We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge their living connection to Country, relationship with the land and all living things extending back tens of thousands of years.
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The Firestation Print Studio is a dynamic hub of arts activity, with printmaking at its core, yet open to a wide range of projects and practices.
As a community based organisation, the curatorial strategy supports artists with diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds at various stages of their career, by providing a supportive environment in which to create and exhibit their artwork. This is a unique element of the Firestation, as we provide facilities for all stages of artistic development in printmaking, from the inception and execution of artwork in the print workshop, to its presentation and display to the public in the gallery. 
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WORKSHOPS |
Sat October 24th Intro MONOPRINT WORKSHOP
Sande Bruch
Introductory Monoprint Workshop
ONE DAY WORKSHOP
Sat Oct 24th, 10am - 4pm
$295 / $255 members
A monoprint is a form of printmaking in which an image is made from a smooth surface or 'plate' coated in printing ink, oil paint, watercolour, etc. In contrast with other printing techniques, only one final image is made, this technique allows for expressive techniques reminiscent of a drawing or painting.
This workshop will use oil paints and water-soluble inks on acetate sheets 20x30cm in size. Sande will take participants through a variety of techniques using additive and subtractive drawing techniques onto the printing plates.
During the afternoon participants will get the chance to incorporate chine colle and collage techniques into their prints using other prints or papers to add another layer to their work.
All materials provided. However we do recommend participates bring in their own images, sketches, paper and collaging materials (such as old work or interesting papers).
Sande is an abstract artist who uses collage as a medium in itself .She combines it with her painting, printmaking and more recently textile pieces. She has a Masters in printmaking and has run art groups in Sydney for many years, in Aged Care and at Echo Neighbourhood Centre. Some of the places her printmaking is represented at ArtBank, Print Council of Australia, Tasmanian Museum and Gallery.
Nov 14th & 15th Monotype - 'Love of the Land' with Marketa Kemp
MONOTYPE Love of the Land
with Marketa Kemp
(2 days)
November 14th and 15th, 10am - 4pm
$395 / $355 members
Monotype is known for its painterly quality where a unique print is achieved. It is a type of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The surface was historically a copper plate, but in contemporary work it can vary from zinc or glass to acrylic and Perspex. The image is then transferred onto a paper by pressing the two together, using etching press, brayer or by techniques with which most printmakers started exploring this medium, such as rubbing with the back of a wooden spoon or the fingers.
In this two-day workshop we will cover an introduction to monotype and some basic
principles, followed by an exploration of some unique techniques that will open up new ways of using this traditional medium.
DAY 1:
We will talk about how we see the world around us and what ‘landscape’ means to us.
We will explore different ways of applying ink and learn how to create interesting textures using various mark making tools.
We will learn how to create a painterly print rich in atmosphere, how to achieve perspective by applying ink of various transparency and consistency.
DAY 2:
We will look at a limited colour palette and explore the subtleties of tonal work.
We will experiment with different types of printmaking paper and learn how to use its unique qualities to create the desired effect.
In the second half of Day 2 will work on a monotype using the techniques learnt, each
participant will walk away with a finished art piece.
Students to bring:
· Anything that would make an interesting mark (skewers, chop sticks, old credit card, toothbrush, steel wool, sponge, tissue paper
· Apron or old clothes
· A few landscape reference photos of your choice
· Folder to take your work home
OCT 17th 10am-4pm REDUCTION LINOCUT
Intro to Reduction
Abbi Gilbert
SAT Oct 17th, 2026
10am - 4pm
materials provided including a set of Ternes-Burton Clips
Abbi Gilbert
Reduction Lino Class with Ternes-Burton Clips
$325 / $285 members
Description
Reduction Linocut is a relief print making process that creates a multi coloured image from a single plate. Areas of the plate are progressively cut away and then printed to build a layered image.
We will learn the process of colour layering and how to plan ahead to build the layers that will form the final image. This exercise will also explore registration and it’s importance in producing accuracy in the image.
This class is a starting point. It is designed to help clear the confusion that you may feel when approaching the reduction process. Suitable for beginners and above.
One colour will be printed, with a plan for subsequent colours. Participants can attend our Reduction Print Clubs for continued advice for their ongoing projects.
