Cyanotype Photography Workshop

Lewisburg Arts Council and Lewisburg Photo Club are offering a hands-on workshop introducing the cyanotype printing process to the general public on June 6, 2026, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lewisburg Arts Council Gallery located at 15 North Water Street, Lewisburg.

Participants will be able to print an image from a photographic negative or create an original piece of artwork using found objects.

Invented in 1842, cyanotypes were first used to copy text, and the process was quickly turned into a photographic process. Within a year, the first photo book to be printed was attributed to Anna Atkins, who used cyanotypes to copy algae specimens. It was later used to reproduce technical drawings known as “blueprints”.

Today, it has become an art form to reproduce photographs and photograms — the latter created by laying objects on treated paper, fabric, or glass. The simple process is environmentally safe and easy to do at home with minimal materials.

Workshop Agenda:

The workshop will begin at 11:00 AM with a talk by photographer Ralph Wilson, who will discuss the history and provide instruction for creating cyanotypes at home. Tools and supplies, along with safety precautions, will be covered, and instructions with a shopping list will be available.

From noon to 2:00 pm a hands-on session will be offered on a come-and-go basis with plenty of supplies on hand to ensure everyone gets a chance to create a print or two. Volunteers will be on hand to help you through the process.

The afternoon session is open to anyone who may have opted out of the discussion portion of the workshop and everyone is encouraged to come get their creative juices flowing and learn a new art form.

Presenter Bio:

Ralph Wilson found his interest in photography 61 years ago and became a professional photographer 34 years ago. He founded the Williamsport Community Darkroom, now known as the Factoryworks Photo Lab, at the Pajama Factory in Williamsport in 2011 teaching basic film photography and historic processes. He is a regular contributor to the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and contract photographer for Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology athletics. His work can be found on Instagram as ralphwilson.portfolio.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, June 06, 2026 from 11am-2pm
• Where: The Gallery, 15 N Water St, Lewisburg, PA
• Cost: Free, but registration is required. Maximum of 15 participants
• Age: 7+ (must be accompanied by an adult)
• All materials will be provided at no charge

This workshop is currently full, but if you’re interested, please join the waitlist. If there is enough interest, we will schedule an additional workshop.

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