Experience the joy of working with a natural material to create nature-inspired artwork.
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. All supplies are included. Under the guidance of the instructor, participants will carve a woodblock and create prints from it. Gain skills and confidence to produce images by hand printing.
This class will provide the chance to work in a new medium, focusing on subject matter found at the Arboretum.
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 other supplies will be provided.
See Education Program Policies for information about cancellations, refunds, and scholarships.
Program Schedule
This program meets the following six times.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Thornhill Education Center (parking lot P-21), West Side
