Mono-Printing: Solar Plate Collage Intensive
Why this program?
This four-day studio intensive introduces students to the creative possibilities of solar plate printmaking and collage based monoprinting. Participants will learn how to transform high contrast photographs, drawings, textures, and found imagery into richly layered prints using light-sensitive solar plates and non-toxic printmaking methods.
Students will create a series of original prints while learning both traditional and contemporary approaches to image-making. The workshop is designed for artists, educators, students, and creative individuals interested in expanding their printmaking practice. No prior printmaking experience is required.
What will this program look like?
Through demonstrations, guided exercises, and independent studio exploration, students will experiment with relief intaglio printing, monoprint techniques, transparent color layering, and collage processes. Emphasis will be placed on creative experimentation, personal expression, and the development of a unique visual language through printmaking.
Each day will conclude with a reflection, group discussion, and review of successful exposures and troubleshooting techniques
Day 1: Introduction to Solar Plate Printmaking
Learning Focus: Understanding solar plate processes and producing successful first prints.
Day 2: Layering, Texture, and Monoprint Exploration
Learning Focus: Building visual complexity through layered imagery, texture, and color.
Day 3: Collage-Based Print Construction
Learning Focus: Developing personal imagery and integrating collage into printmaking practice.
Day 4: Final Projects and Portfolio Development
Learning Focus: Completing a cohesive body of work and reflecting on artistic growth.
Materials and Techniques Covered
Solar plate exposure
Photographic transparency crea3on
Hand-drawn plate creation
Intaglio inking and wiping
Registration methods
Monoprinting
Layered color printing
Collage construction
Mixed-media integration
Print presentation and portfolio development
Key Program Information
Delivery Method
On-campus
No prior printmaking experience is required.
Location
Cicada Studios
Instructor
Josephine Archer
Fees
PC Students, Alumni, and Staff: $300
General Public: $400
Schedule
July 27-30, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. each day with lunch break
Program Details
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of solar plate printmaking.
- Learn how to create and expose solar plates using photographic and hand-drawn
imagery. - Demonstrate proper inking and wiping techniques for intaglio printing.
- Explore collage and monoprint processes as methods for image development.
- Experiment with layering, transparency, texture, and color.
- Combine multiple printing techniques to create complex mixed-media prints.
- Develop a cohesive body of work that reflects personal interests and artistic voice.
- Participate in group critiques and articulate artistic decisions.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Josephine Archer
Josephine Archer is a Prescott, Arizona-based artist, printmaker, muralist, and educator holding an M.F.A. from the University of Oregon. She specializes in Printmaking, Sculpture, Painting media, Decorative Painting and Environmental Venetian Plasters for over 25 years.
Are you interested in being part of our community?
One thing we all have in common is our passion – passion for helping others, passion for the environment, passion for social justice and a passion for a different kind of learning experience.