What I’m Creating with My Rockland County Artist Grant
I’m excited to share that I’ve received a grant from the Arts Council of Rockland Artist's Support Fund—a program supporting local creatives in the Hudson Valley.
This grant will allow me to take an Intro to Riso Printing class at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop in New York City. The class covers essential techniques including color layering, overprinting, registration, and design fundamentals—all skills I’m eager to integrate into my artistic process.
As a mixed-media artist and teaching artist, I’m always looking for new tools that help make art more accessible, engaging, and interactive. Risograph printing offers something really exciting in that regard. It’s a low-cost, high-impact method of producing small-batch art and zines that still feel handmade. The bold colors, layered textures, and slightly unpredictable quality of Riso feels perfectly aligned with the joyful, slightly chaotic world of my undersea-themed illustrations.
I’ll be using what I learn to deepen my zine-making workshops, offering participants vibrant, professional-looking final products that support their storytelling and creativity. I’m also planning a new series of limited-edition Risograph prints, pieces that live somewhere between geometric abstraction and whimsical sea life.
This opportunity from the Artist's Support Fund is a chance to develop skills and gain experience to further my artistic vision. I believe deeply in helping others find their creative voice as a tool to foster community and connection.
To the Arts Council of Rockland: thank you for making this possible. Your belief in local artists keeps creativity alive in our communities!
If you’d like to follow along, I’ll be sharing updates here on the blog, on Instagram, and in my email newsletter. Join my email list for first looks at the work, behind-the-scenes photos, and upcoming workshops.
What is Risograph Printing?
Risograph printing is a vibrant, cost-effective printmaking method that uses soy-based ink and stencil duplicator technology. Known for its bold colors, slightly imperfect registration, and handmade feel, Riso is popular among zine-makers, illustrators, and independent artists. It’s ideal for small-batch publishing and community-based art projects.
