An Intro to Screen-printing for Fabric

In Introduction to Screen-printing for Fabric, students acquire technical proficiency in foundational stencil printing methods. Individual exploration and development in the medium is encouraged and supported by individual instruction and group critiques. Drawing will be used as a process to access students’ ideas and expand their visual vocabulary. Screen-printing on fabric then becomes an extension of the drawing process, infusing a richness of surface, color, texture, and layering to the final artwork.

A strong emphasis will be placed on challenging the notions of scale, site (where the artwork is displayed), and textiles typically used for screen-printing. Other topics may include the use of multiples, editions, and the connection between print and collage.

Students will design and complete an individual project or small body of work, culminating in a final printmedia show, with a sale of artworks for those students who wish to sell their work.

The final exhibition is open to students, their families, and the public.

Student supply list: Instructor will provide most supplies, students may need to supply fabric for the final project.

Learning Outcome: Students will learn how to research and develop their ideas from conception to fruition. Students will develop a technical skillset from proper printing techniques, to print design, screen preparation, screen exposure, and installation of artworks. In addition, they will study a broad variety of contemporary printmakers and fiber artists and take a look at how print design has developed into both an industry trade and a graphic art form. Students will gain an understanding of exhibiting and documentation of their work.

Teacher: Mel Williams has over 20 years of art education experience, including teaching and program directing for younger students, teens, and adults, a directorship for a non-profit that represents disabled artists, and extensive experience in an art college-to-community engagement program. They have taught screen printing projects and workshops for elementary, middle school, and high school students times, as well as block printing for fabric and paper. They are currently completing a Masters of Art in Art Education at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.