Image: Aomori Museum of Art, Aomori
The Aomori Museum of Art has announced a woodblock print workshop titled 'Storytelling Through Woodblock Prints: Creating Illustrated Book Images'. Scheduled for July 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., the session invites participants to make print illustrations inspired by a novel. The museum says the activity is linked to the work of Munakata Shiko, who produced many book-related commissions, including illustrations and cover designs.
According to the museum, Munakata’s illustrated books were an especially important arena for his板画 practice, which he considered rooted in the stark contrast of black and white. The workshop will use a story that Munakata himself also illustrated, and participants are encouraged to approach the text with their own imagination, whether or not they have read it before. The museum frames the program as an opportunity to translate words into image through the processes of sketching, transferring, carving and printing.
The workshop will begin with a meeting, followed by a gallery explanation before participants move to the workshop room. The museum lists the sequence of activities as drawing a rough sketch, transferring the image, carving, printing and then viewing the finished works. Participants are asked to wear clothes that can get dirty, reflecting the hands-on nature of the session.
Participation is free, though a ticket for the museum’s collection exhibition is required. The event is open to children in fifth grade and above; elementary school students must attend with a parent or guardian. The museum has set a capacity of 18 people, with places available by advance application on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration is by telephone only through Aomori Museum of Art. The museum notes that applications will not be accepted during its June 22–26 closure period. The contact number given is 017-783-3000, with reception hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The workshop is listed for July 19 at the museum’s underground second-floor elevator hall meeting point. The event is part of the museum’s schedule of workshops and is presented under the title 'Storytelling Through Woodblock Prints: Creating Illustrated Book Images'.