Reduction Lino Workshop Overview
We will be printing an edition of 6-8 Reduction prints onto 15cmx15cm lino using Terns-Barton registration pins
Day 1
· Introduction to Reduction Lino printing – process and brief history
· Design and transfer image onto lino
· Set up registration system
· Cut and print first colour
In this workshop you will learn:
· How to plan and design a reduction lino image
· How to transfer an image onto lino
· How to set up the Turnes-Barton registration system
· Lino cutting technique (cutting, applying ink, printing with a press, clean up)
· How to print an edition
Materials
1. Image onto lino
· Coloured pencils
· Black drawing ink, brushes, water containers
· Carbon paper
· 2B drawing pencils
· Erasers
· Clear acrylic spray
· Sandpaper
2. Registration
· Masking tape
· Wide packing tape
· Carpet tape
· MDF board cut to size
· Ternes-Barton pins and tabs
3. Printing
· Ink
· Rollers
· Printing paper pre-cut to size
· Newsprint
· Pallet knives
Participants to bring:
· Masking tape
· Things to draw and colour with
· Sketchbook/notebook
· Ideas
· Images scaled to 15cmx15cm
· Closed toe shoes
· Apron
Artist Bio
My name is Abbi, I'm an artist, sometimes illustrator and printmaker at heart. I studied printmaking as part of my Diploma of Visual Arts (Illustration) at Chisolm TAFE and majored in Print Media when I completed my Bachelor of Visual Arts/Education at Monash University. I have been a member here at the Firestation for about 4 years now, and since joining have been slowly rebuilding my skills and artmaking practice after many years away working and raising a young family. It's been such a joy to come back to something that I love so much, and during this period I have been able to pick up and build on some of the threads of ideas left from my uni days. I am particularly interested in the built urban environment, finding beauty in the mundane and I'm always on the lookout for ways to capture places, spaces and styles that are on the brink of becoming obsolete. Currently I'm enjoying the challenge of reduction lino, but still love a good black and white lino or dry point etching.
I love the community aspect of art making and enjoy sharing spaces, ideas and knowledge with other printmakers. I'm excited to have the opportunity to share some of my knowledge with you, and hope that you too will relish in and embrace the complexity of Reduction Lino Printing, and that the skills you learn in this workshop will help to take your own printmaking practice to the next level.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
Sat Aug 22nd Anastasia Kotzapavlidis Introduction to Linocut
Intro Linocut Workshop
Saturday August 22nd
10am - 3pm
Instructor:
Anastasia Kotzapavlidis
$295 / $255 members
All Materials Provided but we will have lino cutting sets available for purchase if you would like your own set $25 each.
Sat SEPT 19th Intro to Drypoint with Liz Millsom
Introduction to Drypoint
Liz Millsom
Date: Saturday SEPT 19th 2026
10am to 4.00pm with 1hr lunch break.
$295 / $255 members
Materials provided
Drypoint is a printmaking technique of the intaglio family.
An image is incised into an acetate plate with a hard pointed needle. The process is almost identical to an engraving.
This workshop is perfect for the beginner to produce a drypoint print using one or your own images/sketches, a collaged or a photo. Simply placing a clear acetate plate on top of your image and scratching incisions into the plate using a metal needle.
You will learn techniques such as hatching, cross hatching, stippling and scumbling to create interesting mark making.
Next will be the process of intaglio printing, you will learn how to register your paper and ink up your plate.
Experimentation is encouraged.
Bring an A5 image of a photo/ magazine image or your own drawing. There will be plenty of photo copies you can use to create your own unique drypoint.
Liz Millsom has been printing and painting for 20 years and has worked in Arts Education for 11 years. Liz won our Summer Salon Grand Prize in 2019, and was a finalist in the National Monoprint Prize 2023, and an exhibitor in the recent prestigious Australian Galleries group exhibiton, 'Prelude' April 2026.
Aug 8th WOODCUT WORKSHOP with Patricia Agus
Saturday August 8th
10am - 4pm
All levels of experience welcome. Patricia is an award winning printmaker with strong teaching experience. You will learn the versatility of the medium and how to push the possibilities.
Description:
Woodcut printmaking is the oldest form of 'relief printmaking'.
In this workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of woodcut printing, including selecting the right type of wood, understanding the tools and different carving techniques to create your own woodcut print.
The option to customise the plate size and shape using a jigsaw will be available. This process will be carried out by Patricia Agus.
Please bring an A5 reference image or come with a design in mind to draw on the day. All tools, materials, paper and inks will be provided, though participants are welcome to bring their own carving tools if preferred.
View all printmaking workshops HERE
GALLERY
LIFE DRAWING |
PRINT CLUBS |
Every Tuesday 6:30-8:30 evening drop in!
EXCLUDES SCHOOL HOLIDAYS *Please note there will not be a Life Drawing Session on Tuesday March 31st due to the faciliators participation in the Australian Galleries Prelude exhibition which opens that evening. Bring paper & drawing materials. Easels provided. Members $23 Non members $25 Concession* $23 *Concession price is available for Pension or Student card holders More info here |
PRINT CLUBS are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
5 sessions per month, $11 - $30 per session 3 hour sessions with ink provided and supervisors on hand Proudly supported by the City of Stonnington Dates and more here BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL |
WORKSHOPS, SUPERVISED ACCESS OR PRINT CLUBS
YOU MUST BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING
Our qualified printmakers:
FPS members who have completed their induction, and pay access fees, are able to make bookings, and come in to use our presses and the backroom, before you do so, please read our FPS Covid Safe Plan HERE
