Printmaking Without a Press

These days the Boatworks is bustling with classes, a mix of old favorites and brand new ones.  Recent Jersey shore transplant Catherine Trapani launched another new class today, "Printmaking Without a Press".  The idea of printmaking without a press is not completely new to BelmarArts (the woodcut class has been doing it for years), but this class is introducing a wide variety of low-tech processes that will encourage all kinds of creativity.  Above, the instructor works on inking a plate, creating the design by applying printing ink with brushes and other tools.  Below, a registration system will be useful for the creation of a multi-layered artwork.

In an initial demonstration a monotype was printed from a metal plate.  Above, the plate is on the right and the proof that came from it is on the left.  A simple hand held tool was used the transfer the ink from the plate to the paper.  (a ghost print of the plate would soon follow)  Below, the students get to work on their own.

There are five more weeks of this class to go, and plans include photo transfer, altered paper, pochoir, and many other processes.  To learn more, check out the class web page on our main site.

A Bloody Mary Sunday Tradition

Today BelmarArts held its second annual Bloody Mary Sunday fundraiser event.  The purpose this year was to continue raising money for our new automatic front door.  Back in the late spring of 2014 we began the fund raising process,  and in December a new glass door of the type that will work for this was installed, but now we need to acquire and install the mechanism that will open it.  So before the superbowl, before the third predicted winter storm of the week, we had a party.  Anyone who came today and provided a donation received drink tickets and food, and could enjoy the fun of live music and the friendly atmosphere.  So how did we do?

Well, a lot of food got eaten...

...and a lot of drinks were consumed...

....and the combination of the take at the door and the 50/50 brought in a nice chunk of money...

...and we're estimating about 100 people were there over the 4 hour event.  A mysterious group of musicians was revealed to be called Forty Winks. and was enjoyed by the crowd.    Don't have the money totals here, but it looks like we got ourselves much closer to finishing our door.  If you missed today, but still wish to donate, just contact our office and they'll help you out.