Media & Techniques

Collagraph in the Classroom at a Glance

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Printmaking, for many art teachers, can be intimidating. With mediums like intaglio, lithography, screenprinting, monoprinting, and woodcuts, it certainly is. Within each of these printmaking methods, there are a lot of processes, a lot of steps, and a lot of materials. Rarely can all of these be explored and used in a traditional art classroom. Many universities do not even have all the resources for each one. One considerably more approachable method for the K-12 classroom environment is that of collagraph. Collagraphs are prints created from a collection of textures that have been collaged onto a rigid surface/base. The term collagraph was coined by the artist and teacher Glen Alps in the 1950s.

Collagraphs are a wonderful way to explore printmaking, texture, color, and collage all at once. It also is a great strategy to use up some of those random art materials floating around your classroom like bubble wrap, felt, yarn, and cardboard. For an even more helpful guide see Teach Your Students to Make Collagraph PrintsSo, gather up the materials and start experimenting. You will be a printmaking guru in no time. In addition, refer yourself and your students this convenient and clear infographic—available in printable and digital format. Now there are no excuses not to give this medium and method a try.

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What methods and materials have you used to teach your students printmaking? 

What about printmaking is interesting to you as a teacher and to students? 

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Dehner

Megan Dehner, an art and Spanish language educator, is a former AOEU Writer. She believes in empowering art teachers with resources and knowledge to overcome barriers students may face in the art room.

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