This workshop is a wonderful place to embark on your print-making journey in a relaxed, supportive, and fun environment. Enjoy making cyanotype photographic prints using a variety of plants in this educational, and playful workshop.

The cyanotype process, also known as the blueprint process because of its deep blue color, was first introduced in the early 1800s. Anna Atkins was one of the first people to put the cyanotype process to use and in the mid-1800s became the first person to produce and photographically illustrate a book using cyanotype printing. We will delve into the history of the method and learn how we can adapt it to home printing.

It is one of the easiest printing techniques you can do at home without expensive equipment or a darkroom. The chemicals needed are easy to find and inexpensive.  It is becoming increasingly popular with photographers and artists wanting to expand their creativity with printing.  We will work with the sun as our UV light source, and the sun and weather at the time will determine the intensity and sort of cyanotype prints we produce. Everyone will go home with their very own cyanotype art, usually something frameworthy.

Meet Your Instructor: Tony(a) Lemos

A lifelong environmentalist and plant person, Tony(a) Lemos’ creative work is a work in process. She believes art and creativity to be an integral part of the healing process. Her work centers around wellbeing, creativity, connection, and co-existence. As a creative entrepreneur, community herbalist, and artist she is inspired by all aspects of the natural world (plants, lichen, moss, and fungi).

Presently her work includes eco-printing, relief printing and alternative photography methods, often combining mixed media and found objects. She also explores symbolism from her ancestry (Greek/ Middle East) and her deep connection to her present sense of place on Pocumtuc/Nipmuc territory, also known as Western Massachusetts -- specifically Ashfield/Conway.

She has worked as a community herbalist/educator for over 25 years helping people connect with plants as allies for healing (physical / mental and spiritual). She currently teaches a Botanical Art studio program at Blazing Star Herbal School as well as a yearlong herbal apprenticeship which is now in its 22nd year.

$65.00 Member Adult | $78.00 Adult (includes admission to the Garden)

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Construction Update: The Winter Garden is currently under renovation to improve accessibility and will remain closed until Spring 2025. All other gardens remain open.