Do I need prior printmaking experience?

No—this workshop is designed for beginners and experienced makers, with step-by-step instruction and demonstrations.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 13 years old; minors should check any studio supervision policies before booking.

How many prints will I make?

Expect to create multiple hand-pulled prints during the two-hour session and to contribute to a collaborative piece.

Are materials provided?

The workshop uses recycled CDs and records and supplies necessary inks and paper; check booking details for any additional items to bring.

Is this indoor or outdoor?

This is an indoor studio workshop, making it a reliable option regardless of coastal weather conditions.

How large are the groups?

Group size is intentionally small—around twelve participants—to keep instruction hands-on and personalized.

Repurposed Vinyl Printmaking: Intaglio CD & Record Etching Workshop in Lake Charles

On the edge of Lake Charles, Louisiana, a studio turns music waste into tactile prints. The Intaglio CD & Record Etching Workshop teaches participants how to repurpose recycled CDs and vinyl records as intaglio printing plates. Across a focused two-hour session, beginners and experienced makers alike learn basic etching, inking, wiping, and hand-pulled printing techniques. Instead of copper or zinc, artists score and abrade shiny plastic and grooved shellac to create unusual texture and circular motifs that translate beautifully on paper. The process is tactile, forgiving, and surprisingly accessible; no prior printmaking experience is required and the workshop welcomes participants aged 13 and over. Instruction emphasizes exploration and repeatable techniques so visitors can replicate projects at home with modest tools and recycled materials. A highlight is Intaglio Musical Chairs, a collaborative exercise where makers rotate workstations, add marks to one another’s prints, and build layered communal pieces. That exchange produces unpredictable results, encourages risk-taking, and spotlights how different hands and musical sensibilities transform image and rhythm on paper. Practically speaking, groups are intentionally small—about twelve people—so instruction stays hands-on and feedback is immediate. Bring clothing you don’t mind marking and an openness to experimenting with texture and high-contrast effects; you’ll leave with multiple hand-pulled prints and a collaborative poster. Held in Lake Charles, the workshop pairs well with gallery visits, live music nights, and the culinary scene along the lakefront. It’s also a reliable indoor option when coastal weather shifts, making it a practical plan B for travelers who want a creative, weatherproof activity. The workshop doubles as a low-waste exercise: by repurposing discarded media it aligns with local cultural threads—Lake Charles’ connection to music and community-making—without requiring specialized infrastructure. Expect clear demonstrations, patient instructors, and ample time to experiment with layering, selective wiping, and combining acid-free papers for different finishes. Whether you chase a new studio skill or a memorable group experience, the Intaglio CD & Record Etching Workshop delivers a concise, hands-on crash course that rewards curiosity. Participants typically produce a set of prints that document their choices—variations in pressure, line quality, and inking become a small portfolio to revisit and refine. The format is social yet focused: expect music to play in the background, stations organized for swift transitions, and instructors circulating to demonstrate wiping, registration, and safe handling of tools. Workshops welcome people who make art for pleasure as well as those researching community arts programming; the collaborative segment is useful for educators and makers thinking about participatory approaches. Bookings are intentionally limited to about twelve participants to preserve instruction quality, so plan ahead when scheduling a visit to Lake Charles; you’ll depart with several hand-pulled prints, fresh techniques, and a small collaborative artwork to keep.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

Light physical demands—standing and fine motor work; suitable for most people comfortable with studio activity

Wildlife

Great blue heron
Brown pelican

History

Lake Charles has deep musical roots and a local arts scene that often intersects music and visual culture, making record-based printmaking a culturally resonant choice.

Conservation

The workshop emphasizes reuse by employing discarded media; participants are encouraged to recycle materials and minimize waste during studio sessions.

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+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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