3-Hour Printmaking Session

Overview

This three-hour workshop, run by Etnofood at the TeoLab space in the Centro, teaches Oaxacan printmaking from the ground up. The session opens with the history of print culture in the city, from its origins through the social movements that have shaped it. From there you move through the five steps of creating a print with a social message, working alongside a local artist who demonstrates each stage.

Beginners get techniques to start with, while experienced printmakers are offered harder challenges and collaborative projects. All materials are provided, including the woodblock and an apron, and you carve, ink and print your own piece during the session. Water, tea or coffee are on hand while you work.

The finished print has to dry overnight, so plan to return the next day to collect it and your carving. Reviews consistently describe the instructors as patient and clear, with several travellers noting the workshop suited complete novices, teenagers and families alike. It suits anyone curious about the political and social art visible across Oaxaca who wants to make a piece of it themselves.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at TeoLabMake your own way to TeoLab at Xicoténcatl 609 in the Centro; no pickup is included.
2. Print Culture IntroductionThe artist explains Oaxacan print culture, its origins and its links to social movements.
3. Learn The Five StepsYou are walked through the five steps of creating a print with a social proposal, adapted to your skill level.
4. Carve Your BlockUsing the provided woodblock and apron, you carve your design with personalised guidance from the artist.
5. Ink And PrintYou ink and print your engraving using the studio's equipment and materials.
6. Collect Next DayThe print dries overnight, so you return the following day to pick up your artwork and carving.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points from the listing and from traveller reviews will help you plan the session and the day after it.

• Return Next Day. Several reviewers warned that the finished print must dry overnight, so you come back to TeoLab the following day to collect it. Build that return visit into your schedule before you book.
• No Pickup. The workshop starts at TeoLab on Xicoténcatl 609 in the Centro and transportation is not included. Make your own way there.
• All Skill Levels. The listing promises starter techniques for beginners and harder challenges for experienced printmakers. Reviewers who had never tried printmaking said the process was broken down clearly, while one with experience still learned new approaches.
• Hands-On Guidance. Instructors demonstrate and explain each step but expect to do the carving and printing yourself. One reviewer specifically appreciated being shown examples rather than having the work done for them.
• What's Provided. Materials, a woodblock, an apron, and water, tea or coffee are all included. Extra materials for personal projects beyond the class scope are not, and neither is shipping of the finished artwork.
• Good With Kids. One reviewer took an 11-year-old and another reported a group of teenagers staying engaged for the whole session. Families have done well here, though the full three hours demand some patience.

Common issues. The overnight drying time is the main logistical catch: two reviewers flagged that you cannot take your print home the same day, which is a problem if you leave Oaxaca the next morning. Shipping costs for the artwork are not included, and nor are extra materials for personal projects. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed at the venue.

Common Questions