Learn the basics of block and gelli plate printmaking in this hands-on class. Carve your own designs into soft rubber blocks and experiment with layering techniques using gelli plates. Create original prints on paper, T-shirts, tote bags, and tea towels while exploring a variety of printing methods and materials. By the end of the class, you'll have a collection of finished prints and a solid foundation in printmaking. Suitable for all skill levels.

Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Instructor: Deborah Velasquez
Location: FVAC Annex 8C at 8 Canal Court, Unit C, Avon, CT 06001, across from FVAC campus
Level: No experience necessary
Materials: View materials list here. A $15 supply fee is payable to the instructor
Become a Member: FVAC Members save 10% on tuition.
Cancellation Policy

Fall Session (10 weeks)
Date: Sep 15 - Nov 17, 2026
Tuition: $350

Register

About the Instructor

Deborah Velásquez, a Brooklyn original, lives the creative life in the wooded hills of New England with her husband and two boys. She is an award-winning artist, designer, and the author of Drawing in Black and White. She loves the mix of design, words, art, and craft. Her work is modern, sophisticated, graphic, and bold and reflects her love of nature and the simplicity of line. She makes art digitally as well as using traditional methods, including gouache, watercolor, and printmaking.

Deborah is a graduate of the Colorado Institute of Art and the University of Hartford Entrepreneurial Business program. She has studied textiles and fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, where she received her Millinery Certification. She's exhibited her work in numerous galleries, taught workshops, and even spoke at The Smithsonian. Her artistic designs grace various products, from rugs to stationery. They've been featured in well-known magazines and are available through major retailers worldwide, including Minted, West Elm, Bed Bath and Beyond, and more.

Visit Deborah's website and follow her on Instagram