The deadline to participate has passed, but come watch us print!
woodblock PrintING
Workshop
NEW Registration Deadline: August 3rd, 2026
Woodblock Printing
Workshop
Co-Sponsored by THE ARTS CENTER OF THE CAPITAL REGION
NEW Registration Deadline: August 3rd, 2026
Summary
Join BIG INK in Troy, NY, for an epic printmaking workshop! Carve a woodblock up to 40 by 96 inches at home, then print your carving on a giant custom-built printing press.
Printing DATEs
Oct 3 and 4, 2026 (one day attendance required)
Time
9 AM – 5 PM (public viewing 1 – 4 pm)
Location
265 River St, Troy, NY
Fee
$350 + materials (see FAQs)
The Arts Center of the Capital Region, founded in 1962, serves the Capital Region as a leader in arts advocacy, education, investment, and programming. We own and operate 30,000 square feet of studios, galleries, and performance spaces that attract 40,000 visitors annually and directly contribute to the economic well-being of Troy. We regrant funds from NY to artists and arts projects, offer 500 classes a year, operate a 2,000-square-foot gallery, serve the local artist community through a comprehensive training program, and produce public art that puts art at the forefront of the civic experience.
Utilize our Woodblock Printmaking Online Master Class after you register. Your instructor, Lyell Castonguay, will guide you through the process via hours of pre-recorded video instruction. Follow along as he demonstrates how to carve a woodblock at home and use the resource links in the class to purchase recommended materials.
Some artists have participated in BIG INK numerous times; others are just starting their journey. You can be inspired by what others create and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. See what other’s have created on Browse the Hall of Fame on our homepage for examples of what others have created!
Meet Lyell Castonguay in person and learn how to apply ink to your woodblock and press it onto paper. Castonguay is an award-winning illustrator and teacher who founded BIG INK in 2012 to inspire others to to carve woodcuts of amibitious scale.
Our mobile printing press, The Big Tuna, is legendary. It has produced thousands of impressions. Take tuna’s reins and snap a selfie!
Can I register for this workshop, having never carved a woodblock?
Beginners are welcome! You’ll learn the woodblock carving and printing process through online and in-person instruction.
What are highlights of participating in this experience?
What materials are included in this workshop?
BIG INK supplies consumable materials (ink, acid-free printing paper, newsprint, cleaning supplies), equipment, and assistance printing your woodblock.
What materials am I required to purchase?
You purchase wood and carving tools separately. BIG INK recommends carving with Power Grip brand tools. Our preferred substrates are Cherry Plywood, Shina Plywood, and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). Cherry plywood can be purchased on HomeDepot.com, Shina at McClain’s Printmaking, and Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) at any local building supply store. The wood must be either 3/8″ or 1/2” in thickness. The cost of the material depends on the wood type and size. *An average materials cost estimate is $100.
Can my group register for this workshop?
*Three people can collaborate on carving a single board. Please list the names, emails, and social media handles of your group members at registration.
Are there size restrictions for my woodblock?
The minimum and maximum size is listed under the workshop summary.
Can I carve linoleum for this workshop?
No, workshop participants are required to carve wood. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is easy to carve and affordable.
Can I print in color for this workshop?
Due to limited time and working space, color printing cannot be accommodated. Your woodblock is printed on white Masa paper using black Speedball Oil-Based Relief Ink.
Can I register for multiple workshops in the same year?
Yes
Can I receive discounted registration?
Consider working with a team (up to three people, one board) to share the cost of the workshop. *Student scholarships are also available on a rolling basis.
What is this workshop’s refund policy?
Workshop registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another location.
What if a workshop is canceled?
If the organizer cancels a workshop, you will be given the option to transfer to another workshop within the same year. If you do not wish to transfer, you will receive a refund equal to the original registration price minus a $275 class subscription fee. The master class subscription stays active for one year, regardless of whether an in-person meeting occurs. The exception to this rule is if you have participated in a workshop within the past two years. In that case, you’ll receive a full refund if you do not wish to transfer to another workshop.
Am I required to attend both days of in-person instruction?
You are required to attend only one in-person instruction day, and you can choose your preferred day at time of registration.
Can I ship my woodblock to the venue where this workshop occurs?
You may ship your woodblock to the venue, but please let us know beforehand so we can inform our hosting partner. Also, please include a return label in the package.
What is the best way to transport an oversized woodblock?
We recommend cutting your woodblock in half, if it’s over 6 feet long, before carving. These sections can be pieced together on the press. Remember that each cut will create a thin white line in the finished print, so plan your design accordingly.
Will my information be kept private?
Your mailing address will be shared with our workshop hosting partners, Legion Paper and Speedball Art Products. Legion will send you a paper sample pack, and Speedball will send a sample kit of printmaking supplies. Otherwise, we do not share your information with third parties.
Who should I contact with additional questions?
Lyell Castonguay, contact@bigink.org.