Photopolymer Gravure Workshop_with Karen Hymer_October 11th, 2026

Description

Learn photopolymer gravure printing with visual artist and Light Art Space Director Karen Hymer. In this one-day workshop, participants will make gravure etching prints from their photographs using light-sensitive, steel-backed polymer plates—an environmentally friendly process that transforms photographic detail into rich ink-on-paper prints.

No printmaking experience is required. Inks, papers, wiping materials, and inking and wiping techniques will be covered. Participants will take home 5–7 photogravure prints of their images.

Digital positives will be discussed, and participants will send image files in advance to be prepared before the workshop. Details will be emailed after registration.

A part of the 2026 Southwest Print Fiesta! To see the weekend schedule, go to: https://www.southwestprintfiesta.org/event-schedule

Instructor Bio

Karen Hymer, born in Tucson, Arizona, earned a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Tufts University, and an MA and MFA in Fine Art Photography from the University of New Mexico. She exhibits nationally and internationally, and her work is held in public collections including the Center for Creative Photography and the Polaroid International Collection. Dark Spring Press published her first book in April 2018.

Trained as a photographer and educator, Karen works across photosensitive materials, digital media, and printmaking, exploring time’s effects on the human body and the natural world. She also taught photography for over 25 years at Pima Community College in Tucson.

In 2018, Karen moved to Silver City, NM, to open Light Art Space, which includes galleries, a wet darkroom, a sculpture garden, and printmaking and teaching studios. She offers workshops and private sessions in Photopolymer Gravure and other alternative photographic processes. She lives in the woods in an off-grid adobe home with her standard poodle, Nigel.