Press-Free Printmaking in Lake Charles: Workshop with Abby Brumett at Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Read the full experience

Printmaking Workshop at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum in Lake Charles, Louisiana, invites beginners and makers to learn press-free printmaking techniques in a two-hour, studio-style class. Led by artist Abby Brumett, the session teaches additive and reductive methods to build layered, expressive images on paper without a traditional press. Participants work with inks, hand tools, stencils, and brayers to register color and texture, finishing an 11 x 14 inch print to take home; an optional upgrade produces a full-size 22 x 30 inch BFK Reeves print for an additional $15. The class meets on February 27, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM, costs $20, and accepts a small group of up to 10 students. Children aged 10 and up are welcome but must be accompanied by a registered adult. The meeting point is clear: check in at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum—the larger building on campus with the red front door—and follow signs to the education studio. The room fills with the tactile smells of ink and paper, a focused hum of conversation and brayer thumps; without the rumble of a press, the techniques feel immediate and portable, designed for travelers and locals who want a hands-on evening rather than a full studio apprenticeship. Additive printing builds imagery layer by layer; reductive methods remove surface ink to reveal depth and negative space. Together these approaches create prints that read as both drawing and relief work, with edges that catch light and hold pigment in surprising ways. What makes this workshop special in the Lake Charles scene is its combination of accessibility and craft. For a modest fee participants gain direct instruction from a practicing artist, all materials included, and a finished work that can be framed or rolled for travel. The small class size allows personalized coaching on composition, registration, and finishing, while the optional larger paper upgrade gives makers a taste of archival-quality material without the commitment of private studio time. Practical tips: wear clothes you don’t mind getting ink on, bring a small towel and a reusable bag to carry your wet print, and arrive 10 minutes early to check in at the red front door. If you’re visiting town, plan to combine the class with an evening stroll through nearby streets and a stop at local eateries. For curious creators passing through southwest Louisiana, this workshop is a compact, rewarding way to touch local arts programming, learn new tactile techniques, and walk away with a layered print that captures a moment of creative exploration. Whether you are an experienced maker experimenting with portable methods or someone trying printmaking for the first time, the workshop offers clear demonstrations, hands-on corrections, and a finished artwork to treasure or gift for friends.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Light—suitable for most people; involves standing and fine motor work at a table.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior printmaking experience?

No. The class is beginner-friendly and teaches additive and reductive techniques without requiring previous experience.

What age is appropriate?

The minimum age is 10; minors must be accompanied by a registered adult during the class.

Are materials included?

Yes. All materials for the 11 x 14 finished print are provided; the 22 x 30 BFK Reeves paper is an optional paid upgrade.

Where do I check in?

Please check in at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s larger building with the red front door on the museum campus.

How big is the class?

Group size is limited to 10 participants, allowing for individual attention from the instructor.

Can I travel with my wet print?

Yes—bring a reusable bag and towel; prints can be rolled or carried flat depending on drying and your travel plans.

Local insights

Wildlife

egrets
raccoons

History

Imperial Calcasieu Museum hosts community exhibitions and classes that reflect Lake Charles’ regional arts activity and support local makers.

Conservation

Ask instructors about material disposal and recycling; bring a reusable bag and smock to reduce single-use waste and protect your gear.

About Imperial Calcasieu Museum

Imperial Calcasieu Museum, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history and creative traditions of Southwest Louisiana. The museum presents rotating exhibits, community programs, and special events that highlight local heritage and visual arts. Programming ranges from family-focused experiences to seasonal public events staged under the museum’s historic Sallier Oak, a landmark setting that connects visitors with regional stories. The museum’s events include signature experiences such as Lighting of the Oak: SPIRITS, held on October 23. That evening combines storytelling by local historian Adley Cormier, immersive performances by roaming interpreters, and support for the museum’s nonprofit mission. Another public offering is the Kidz Birthday Party program, which provides a guided painting session, a curated museum tour, and free playtime, with cleanup handled by staff to simplify planning for families. These programs are designed to engage children and adults with hands-on art-making and local history. Imperial Calcasieu Museum partners with regional artists, historians, and community organizations to maintain programming that is both educational and welcoming. The museum’s nonprofit status and reliance on community support underscore a commitment to access and preservation. Visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences in Lake Charles will find museum events that prioritize storytelling, creative participation, and the unique traditions of Southwest Louisiana. As a civic resource in Lake Charles, the museum maintains regular hours, hosts community-driven exhibitions, and documents regional stories through collections, educational outreach, and event programming that reflect local identity and support cultural tourism in Southwest Louisiana.

Base locationLake Charles, Louisiana

Tours offered2+

Adventure tips

Bring a smock or old shirtInk is part of the process—wear layers or a smock you don’t mind staining and protect valuables in a zip bag.

Arrive early to check inCheck in at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum’s larger building with the red front door at least 10 minutes before start time.

Bring a reusable bag for wet printsFresh prints often need to be carried flat or rolled; a sturdy reusable bag and small towel help protect your work while traveling.

Consider the paper upgradeUpgrade to 22 x 30 inch BFK Reeves paper if you want archival weight and a gallery-quality finish for framing.

Recommended gear

Old shirt or smock: Protect clothing from ink and solvents during hands-on printing.
Reusable bag or portfolio tube: Carry your finished print flat or rolled without damaging the surface.
Small towel or rag: Wipe hands or clean up small spills while working with inks.
Sketchbook and pencil: Plan compositions and test ideas before committing to a print.