Printmaking: Alternative Intaglio (Tuition-Free)
Adult Tuition-Free Class | Registration opens Monday, July 13, 2026 8:00 AM EDT
This class will introduce students to several traditional printmaking techniques. By using everyday materials found at hardware, craft, and grocery stores, we’ll explore how centuries-old processes can be brought into the modern day. We’ll begin by going over the fundamentals of operating a press, creating an image, and making adjustments along the way. Throughout the class, adventurous techniques like chine collé and monotype will be demonstrated to augment students’ designs. Everyone will leave with 2 to 4 collections of artwork to share with the world!
What You Will Learn:
- Transform everyday materials into tools for making unique intaglio prints.
- Discover how historic printmaking techniques can be adapted using accessible, contemporary materials.
- Experiment with processes such as monotype and chine collé to add depth and complexity to your imagery.
- Gain hands-on experience using a printing press from start to finish.
- Embrace trial and error as part of the creative process while developing your own visual voice.
Please note: Tuition-free classes require an active Fleisher membership.
- - A variety of drawing materials (pens, pencils, markers, erasers, charcoal, brushes)
- Chipboard (can be bought new from the hardware store, or repurposed from old projects
- Tetrapak (this is a specific carton material, please check the bottom of your milk/juice cartons for their logo)
- Plexiglass sheet (can be bought from the hardware store/online, anything 9"x12" or smaller)
- Printmaking paper (buying a pad of printmaking paper specified for etching is recommended, as well as a couple nice large sheets of stonehenge/rives bfk)
- Newsprint (you'll be burning through newsprint, so it's nice to start off the class with plenty. A 18"x24" pad is recommended, you can tear it down from there)
Ethan Bisselberg
Ethan Bisselberg is a printmaker and educator living in Philadelphia. They utilize traditional and subversive print processes to capture fleeting moments, disperse information, and explore queerness.
Bisselberg graduated with a BFA in Printmaking from Temple University in 2025. Their work has been featured in exhibitions (both solo and juried) across the United States. They’re active in Philadelphia’s creative community, having been involved at several organizations as a visiting artist, gallery assistant, instructor, and art handler. They were a featured panelist at SGCI Puertograbando in 2025. Currently, Bisselberg is completing a work-exchange residency at Second State Press and teaching youth and adult art classes at Fleisher Art Memorial.