SUMMER INTENSIVE IN DAWSON CITY : PRINT & PUBLISHING 101

 

2027 COURSE INFO

Please check back in the spring for registration information and dates for the 2027 Print & Publishing summer intensive.

Print & Publishing is an introductory printmaking course. The course will explore print editions, posters, artist books and comics, with an emphasis on current and historical publishing in Dawson City and the Yukon to gain an understanding of the ways that printed matter shapes an understanding of place.

Hosted at the historic Dawson Daily News building, this summer course focuses on letterpress printing, hand-setting type, poster making, and simple book forms. It emphasizes hands-on experience - learners will have the opportunity to create self-published editions of their own original artwork through exploring various printmaking techniques and processes. There is the option of taking the full course for credit, or taking selected weeks as continuing education workshops. Instructional hours are held in the evenings.

WEEK 1: LETTERPRESS BASICS (MODULE 1) 

Learn the basics of letterpress printing on Yukon SOVA’s new (to us!) Reprex No. 3 letterpress. Over the week we’ll cover print studio safety, hand-setting type, locking up a chase, and operating the press. Students will create a poster edition by the end of the week. 

 Topics covered: 

  • Shop safety 

  • Type composition, lock-up, and proofing 

  • Ink mixing 

  • Press operation 

  • Print a poster edition  

WEEK 2: BOOK FORMS (MODULE 2) 

In this week-long workshop, we will learn several bookmaking techniques. We will use specialized bookbinding tools to create folded books, stitched books, as well as a hardcover book box.  

Topics covered: 

  • Folded books 

  • Pamphlet-stitched books 

  • Clamshell Books 

  • Sculptural books  

WEEK 3: SINGLE SHEET LETTERPRESS BOOK

Building on skills from weeks one and two, PUBL 101 students will create a single sheet letterpress book. Additional skills covered include page layout, registration for multi-color compositions, and make-ready.

Outcomes: 

  • Singlesheet folded book 

  • Letterpress typeset, 2 colors 

WEEK 4: INDEPENDENT PROJECT TIME/OPEN STUDIO  
 


PUBL 101 students will work on individual final projects with instructor support and participate in a final project critique.  

HOUSING

Participants coming from outside of Dawson will be responsible for finding their own accommodation.

List of Dawson City accommodations: dawsoncity.ca/accommodations

To look for longer-term rentals, or to post that you are seeking accommodations: Town Crier and Buyer, Dawson City Facebook group

MORE INFO

Email us at info@yukonsova.ca, or call us at 867-993-6390.