We acknowledge we are meeting on the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations and pay our respect to their Elders past and present.
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.
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.
READ OUR CURRENT NEWSLETTER HERE FEB 2026
UPCOMING MEMBERS OPPURTUNITY
|
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. |
WORKSHOPS |
FRI MARCH 27th, 10am-4pm REDUCTION LINOCUT, Full Price
A$325.00
Intro to Reduction
Abbi Gilbert
FRIDAY 27th March, 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.
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.
Abbi Gilbert
FRIDAY 27th March, 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.
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.
Feb 21st & 22nd, 2026 COPTIC BINDING WORKSHOP with Fiona Davey
A$395.00
FIONA DAVEY
COPTIC BINDING WORKSHOP
February 2026 Weekend Feb 22nd & 21st
11am - 4pm
$395 non members / $350 members
Create a Hardcover Sketchbook using Coptic Binding. This workshop will take you through the basics of preparing hardcover boards, paper blocks and learning to use coptic stitch to produce books with beautiful exposed binding. It will also cover some basic techniques to combine with coptic stitch for different spine detailing. All materials provided.
From Feb 1st we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
COPTIC BINDING WORKSHOP
February 2026 Weekend Feb 22nd & 21st
11am - 4pm
$395 non members / $350 members
Create a Hardcover Sketchbook using Coptic Binding. This workshop will take you through the basics of preparing hardcover boards, paper blocks and learning to use coptic stitch to produce books with beautiful exposed binding. It will also cover some basic techniques to combine with coptic stitch for different spine detailing. All materials provided.
From Feb 1st we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
May 23 & 24, 2026 'Collagraph and Beyond' with Kay Watanabe
A$395.00
Weekend Workshop: 23rd and 24th May
$395 / $355 members
Materials provided
"Collagraph and Beyond" with Kay Watanabe
Collagraph, or collograph, is a versatile printmaking technique in which impressions are printed from a plate made in a low-toxic way, with easily available materials.
The plates are made by glueing various materials onto a rigid base and/or by cutting into its surface. Collagraph can be printed as a relief print by hand and as intaglio mostly by using an etching press.
Kay Watanabe is a Brisbane-based printmaker and has created many of her works using this technique and, in this workshop, she will share her knowledge about how to create a collagraph prints effectively.
This is a two-day, fast-paced workshop, and is suitable for those who would like to try printmaking for the first time as well as printmakers who would like to extend their practice.
On Day 1, participants will create relief print to learn the basics of collagraph. They will also create plates to print on Day 2.
On Day 2, participants will print intaglio collagraphs.
They will also learn such techniques as chine-colle, a la poupee and a relief roll up.
This workshop will coincide with Kay's solo show at Firestation Print Studio.
About the tutor:
Originally from Japan, Kay Watanabe is a visual artist based in Brisbane.
She is a printmaker and also uses such media as painting, drawing, photography, small sculptures and artist books. Kay’s works are themed around the relationship between humanity and nature.
Kay extensively exhibits in Australia and internationally, both in solo shows and group shows, physically and online, and teaches printmaking at workshops. In May 2026, she will show her works in a solo exhibition at Firestation Print Studio.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
$395 / $355 members
Materials provided
"Collagraph and Beyond" with Kay Watanabe
Collagraph, or collograph, is a versatile printmaking technique in which impressions are printed from a plate made in a low-toxic way, with easily available materials.
The plates are made by glueing various materials onto a rigid base and/or by cutting into its surface. Collagraph can be printed as a relief print by hand and as intaglio mostly by using an etching press.
Kay Watanabe is a Brisbane-based printmaker and has created many of her works using this technique and, in this workshop, she will share her knowledge about how to create a collagraph prints effectively.
This is a two-day, fast-paced workshop, and is suitable for those who would like to try printmaking for the first time as well as printmakers who would like to extend their practice.
On Day 1, participants will create relief print to learn the basics of collagraph. They will also create plates to print on Day 2.
On Day 2, participants will print intaglio collagraphs.
They will also learn such techniques as chine-colle, a la poupee and a relief roll up.
This workshop will coincide with Kay's solo show at Firestation Print Studio.
About the tutor:
Originally from Japan, Kay Watanabe is a visual artist based in Brisbane.
She is a printmaker and also uses such media as painting, drawing, photography, small sculptures and artist books. Kay’s works are themed around the relationship between humanity and nature.
