Sign-up to attend one or both workshops
Explore the ancient and tactile art of block printing with Los Angeles–based artist Stephanie Mercado (@smprojekts) in this two-part, hands-on workshop series. Rooted in traditions of pattern-making and storytelling, block printing is a versatile medium used across cultures to create decorative motifs, textiles, and layered visual narratives.
In Part I on Thursday, June 4, participants will learn how to transfer images onto carving blocks, explore foundational carving techniques, and experiment with printing on paper. Through guided prompts, you’ll create repeating patterns inspired by personal symbolism, healing plants, and cultural memory. No prior experience is necessary—all materials are provided.
In Part II on Thursday, June 11, the process expands into weaving. Using your own hand-printed papers, you’ll learn simple paper weaving techniques to transform prints into textured, interlaced compositions. This meditative practice invites reflection on connection, resilience, and the ways individual stories intertwine to form a collective whole.
Together, these sessions offer an opportunity to slow down, work with your hands, and create meaningful, tactile artworks that carry both pattern and story. It is not required to sign-up for both parts in the series to participate.
Each workshop is $25 per participant. Each workshop is limited to 15 participants—sign up now!
Stephanie Mercado is an interdisciplinary artist and art administrator, born and raised in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, to a family of self-taught artisans. Stephanie grew up spending time in her family’s upholstery business, her mother’s fabric store, and around seamstresses, carpenters, and craft workers. Her artwork and artistic practice are centered on the workforce, manual labor, and empowerment. Her imagery is eclectic, inspired by lived experiences, cultural references, and the fusion of traditional printmaking with experimental practices. Mercado’s print-based collages are comprised of relief carvings printed on handmade colored papers. The labor-intensive work pays homage to the working hand, historical traditions of craft, and professions rooted in labor and labors of love. Her experience around tradespeople introduced her to the tools, craft, and strong work ethic that is necessary to survive in Los Angeles. Her creative practice is a combination of trades and media, including painting, printmaking, fabric sculpture, video, and design.