Studio & Workshops

Printmaking

Printmaking is a transformative art form. It not only empowers artists with a stable source of income through production but also facilitates the distrubution of information to a wider audience. Prints have historically documented the struggles of the oppressed and celebrated the achievements of social reform throughout Mexican history.

Xico continues to uphold and honor these methods, drawing inspiration from the impactful work of artists like Jose Guadalupe Posada and Taller de Gráfica Popular whose influence endures to this day. We persist in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, following in the footsteps of Los Tres Grandes (Siquieros, Rivera, and Orozco), who revolutionized Mexican art. At Xico, we strive to share knowledge about this art form with communities that identify as Chicano, Indigenous, or Latinx.

We are currently developing our workshop calendar for spring 2025, check back soon or stay updated through our socials and newsletter!

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BIPOC Arts Free Classes for 55+

The BIPOC Arts program is kicking off our first round of classes hosted at Xico! The first round of classes are taught by the first graduating class of the BIPOC Arts program. Our artists Roni Lee, Goolam Saber, and Savanah Hill will each be teaching 8-week courses ranging in medium and subject. These classes are FREE for community members 55+ and all materials are provided. Follow the link to see all of our classes offered on our website, the link to register is also there. If you have any questions about classes please reach out to the student emails on the website. You can also reach out to info@xico.org. Please share widely with your networks! BIPOC Arts Classes, Free for Seniors!

Acrylics Class with Savanah Hill (she/her)

Color is all around us, and in this course we will learn the relationship between colors and how to use them to their best advantages. In this class you will learn comprehension of color theory and the relationships within color schemes, unique paint techniques, creative critical thinking built from color theory. The classes will be held in the following sessions:

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30 PM

May 14th, 21st, 28th, June 6th, 11th, and 18th.

Monumental Design with Roni Lee (she/they)

This free course will guide participants through the architectural design process to create their own 2D and 3D monuments over several weeks. This class will learn and redefine what our personal monuments can stand for and how we can open new doors to lasting representation. The class will be heading in the following sessions:

Tuesdays

5:30-6:30 PM

May 14th, 21st, 28th, June 6th, 11th, and 18th.

Xico's Dynamic Working Studio

Our 4,600 square foot fully-equipped studio supports an array of printmaking techniques for artists of all levels. These techniques are offered in a workshop setting or for our more advanced artists, our studio is available for independent production.

Etching Press

Lithopress

3-D Printer

Laser Engraver

Laser engraving and 3-D technology provides the opportunity to blend traditional techniques with newer technology. Equipment available for your next project!

Details and Fees

Printmaking Techniques

Intaglio

Creating marks in a plate; ink pushed into the marks, raised areas wiped clean of ink, wet paper laid on top of plate and rolled through etching press.

Etching

A metal plate is coated with a ground, allowed to dry, and then an image is meticulously scratched into the coating to reveal the metal underneath; when exposed to an acid solution, the image is etched onto the plate.

Engraving

Using a burin tool to meticulously carve smooth, clean lines into a metal plate, resulting in sharp and highly precise imagery.

Aquatint

Achieves broad areas of shading by applying acid-resistant particles to certain areas of the plate, followed by etching those areas using an acid solution.

Relief

The process of carving away the negative areas from a matrix, applying ink onto the raised portions, placing dry paper on top, and then applying pressure, either manually or with a press, to transfer the image onto the paper.

Woodcut

The natural grain of the wood block plays a crucial role as it adds texture and nuance to the final printed image.

Linocut

Utilizes a linoleum block, known for its longer-lasting properties and environmentally friendly nature.

Planographic

Involves creating an image on a flat surface or plane to produce prints.

Lithography

A method that entails crafting an image on limestone using grease or oil, etching the stone with nitric acid to create ink-adhesive areas, and then using a wet sponge to selectively remove ink from unintended areas.

Monotype

Bridges the gap between planographic and drawing techniques, involving the application of inks to a plexiglass plate using various mark-making tools, solvents for textures, and stencils for creating more defined forms.