Title: The Art of the Line: A 5-Hour Drypoint Intensive

 

Date: March 23, 2026 10-3pm

 

Time: 5 hours

 

Cost: $300 each: All materials and lunch included

 

Location: Little Compton, RI in my art studio

 

Level: Beginner, 10 and up

 

Number of students: 6

 

Great for: Couples, friends, family groups, bridal parties, corporate retreats, and artists of all levels.

 

Description:

 

Spend a full day immersed in the tactile, timeless world of drypoint printmaking. This intensive workshop is designed for those who want to move beyond the basics and truly master the "editioning" process. Whether you are a total beginner or an artist returning to the press, you will leave with a deep understanding of this beautiful intaglio method.

 

The Process:

 

Drypoint is an intimate printmaking technique where your design is hand-scratched directly into a zinc plate using a sharp etching needle. This action creates a "burr" that holds rich, velvety ink. We will cover:

• The Drawing: Translating your sketches into the unique language of drypoint.

• The Plate: Preparing, scratching, and hand-wiping your zinc plates.

• The Press: Learning the mechanics and pressure settings of the etching press.

• The Edition: Preparing high-quality paper and pulling a consistent series of prints.

 

Studio Details:

 

• Food: A catered light lunch, seasonal snacks, and sparkling water will be provided.

• Attire: Ink is part of the fun! Please wear clothes that can get dirty, I will provide an apron.

• Prep: Bring sketches, photos, or ideas—we’ll help you translate them into print.

 

What you will achieve:

 

In this 5-hour session, we have the luxury of time. Unlike shorter workshops, this "Intensive" allows you to refine your plate, experiment with wiping techniques, and create a true edition—a consistent series of prints that are ready for framing or gifting.

 

What You’ll Go Home With:

 

• Your Tools: One to two 4" x 6" zinc plates (yours to keep and print again).

• The Collection: Eight to ten professional-quality 8" x 10" prints (4" x 6" image size).

• Skills: The confidence to use an etching press and prepare paper independently.

• Connection: A day spent with fellow creatives and a "happy belly" from our studio lunch.

 

Food:

 

A catered light lunch, seasonal snacks, and sparkling water will be provided.

 

Instructor:

 

Kadie Salfi I was born in Burlington, Vermont, where I spent both summers and winters, but mostly lived in the Bay Area. I got my BFA in Printmaking, Photography, and Sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I spent two years at Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles, where I worked on printing editions of original graphics for contemporary masters like Rauschenberg, Celmins, Serra, and Johns. In 1998, I decided to focus on my art career, rather than remaining a printer. I set up a studio in San Francisco and have been creating original mixed-media art, exhibiting and teaching ever since

 

Teaching: With over 25 years of teaching experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for the creative process to my workshops. I’ve taught a broad range of printmaking and artistic techniques, including drypoint, etching, photo etching, intro to screen printing, photo screen printing, cyanotype, drawing, and more. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my expertise at Cornell University, The Ink Shop in Ithaca, NY, Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, San Francisco Waldorf High School, and from my various studios over the years.

 

Exhibiting: I maintain a dedicated studio practice in Little Compton, RI, and have exhibited my work in solo shows across both coasts, including A.I.R. Gallery (Brooklyn), Cornell University and Corners Gallery (Ithaca, NY), Arnot Art Museum, Elmira, NY, Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art (San Francisco), and BCA Center (Burlington, VT). My work has been featured in the eCORNELL Keynote Series, Of Note Magazine, City Limits, Out of Bounds Radio, The Cornell Daily Sun, Chapter89 Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Artscope.

 

Canceled bookings: you will receive a full refund (minus Paypal/bank processing fees) if cancellation is notified within 7 days of the workshop date.

 

Any cancellations 2-4 days before the workshop date will forfeit 50% of the cost of the workshop as well as the cost of Paypal processing/refund fees.

 

1 days notice will forfeit the whole cost of the workshop.