Wharepuke Print Studio
Specialists in Non Toxic Printmaking Techniques
Founded by artist printmaker Mark Graver (MA Printmaking Camberwell College of Arts London) the Wharepuke Print Studio offers courses and workshops in Acrylic Resist Etching and a variety of other non toxic printmaking techniques.
The studio is set within the two hectares of the award winning Wharepuke Subtropical Garden in the historic Kerikeri Basin, Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
By using acrylic resists such as floor polish– which use water as solvents, water based inks and washing soda together with ferric chloride (a salt) instead of nitric or sulphuric acid toxins can be avoided and the health and safety of the printmaker and the environment can be assured.
The studio runs courses and workshops keeping the groups small, ideally up to 6 people, so as to offer an inclusive learning environment. Courses are offered to all levels and experiences with the choice of days, evenings or weekends to suit.
Print Studio Facilities
The studio is equipped with:
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Conrad Geared Press – bed size 915x1752mm
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Sakura Etching press – bed size 470mm x 800mm (purchased with the aid of a Birgit Skiold Memorial Trust grant)
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Vandercook No.1 Letter Press
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Acrylic Aquatint spray booth
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UV Exposure unit
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Akua water based inks
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Vertical etching tanktop>
Open Access to Print Studio
A supervised Open Access Facility is available for those with proven previous experience of acrylic resist techniques or on completion of an induction course. Artists are able to hire time in the studio on an open access basis. Times vary, contact studio for details.
Collaborative Print Projects
Professional artists wishing to make prints are welcome to contact the studio to discuss collaborative projects
Artists Holidays
Residential group packages can be arranged with accommodation provided in our one bedroom self contained cottages set within the gardens. Interested artists can book a course or groups can arrange their own courses via consultation to determine the length and intensity of the classes. Therefore a short course could be combined with a Bay of Islands holiday.
Gallery
A gallery within the studio showcases prints and paintings by Mark Graver and throughout the year exhibit prints from both national and international artists.
Collaborations and exchanges with other print studio’s and artists from around the world are actively sought.
Visiting Artists Workshops
We plan to have visiting artists coming to run special workshops and to introduce an artist in residence scheme whereby an artist can come and stay at Wharepuke to produce prints, give talks, exhibit and take workshops.
We also hope to develop a series of discussion groups/lectures and informal talks by and about artists and their work. These would be held in The Venue at Wharepuke, our new visitor and events centre.