Kay extensively exhibits in Australia and internationally, both in solo shows and group shows, physically and online, and teaches printmaking at workshops. In May 2026, she will show her works in a solo exhibition at Firestation Print Studio.
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 21 & Sun 22 March Intro to COPPER PLATE ETCHING with LAURA OSBORNE
A$445.00
LAURA OSBORNE
Introduction to COPPER PLATE ETCHING
Sat 21st and Sun 22nd March 2026
10pm - 4pm
materials provided
$445 / $395 members
The Firestation Print Studio & Laura Osborne present a two day Etching workshop suitable for complete beginners to experienced practitioners.
The workshop will be an in-depth introduction to Intaglio etching on copper.
What is covered:
Information about the Art of Etching, past & present
with examples of contemporary & traditional work.
Copper plate preparation.
Application of hard ground & soft ground using
Charbonel grounds.
Safety & protocols when in the Acid room.
Aquatint using spray enamel paint.
Acid times for different effects.
Preparing to print & soaking times for different paper.
Use of the etching press.
Making & using a template.
Printing techniques & doing a proof print of your plate.
Leaving the press ready for the next person.
How to store your prints for drying flat
About Laura Osborne: Laura is an experienced Printmaker & resident artist at the FPS. Laura likes to call her Etching practice 'Alchemy' as she uses a broad range of techniques to produce her images. Trained in France & taught to edition by Jaques Frélaut from Atelier Lacourrière et Frélaut, Laura prefers to use the traditional grounds & inks from Charbonel in Paris.
Laura has prints in the National Library in France & Luxembourg as well as private collections. Laura maintains her inspiration by travelling to Paris each year & working at the Atelier Bo Halbirk in Paris
.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
Introduction to COPPER PLATE ETCHING
Sat 21st and Sun 22nd March 2026
10pm - 4pm
materials provided
$445 / $395 members
The Firestation Print Studio & Laura Osborne present a two day Etching workshop suitable for complete beginners to experienced practitioners.
The workshop will be an in-depth introduction to Intaglio etching on copper.
What is covered:
Information about the Art of Etching, past & present
with examples of contemporary & traditional work.
Copper plate preparation.
Application of hard ground & soft ground using
Charbonel grounds.
Safety & protocols when in the Acid room.
Aquatint using spray enamel paint.
Acid times for different effects.
Preparing to print & soaking times for different paper.
Use of the etching press.
Making & using a template.
Printing techniques & doing a proof print of your plate.
Leaving the press ready for the next person.
How to store your prints for drying flat
About Laura Osborne: Laura is an experienced Printmaker & resident artist at the FPS. Laura likes to call her Etching practice 'Alchemy' as she uses a broad range of techniques to produce her images. Trained in France & taught to edition by Jaques Frélaut from Atelier Lacourrière et Frélaut, Laura prefers to use the traditional grounds & inks from Charbonel in Paris.
Laura has prints in the National Library in France & Luxembourg as well as private collections. Laura maintains her inspiration by travelling to Paris each year & working at the Atelier Bo Halbirk in Paris
.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
MARCH 14&15, 2026 Solarplate Etching with Trudy Rice
A$495.00
TRUDY RICE
Solar Plate Etching
Weekend workshop
March 14th & 15th
Time: 10am - 4pm
$495 / $450 members
Materials Provided
Details:
Join Trudy in a hands-on, workshop where you'll discover the magical world of Solar Plate Etching. Over the two days, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the process.
This non-toxic intaglio etching process uses the sun's natural UV and water instead of harmful acids and solvents to create remarkable results.
Trudy, an experienced artist who has worked with this medium for over a decade, will guide you through the process. She is deeply connected to the natural world. She uses mindful observation to create intricate layers of solar plate etchings that reflect the beauty of her specimens.
Discover the magic of solar plate etching in this immersive two-day workshop with artist and printmaker Trudy Rice. Using light, water and non-toxic materials, you’ll learn how to transform your drawings, photos and textures into dynamic prints that capture your artistic vision.
Across the two days you will:
- Explore the fundamentals of solar plate etching – from image preparation to exposing and developing plates
- Experiment with inking, colour and printing techniques on the press
- Create a series of prints to take home
- Work in a supportive, small-group environment with plenty of guidance
Perfect for beginners through to experienced artists wanting to expand their printmaking practice, this workshop offers a relaxed, inspiring space to play, learn and refine your skills.
