Exhibition

Making Cyanotypes: A Hands-On Art Workshop

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Cyanotype is a centuries-old process that works by exposing light-sensitive materials to UV rays to create blue and white prints. It was introduced by astronomer John Herschel in 1842 and has been used ever since in art, architecture, and science. Our A Tale of Today artist, Theodora Allen, features the washed-out blue and white palette of cyanotype in works like Calendar, No. 4, 2019, now on view at the Museum.

This hands-on workshop will inspire your inner artist and teach you what it takes to create a cyanotype. Teaching artist Rebecca Memoli will demonstrate the photographic process and then guide you to create your very own.

We will provide an assortment of materials to create your unique cyanotype prints and also encourage you to bring your own.

Suggested Materials:

Flowers

Leaves

Feathers

Objects with interesting shapes
or outlines

Lace, mesh, fabrics

Photographic negatives

Cotton or linen fabric to print on

Workshop attendees will get to visit Theodora Allen: Saturnine beforehand for creative inspiration. The fee for this program includes all supplies for making cyanotype prints on watercolor paper. Please note: Cyanotype can stain clothing so keep that in mind as you dress for the day!

About the Artist:

Rebecca Memoli is a Chicago-based visual artist. She received her BFA in Photography from Pratt Institute (2006) and her MFA in Photography from Columbia College (2017). She co-founded the Blood Dumpster artist collective from 2007-2014 and has been the curator of several exhibitions throughout the United States. For more information, visit her website at http://www.rebeccamemoliphotography.com/