A Survey of Political Printmaking in America as Workshop for High School Students with Instructional Zines.

Abstract

This project will create a framework for students to understand how art, politics and action have functioned in the past. An understanding of print history will give young people the tools to execute projects as both art-makers and future leaders. The workshop begins with an explanation of print processes, focusing on explaining the processes for the primary mediums which are also most accessible for at home printing. Subsequently, I will provide analysis of examples which best portray the activist work of printmakers in North America since the twentieth century. Following are discussion questions which prompt a zine project in response to the form, style or content of the prints. All of the materials and instructions are printable and distributable in PDF form. The project will introduce students to printmaking with the purpose of introducing them to a tradition of community collaboration to accomplish meaningful projects.