Mark-making and Improvisation with a Gel Plate

Please note: registration for this session is closed. If you are interested in information about future classes of this kind, please drop a line to workshops@eastportartscenter.org.

Eastport Arts Center is pleased to collaborate with artist Anne Black to offer an approachable two-day workshop for all levels, Mark-making and Improvisation with a Gel Plate, at Capriccio Arts in downtown Eastport, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10 and 11, 9:30 am to noon each day. 

Black, who has previously engaged students at EAC with her gel printing and acrylic workshops, will inspire students in a playful two-day session sharing five techniques for creating marks on a gel plate. 

"Projects will be geared to the students," notes Black. In addition to frameable prints, attendees will also have a chance to create greeting cards and book covers from their many images. "It is approachable for anyone who likes to play! The papers are wonderful for collage."

Attendees will learn how to build layers of drawn marks and textured paint before pulling up a final image. The workshop will encourage participants to embrace the spontaneity of working with gel plates, and gain experience with the possibilities of this marvelous way of creating painterly prints. Participants should be ready for unexpected and wonderful surprises from the medium.

All materials are included; students should bring an apron or smock to wear. There is a limit of nine students for this workshop, which has been designed for ages 18 and up. Session cost is $90 per student. Reservations are required, see below, or email workshops@eastportartscenter.org.

This session has been supported by the Belvedere Traditional Handcrafts Fund of the Maine Community Foundation.

Capricco Arts is at 69 Water Street in downtown Eastport. Please note that there are two shallow steps that must be ascended to enter the building. Additional information may be found at capriccioarts.com.

Anne Black, violist and visual artist, joined the Eastport Gallery in 2020, and in May 2024, opened her own Capriccio Arts Studio and Gallery at 69 Water Street. Anne and her husband have divided their time year-round between Eastport and Boston since 2018.

Anne enjoys an active career in Boston as Principal Viola of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, and Violist with the Handel + Haydn Society. She has performed with the Boston Symphony, Boston Pops, Boston Ballet, Boston Baroque, Boston Lyric Opera, and has premiered and recorded countless new solo and chamber works. She will be featured as soloist in Jennifer Higdon’s Concerto for Viola and Orchestra with the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra on April 6, 2025. She has been featured annually in EAC's summer concert series.