NorthSite Art Studios // Summer School 2026: Printmaking and the Botanical Gardens
16 November — 3 December 2026
NorthSite Art Studios, 55 Greenslope Street, Cairns
Discover the creative possibilities of fine art printmaking in this series of hands-on workshops inspired by the tropical beauty of the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Combining nature, observation and artistic experimentation, these workshops invite you to explore the gardens, gather inspiration from the landscape and transform your observations into original printed artworks.
Each workshop series begins with a guided walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where you’ll explore the colours, textures, patterns and forms of tropical flora. Using drawing, photography and observational techniques, you’ll collect visual references to inspire your own artwork before heading into the print studio to learn the fundamentals of your chosen printmaking process.
Choose your printmaking medium
Running from 16 November to 3 December 2026, each medium is offered on a different day of the week. Choose the technique that interests you most and attend three classes on that same day over three weeks, giving you time to develop your skills, experiment with the process and create your own original prints.
WORKSHOP 1: Lithography with Dian Darmansjah
Every Monday for 3 weeks | Explore the art of lithographic printing and discover how to create images through drawing, mark-making and the printing process.
WORKSHOP 2: Screenprinting with Sam Tupou
Every Tuesday for 3 weeks | Discover the versatility of screen printing, exploring image-making, colour and the process of transferring designs onto paper.
WORKSHOP 3: Monoprinting with Dian Darmansjah
Every Wednesday for 3 weeks | Experiment with colour, texture, layering and spontaneous mark-making to produce unique, one-of-a-kind prints.
WORKSHOP 4: Linoprinting with Lauren Carter
Every Thursday for 3 weeks | Learn the fundamentals of relief printing, carving designs into lino and transferring your imagery onto paper.
Participants will:
- Take part in a guided walk through the Cairns Botanic Gardens to observe and collect visual inspiration.
- Explore the gardens through drawing, photography, and foraging/collecting.
- Return to the print studio for an introduction to the fine art printmaking technique they have nominated.
- Develop original imagery inspired by their experience in the gardens.
- Produce one or more finished fine art prints using the printmaking process of their choice.
- Gain an understanding of contemporary printmaking practices and the collaborative nature of the medium.
Participants will leave with:
- An original hand-printed artwork.
- A practical introduction to fine art printmaking techniques.
- New observational drawing and image development skills.
- A deeper appreciation of the botanical environment as a source of artistic inspiration.
- The confidence to continue exploring printmaking as a creative practice.
By bringing together art, nature, and hands-on making, Printmaking and the Botanical Gardens offers a unique creative experience that celebrates both the remarkable landscape of Cairns and the enduring craft of fine art printmaking.
By bringing together art, nature, and hands-on making, Printmaking and the Botanical Gardens offers a unique creative experience that celebrates both the remarkable landscape of Cairns and the enduring craft of fine art printmaking."
