The Delaware Contemporary
2026 Workshop Outline
Here’s a summary of items to bring to the workshop:
Dates:
You must attend one in-person printing day on May 9 or 10, 2026, which we assign following the workshop’s registration deadline.
Day One:
Nichola McDermott
Lisa Brown, d.c.mamacita
Megan Acevedo and Jo Walsh
Vanesa Simon, vanesamariposaarts
Eliza Clifford, lavender_lizard_press
Desislava Hristova
Mariana Smith
Olivia Smith, oliviazitasmith
Diane Hulse and Moriah Berrouet, dianehulseartist
Day Two:
Bobbie Adams
Audrey Lopez
Audrey Hurtt
Ursula Sadiq
Maia Palmer, gallerymaia
Wendy Shields, wendyjane80
Amy Friend
Carol Maurer, carol.maurer
Caroline Brown, ccbrownart
Order:
The preceding list does not constitute a printing order. First, we print one impression from everyone’s woodblock, then rotate through it a second time, and finally, a third. This way, something different is continually produced.
Location:
200 S Madison St
Wilmington, DE
Workshop Info (sourcing materials, carving questions, etc.):
Lyell Castonguay, contact@bigink.org
Parking:
Free parking is available adjacent to the venue.
Attendance:
The workshop starts at 9 AM and concludes at 5 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early for unloading.
Reverse:
The final print from your woodblock will be reversed. Carve text and symbols backward.
Minimum Size:
24 by 36 inches
Max Size:
40 by 96 inches—If your wood is over six feet long, we recommend cutting it in half before carving. This will make printing more manageable, not to mention your travel logistics. The finished print will have a thin white line, so plan your design accordingly.
Recommended Size:
A 24-by-36-inch size is recommended if this is your first carving.
Collaborate: 📷
We have an avid Instagram following who’d love to see your progress! Here’s how we can collaborate and show them your work:
Prints:
We produce multiple impressions from your woodblock for you to keep. We often have time to print more. Please inquire if you’d like additional prints.
Wood:
You are responsible for carving MDF, Cherry, or Shina ply, 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick. Our Master Class includes instructions on where to source these materials. We reserve the right to refuse to print any material that isn’t recommended in the class.
Consumable Materials:
We print using black oil-based ink from Speedball Art Products on white Japanese Masa paper from Legion Paper.
Attire:
Please bring work gloves, an apron, comfortable closed-toe footwear, and tie back long hair. Expect to be on your feet most of the day.
Food:
We do not provide food. Please bring hydration and snacks. There will be a lunch break.
Packing:
We lay each of your woodblock prints on top of the others, roll them up, and place the package inside your tube. BIG INK provides a layer of newsprint to place between each print.
Tube:
Please bring one 48-inch-long Scotch brand white mailing tube. These are available locally at FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers or through online retailers.
Drying:
After the workshop, clear an open area at home to lay out prints. The ink dries to the touch in 24 hours and is fully cured in 48 hours.
Selling:
Before coming to the workshop, establish a price for your woodblock print. 50¢ per square inch is a good starting point. We will direct sales inquiries to you.
Master Class Access:
Step 1: Navigate to www.bigink.org/my-account/
Step 2: Enter your registered email address and password. If you can’t remember your password, click “Lost Password?” on the login page to request a reset link.
Step 3: Once logged in, you will see a link to the Student Center at the top of your desktop page or in the navigation menu on your mobile or tablet device.
Thank you for reading. See you soon! 🤘