Experience the joy of working with a natural material to create artwork inspired by the Arboretum.
In woodblock printing, an image is carved in reverse on a piece of wood (areas that will not be printed are removed) leaving the image’s outline on the wood. The block is then inked and printed on paper.
This six-week art class at The Morton Arboretum will cover the history, tools, inks, paper, plates, blocks, and printing process used in woodblock printing. Under the guidance of the instructor, you’ll gain the skills you need to carve a woodblock and create your own prints from it.
All supplies are included in the cost of registration.
All experience levels are welcome.
This program meets in person at the Arboretum.
Instructor: Ben Calvert, Artist
Age: 16 and older
Course number: A449
Instructor
Ben Calvert, artist
Ben Calvert has been teaching woodblock relief printmaking since 2017. Calvert was first introduced to the medium by his maternal grandmother, who mentored him, and then studied it through an independent study course at Knox College in 1989. His passion for creating with natural woodblocks that reflect nature and his personal experiences has been rewarded with solo art exhibits as well as attracting the attention of collectors on four continents. He has enjoyed sharing knowledge, first as a docent at the Naper Settlement in high school to currently being a docent at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, as well as through demonstrations at local art leagues and teaching at The Morton Arboretum.
What to Know
This program meets indoors.
All experience levels are welcome.
Please bring materials for taking notes and a water bottle.
All woodblock printing supplies are included in the cost of registration.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following six times.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
