Las Cruces – The Digital Craft Research Lab at New Mexico State University is opening its doors to the public for a free Risograph printing workshop on Friday, Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon. The hands‑on session will be held in Room 129 of Devasthali Hall on the NMSU campus.
What attendees will learn
During the two‑hour class, participants will be guided through the entire Risograph process. Instructors will demonstrate how to prepare artwork using photo‑editing and vector‑design tools, create a master stencil on the RISO duplicator, and run multiple color passes to produce layered, bold‑colored prints. The workshop emphasizes practical skills for producing posters, zines and other printed materials that showcase a distinctive, slightly textured look.
Why Risograph matters
Risograph printing blends elements of traditional screen printing with modern photocopying technology. A specialized machine builds a stencil—called a master—and pushes ink through it onto paper. Because each color is printed in a separate pass, artists can achieve vibrant, layered images without the expense of full‑color offset printing. The technique has become popular among independent creators, small‑run publishers and community art groups for its affordability and unique aesthetic.
About the Digital Craft Research Lab
The lab is an artist‑centered public research space operated by NMSU’s Department of Art. It combines time‑honored art‑making methods with contemporary digital tools, offering a venue for experimentation, learning and creative production. By providing free workshops like this one, the lab supports local artists, students and hobbyists who want to expand their skill set and explore new media.
How to join
The event is open to anyone interested—students, faculty, local residents and visitors alike. No registration is required; participants simply arrive at Devasthali Hall, Room 129, at 10 a.m. on Friday. Materials such as paper and ink will be supplied, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own artwork or images to experiment with during the session.
Further information
Additional details, including a brief overview of the workshop agenda, can be found on New Mexico State University’s official event announcement page. For questions, contact the Digital Craft Research Lab via the university’s website.
This free workshop reflects NMSU’s commitment to community engagement and the promotion of arts education in the Las Cruces area. By making specialized printing techniques accessible to the public, the university helps nurture local creativity and supports the cultural vitality of the region.
Original reporting: Organ Mountain News (Las Cruces / Doña Ana County) — read the source article.
