TypePlay: Layer, Pattern, and Print

July 25th

Saturday 10:30 am to 5 pm  (30 minute lunch break)

$100

Instructor: Sarah Matthews 

In-Studio Class Adult 18+ class

TypePlay: Layer, Pattern, and Print

Step into the world of wood type and discover how letters can become both language and art. In this one-day intensive, you’ll dive into FBAC's rich type collection to explore playful approaches to composition, pattern, and layering. Through inking, overprinting, and color mixing, you’ll transform type into texture and design — then print a final quote or saying that stands boldly atop your layered background. Perfect for beginners and returning printers alike, this workshop celebrates the joy of process, discovery, and the expressive potential of type.

By the end of the class, students will:

Set and print with large wood type from FBAC’s collection

Mix and modify inks for layering and transparency

Create dynamic patterns and textures using type as image

Print a quote or phrase in bold contrast to a layered background

Leave with a small edition of expressive, hand-pulled letterpress prints 

About the instructor: Sarah Matthews

Sarah Matthews' work reflects her commitment to exploring the complex issues of race, equality, and gender, while shedding light on social injustice. Through her layered prints and artist books, she documents the struggles of breaking through societal barriers. As an African-American, Mrs. Matthews has experienced firsthand the impact of negative media images that portray her community as inferior. Through her art, she aims to challenge these stereotypes and empower her audience to recognize the beauty, intelligence, and importance of all individuals, regardless of race.

Sarah Matthews is a highly skilled printmaker and book artist with a background in art and business. She holds an MA in Art & the Book from the Corcoran College of Arts and Design at George Washington University, an MBA with a Marketing Concentration, and a BS in Sociology from Bowie State University. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are part of prestigious collections at institutions such as the National Museum of African American History & Culture Library, Yale’s Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, George Washington University’s Gelman Library, University of Puget Sound, and Samford University. Mrs. Matthews is also a dedicated educator, teaching Artist Books at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and bookbinding and printmaking classes at various art centers and platforms.

NOTE: 

We set our pricing to pay our instructors a fair wage and cover materials, but one of FBAC’s goals is to give access to the experience of all things bookbinding and printing to anyone who is interested. If you or someone you know would like to participate in a class but do not have the funding please reach out to contact@frederickbookarts.org and we will do what we can so no one has to miss out on the experiences we offer.