A hands-on, two-day introduction to copperplate printmaking using at etching needle of a pen, and pulling your own print on a real press. No experience necessary.
When: August 1 & 2, 2026, 12pm-6pm
Where: Graphic Arts Workshop @ 2565 3rd Street, #305, San Francisco, CA 94107
Fees: $275, materials provided
Registration and payment information: Contact Declan Riordan, call at 207-745-4760, Email declan.riordan1@gmail.com or art@deepthawtz.com
Instructor: Declan Riordan, artist and printmaking technician at University of Maine
Teaching assistant: Dylan Clendenin, working artist based in San Francisco
Photopolymer Workshop at Graphic Arts Workshop
In this class, participants learn how to create and print with photopolymer plates. Techniques to create both relief and intaglio plates will be demonstrated. Students will learn how to transfer images to these plates through various means, including drawing directly on plates, transferring images from transparencies, and working with photographic sources. Photopolymer plates can be used individually, or in combination with other mediums to create added depth and interest.
When: July 1, 2026
Time: 10 am – 4pm
Where: Graphic Arts Workshop @ 2565 3rd Street, #305, San Francisco, CA 94107
Fees: $200
Registration and payment information: Email msbrodie@aol.com.
Instructor: Mark Brodie, You can see more of Mark’s pieces on Instagram markbrodie1111
Members get together at the Graphic Arts Workshop
We at GAW have wonderful get together event regularly. Members get a chance to sit down, relax and share our experience at the workshop and our creative process. Friends are very welcomed to share these events. So please keep in mind about our Kickback event. Will have our next one in July. Stay toned.
Past Events
Valentine’s Day Open Studio and Print Sale at Graphic Arts Workshop
Print Sale at Graphic Arts Workshop
Photopolymer Workshop
GAW artists participating at Triton Museum
GAW artists participating at Marin Society of Artists
GAW artist participating at Room&Board
San Francisco OpenStudio
Graphic Arts Workshop Spring Sale on May 3
OUR MISSION
The Graphic Arts Workshop has been providing Bay Area printmakers with affordable access to printmaking facilities for over 70 years. We are a cooperative and exist solely on dues and the volunteer efforts of our artist members. Our membership forms a diverse community of artists who are unified by their commitment to, and love of, the art of printmaking.
Your generous donation will help us continue our mission. Click here to become a GAW Patron!
Gallery Route One
2023 Annual Artist Members’ Exhibition
View an interview video with Alice Gibbons. Alice talked about her art and techniques and her experience of being a member of the Graphic Arts Workshop for the last 50 years.
Membership is open to any interested artist who can demonstrate a basic proficiency in their chosen medium and who will comply with the rules and goals of the Workshop.
The Graphic Arts Workshop, or GAW, was founded by faculty from the California Labor College in 1952. Their societal concerns were reflected in each artist’s style of work and in the co-operative form of the Workshop. In the early years, members printed posters, leaflets and pamphlets in support of peace and civil rights issues. During the Sixties, the GAW lent space for anti-Vietnam War activities.
Over the years, the GAW membership has included many distinguished artists, undertaken national and international art exchanges, and hosted traveling exhibits. A pamphlet from a 1989 history exhibit offers this sentiment: “In all this, there were no imposed styles or themes. Artist-members as individuals worked freely with a diversity whose common element was the love of printmakimg.”
Today, the cooperative has approximately 40 members working in traditional fine art printmaking techniques. The Workshop is a non-profit, mutual benefit corporation. There is no paid staff; the maintenance of the fully-equipped printmaking studio is shared equally by all members. Administrative management of the Workshop is conducted by a board of directors elected from and by the membership.