Print Your Brains Out: A DIY Halloween RISO Printing Workshop
Join us for a hands-on RISO Workshop, in partnership with George Mason University School of Art, led by Ana Farnham and Michael McDermott. This Halloween-themed workshop invites participants to create something spooky, personal, and handmade. Using Risograph printing, a vibrant, stencil-based process known for its rich inks and imperfect charm, participants will design and print their own spooky posters, cards, and trick-or-treat treasures. Whether you’re new to RISO or just looking for a creative way to spend Halloween, this is a chance to slow down, make something real, and learn a new technique. Costumes welcome!
Led by Ana Farnham and Michael McDermott, this event is made possible in partnership with the George Mason University School of Art.
DAY OF INSTRUCTIONS:
When you enter the building, make your way to Room #1023 on the first floor, just to the left when you walk in near the gallery. Look for AIGA DC signs if you’re lost.
Design Continuum Fund:
AIGA DC runs the Design Continuum Fund Scholarship,which provides scholarships for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students who are studying art and design disciplines in colleges and universities in the DC, Maryland and Virginia area. A portion of profit from this event will automatically be routed to this fund. You can see all future AIGA DC events at dc.aiga.org/upcoming-events.
Event Details:
No experience in Risograph printing necessary. Materials and equipment provided by George Mason School of Art.
Ticket Info:
In-person tickets are available. Register with your AIGA login if you are an active member to receive discounted pricing.
About Ana Farnham:
Ana Farnham is a freelance multimedia designer and Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at George Mason University. She received her B.F.A. in graphic design and her B.S. in advertising from Boston University. She completed an M.F.A. in Graphic Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Her work focuses primarily on experiential graphic design with accessibility at its core. In particular, she focuses on neurodivergent accessibility. Prior to attending graduate school, she worked professionally in print, digital, and exhibition design for around 10 years in the DMV. She has worked with clients such as Adobe, Intel, the Smithsonian, the National Park Service, the World Bank and won over 30 design awards throughout her career as a designer.
About Michael McDermott:
Michael McDermott is an Assistant Professor at George Mason University. He received his MFA in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. He is an educator, designer, and researcher who is interested in the relationship between people and the objects they leave behind and the play between physical and digital versions of objects. As an educator he teaches classes across the curriculum including letterpress printing, poster design, package design, motion design, and web design. His design practice focuses on providing thoughtful designs for print and digital projects to a range of clients including nonprofits and community organizations.
