Printmaking in the Sun: Solarplates with Dan Welden

Dates: Tuesday–Friday, August 25–28, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Class Size: 6–8 participants (All Levels)
Cost: $700 members / $750 non-members
*Cost does not include solar plates

Dan Welden’s Solarplate Workshop is perfect for artists with an experimental approach, or an eagerness to try alternative methods. Solarplate printmaking does not involve acids and harsh chemistry, yet it produces high quality works. Artists may draw, paint, or use film-generated transparencies to create lasting designs on steel backed polymer plates which are sturdy enough to pull numerous impressions. 

New this Year: This workshop has been extended to four full days in the studio, giving participants more time to fully explore the creative and technical possibilities of Solarplate printmaking. This expanded structure provides a strong balance between concept, technique, and hands-on practice, ensuring participants have both the knowledge and the supported studio time needed to successfully create prints.

What is Solarplate? Solarplate is a light sensitized steel backed polymer material used by artists as an alternative to hazardous printing techniques. It is a simpler, safer, and faster approach than traditional etching and relief printing. Solarplates were developed by Dan Welden and will be available for purchase from him during the workshop. Workshop plate size is 8 x 10”.