Ready to try a little printmaking magic? In this fast-paced, hands-on workshop, we’re diving into the beautiful, brain-bending process of reduction linocut printing—where one block transforms into a full-color image… by slowly carving it away. Yep. It’s as wild as it sounds.
We’ll start with a 5x7 linoleum block and a design that Mary has created for you (so no drawing stress - just jump right in). From there, you’ll learn how to carve and print through five progressive stages, layering color one by one. After each carving session, we’ll ink up and print—building your image from light to dark until it lands on that final, bold fifth color.
Mary will be right there printing alongside you, helping you make smart carving decisions (and avoid the classic “oh no, I just carved that out forever” moment). You’ll get a solid understanding of the reduction process, how to plan your layers, and how to keep this going long after the workshop ends.
By the end, you’ll walk away with your own edition of hand-pulled, signed prints - and a new appreciation for this slightly chaotic, totally addictive process.
No experience needed, all materials provided - come ready to carve, print, and have some fun!
Bonus: Mary’s mellow shop dog Snow will be tagging along for moral support and good vibes.
Let’s get inky and make something amazing.
Instructor Bio:
Mary C. Bruno is a letterpress printer, artist, and community-builder based in small-town Saint Joseph, MN where she runs Bruno Press—a one-woman print shop powered by 100-year-old presses, hand-set type, and a deep love for ink, paper, and people.
Mary’s work lives at the intersection of tradition and experimentation. She is especially drawn to reduction printing—carving, printing, carving again, and committing to each layer without looking back. It’s a process that requires equal parts planning and letting go, which pretty much sums up her entire approach to art and life.
Beyond the studio, Mary is passionate about bringing people into the process. Through print parties, workshops, and community events, she invites folks of all backgrounds to get their hands inky and experience the magic of slow, tactile making. Whether she’s teaching a room full of first-time printers or collaborating on large-scale installations, her goal is the same: to create connection, spark curiosity, and remind people that making something by hand still matters.