OPPORTUNITIES
CALL-FOR-ENTRY
Video by Gary Bingner, Hold Tight Video
BIG INK hosts large-scale woodblock printmaking events across the United States. We invite artists interested in carving a woodblock of at least 24 by 36 inches to participate. First, you submit a design for consideration. If selected, you’ll have two months to carve a woodblock based on your submission.
BIG INK will transform the event space into a print studio featuring The Big Tuna: our custom-designed giant mobile press. We invite the public to attend, witness the spectacle, and learn more about the printing process. Our events blend elements of a workshop and a demonstration. Participating is a fun way to expand your skill set, meet other artists, and engage with the community. Bring your next big idea to life while participating in a one-of-a-kind art making bonanza!
Either a previously created image or a new concept is acceptable. No prior printmaking experience is necessary. You’ll learn the process through a combination of online and in-person instruction. We encourage all skill levels to apply.
BIG INK creates three impressions from each participant’s woodblock, all of which the artist keeps. Woodblocks are printed on archival paper using traditional oil-based ink. 
Thanks to our sponsors each participant receives a materials kit containing oil-based ink, paper samples, a rubber brayer, cherry plywood sample, and a Shina plywood sample. 
We raised $13,000 through public support to commission The Big Tuna. It’s a finely tuned machine that produces exhibition quality work. 
BIG INK has worked with hundreds of artists and produced thousands of prints since 2012. Founder/Director Lyell Castonguay inks every woodblock himself to ensure that the prints come out looking their best. 
Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels. Some participants have never carved a woodblock, others have carved many. 
Our online master class guides participants through the woodblock carving process, imparting knowledge of preferred materials and techniques.
Requirements
It’s free to apply; accepted applicants pay $300 to participate. Artists can apply by submitting an online application at bigink.org/apply. Requirements for consideration are the application form and a digital image. Artists are urged to send the highest quality image of their work. All applications will be promptly acknowledged. Do not send application forms by mail, fax or e-mail. Please direct all other inquiries to Lyell Castonguay, contact@bigink.org.
We award $13,000 in scholarships to returning BIG INK participants each year.
Please refer to the FAQS on our apply page for more information.
VISITING PRINTER
BIG INK works with associations, museums, secondary, and post-secondary schools to host events that demonstrate our distinctive printing process. Participants are selected by a point person from their hosting organization. These candidates are tasked with carving woodblocks in the months leading up to BIG INK’s visit. BIG INK comes to the location and facilitates the printing of each participant’s woodblock on The Big Tuna: our custom-designed giant mobile press.
Our demonstrations often occur during other public events including: student open houses, gallery receptions, fundraisers, and art walks. 
BIG INK has hundreds of large-scale prints in our collection! We can arrange an exhibition of these works to coincide with a demonstration. 
We have a segmented image project for grade levels 8 and above. 
The Anchovy, our aptly named mighty mini printing press, is also used for public engagement. 
We supply paper, ink, non-toxic cleaning supplies, work tables, inking surfaces, inking rollers, a paper hanging system, and printing press equipment. 
Challenge your students to plan and execute a memorable art project.
Requirements
Eight months of lead time is recommended on new bookings. Please confirm that the meeting space is handicapped accessible, has 26 inches of minimum doorway clearance, 26 by 65 inches of minimum elevator clearance, a minimum of 400 square feet of indoor working space, a loading zone, and one reserved parking space.
PAST CLIENTS
PRIVATE PRINTING
We offer one-on-one services that allow you to carve a woodblock at home, then print in our private studio whenever you’re ready. These options are best tailored to fit your personal schedule. If you don’t feel comfortable in gatherings, or you live internationally, then we recommend private instruction. Are you an artist that needs help printing an edition? We can assist you.
Services include ink, paper, 12 impressions from a woodblock up to 40 by 72 inches, or 8 impressions from a woodblock up to 40 by 96 inches.
If you’ve already taken our master class please sign-up for Limited-Edition Printing Services here >.