Arduino Clone from scratch. Participants will learn the fundamentals of CNC milling while creating copper circuit boards on AS220 Labs’ Roland Modela MDX-20 Milling Machine. The following session will involve powering up and programming a simple program on your new microcontroller.
Electronic Workstation Tool Training – Tuesday, October 23, 6-8pm, $20
Looking for somewhere you can hack away on your electronics projects? We’ll cover all of the electronic workstation equipment – soldering irons, oscilloscopes, function generators, variable power supplies, multimeters, & hand tools.
CRAFT
Intermediate Knitting – Thursdays, October 18, 25, 7-10pm, $80
Learn to knit in the round on double pointed needles, work a rib pattern, and do a basic cable stitch, while creating a pair of hand warmers.