Leave with a body of prints, new techniques under your belt, and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful, eco-friendly printmaking process.
Trudy has taught children and adults and worked in arts facilities around Australia and at Box Hill Institute in the Visual Arts Printmaking Department.
Take this opportunity to be inspired and unlock your creativity with Solar Plate Etching.
Solarplate Workshop
I would love participants to bring anything that inspires them, specimens, images, photographs or sketches.
PLATE SIZE PLATE SIZES: participants will work on plates sized A5 & A6, please keep these sizes in mind when preparing your sketches.
If you don’t have all the materials listed below, do not worry we will have items to share.
LIST OF MATERIALS TO BRING
(If you don’t have everything, that is fine - Trudy will bring things to share.)
2 small containers for water and ink
Brushes for ink work
Nib pen for ink work
Black pens (opaque)
HB Pencils in various shades
Rubber gloves for inking up (tight garden gloves are re-usable)
Ruler, Stanley knife for cutting, Cutting Matt
Pen & notebook, Apron, Closed toed shoes, Plastic scraper for spreading ink (if you have one)
Drawn Images, Photographs for reference
Note about using photographs to etch: If you have great photos you may like to have these photocopied onto a transparency film in black and white. Please keep in mind the A6 size of the solarplate and make your images slightly larger. The dark areas need to be dense enough to block the UV. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to ask.
I look forward to meeting you for an exciting weekend.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
Solar Plate Etching
Weekend workshop
March 14th & 15th
Time: 10am - 4pm
$495 / $450 members
Materials Provided
Details:
Join Trudy in a hands-on, workshop where you'll discover the magical world of Solar Plate Etching. Over the two days, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the process.
This non-toxic intaglio etching process uses the sun's natural UV and water instead of harmful acids and solvents to create remarkable results.
Trudy, an experienced artist who has worked with this medium for over a decade, will guide you through the process. She is deeply connected to the natural world. She uses mindful observation to create intricate layers of solar plate etchings that reflect the beauty of her specimens.
Discover the magic of solar plate etching in this immersive two-day workshop with artist and printmaker Trudy Rice. Using light, water and non-toxic materials, you’ll learn how to transform your drawings, photos and textures into dynamic prints that capture your artistic vision.
Across the two days you will:
- Explore the fundamentals of solar plate etching – from image preparation to exposing and developing plates
- Experiment with inking, colour and printing techniques on the press
- Create a series of prints to take home
- Work in a supportive, small-group environment with plenty of guidance
Perfect for beginners through to experienced artists wanting to expand their printmaking practice, this workshop offers a relaxed, inspiring space to play, learn and refine your skills.
Leave with a body of prints, new techniques under your belt, and a deeper appreciation for this beautiful, eco-friendly printmaking process.
Trudy has taught children and adults and worked in arts facilities around Australia and at Box Hill Institute in the Visual Arts Printmaking Department.
Take this opportunity to be inspired and unlock your creativity with Solar Plate Etching.
Solarplate Workshop
I would love participants to bring anything that inspires them, specimens, images, photographs or sketches.
PLATE SIZE PLATE SIZES: participants will work on plates sized A5 & A6, please keep these sizes in mind when preparing your sketches.
If you don’t have all the materials listed below, do not worry we will have items to share.
LIST OF MATERIALS TO BRING
(If you don’t have everything, that is fine - Trudy will bring things to share.)
2 small containers for water and ink
Brushes for ink work
Nib pen for ink work
Black pens (opaque)
HB Pencils in various shades
Rubber gloves for inking up (tight garden gloves are re-usable)
Ruler, Stanley knife for cutting, Cutting Matt
Pen & notebook, Apron, Closed toed shoes, Plastic scraper for spreading ink (if you have one)
Drawn Images, Photographs for reference
Note about using photographs to etch: If you have great photos you may like to have these photocopied onto a transparency film in black and white. Please keep in mind the A6 size of the solarplate and make your images slightly larger. The dark areas need to be dense enough to block the UV. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to ask.
I look forward to meeting you for an exciting weekend.
From Feb 1st, 2026 we can refund for cancellations for WORKSHOPS made 2 weeks prior the workshop date with a $75 cancellation fee deducted.
FPS has it's annual run of introductory workshops available to book, these workshops are accessible for all with no prior experience required. View some of our featured workshops below.
View all printmaking workshops HERE
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 |
BEFORE ENTERING OUR STUDIO FOR
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
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
