Hand Printing Tree Rings with Sue Fierston

In this beginner-friendly workshop, students will learn how to print tree rings of many sizes and species.  Sue will demonstrate how to prepare the rings, including using a propane torch and wire brush to raise the wood grain for printing. NOTE: The tree rings will be prepared ahead of time for the class. We will not be prepping the rings; Sue is only demonstrating.

We will talk about dendrochronology, the science of tree-ring dating, and try to determine the age of these rings. Participants will take home several tree ring prints in various colors printed on paper suitable for cards and framing.

Bring a mask and an apron or wear old clothes. The soot from the tree rings is sticky.

SNOW DATE – JANUARY 18

TERMS and CONDITIONS: This is an adult-only class. Because materials are prepared for each participant, cancellations with a refund minus the cost of the materials ($10) will be applied if cancelled within seven days of the course. Cancellations are not accepted within a week of the course date.

INSTRUCTOR: Sue Fierston is a printmaker and the past president of the Nature Printing Society,  a worldwide group of artists who are dedicated to nature printing in all forms. NPS members print real fish and leaves as well as tree bark and spiderwebs.  Sue holds nature printmaking workshops in the spring and fall at the Smithsonian Associates and with us. Her prints and paintings can be seen at: suefierston.com and on Instagram at: @suefierston.

Sue published her book, Into the Woods: Families Making Art With Nature, in June 2020 with Swinging Bridge Press.