The Magic of Mokuhanga, Japanese Woodblock
OCTOBER 11 & 12
Regular price $345.00TOTAL COST: $345
Course Fee: $320
Non-refundable Materials Fee: $25
DATES: SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11 & 12, 2025
TIME: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM PST
LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate
AGE GROUP: Adults
LOCATION: Building 324C, Fort Worden, Port Townsend.
DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in the art of Mokuhanga, traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking, in this two-day intensive workshop with artist Charles Spitzack. Rooted in Japan’s Edo period (1600–1868), Mokuhanga combines water-based pigments, hand-carving, and thin washi paper to create vibrant, multi-layered prints—all without the need for a press.
Charles will guide you step by step through this process, starting with image composition and transferring your designs to woodblocks. You’ll learn essential carving techniques, efficient multi-block registration for colorful prints, and the art of tool sharpening to ensure precise results. The workshop also includes an introduction to paper selection and preparation, equipping you with the knowledge to achieve professional-quality prints.
Using traditional hand-printing tools, you’ll create your own unique prints while developing a solid foundation in this elegant and meditative craft. Perfect for both beginners and experienced printmakers, this hands-on course offers an opportunity to explore a rich artistic tradition under the guidance of an expert.
Leave the workshop with your own set of finished prints, a new appreciation for Mokuhanga, and the skills to continue your journey in Japanese woodblock printmaking.
SUPPLY INFORMATION
All materials and supplies are provided with the materials fee. Cutting-tools will be loaned to each student.
After registration, course details are available via the Northwind Art School learning portal. Learn more
ABOUT CHARLES
Charles Spitzack (b 1987) is a visual artist, educator, and carpenter living and working in the Pacific Northwest. Committed to communal aspirations, equality, labor rights, environmentalism, and leveling the playing field – Spitzack has found woodblock printmaking to be an excellent way to express his thoughts and feelings. Drawn to this medium by its practical process, boldness, and direct mark making – he has found freedom within its walls, and aspires to share this with others through education and art sharing.
Artist website: Charles Spitzack, IG: @spitzattack
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DISCOUNTS
This course is eligible for a 10% member discount at the Supporter level and beyond. Get a membership today!
Don's Pharmacy and Art Toolkit in downtown Port Townsend offer a 10% discount for Northwind Art School students.
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CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cannot attend a course for any reason, we can offer you a refund as follows:
If Northwind Art has to cancel a course for any reason, all enrolled students will be notified and receive a 100% refund (including any materials fee).
Students withdrawing from a course at least seven days prior to the first day of class will receive a 90% refund (less any materials fee).
Students withdrawing fewer than seven days from the first day of class are not eligible for a refund—except for illness or injury, in which case students are eligible to receive a 40% refund (less any materials fee).
Please note that in cases of withdrawal, 10% of every course’s registration fee is considered a non-refundable deposit to cover administrative overhead. All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. No credits or transfers will be granted.
All refunds will be applied to the same credit card that was used for enrollment. Please contact admin@northwindart.org for more information.