Gyotaku Lake-Fish Printing Workshop

In this workshop, participants will print their very own custom Gyotaku printed garments, making use of a fish from Elkhart Lake! They’ll go home with a unique custom memento to Wisconsin’s freshwater fish. Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese printing technique where you cover a fish in Sumi Ink and use the texture of its scales to print said fish onto Washi Paper. It was used by fishmongers in 1800s Japan as an advertising technique. As a modern rendition of the practice we will be using fabric paints and dyes and printing onto 100% Cotton T-Shirts, which we’ll have available, or any other 100% cotton garment, including true denim jeans. You'll get at least three free prints to apply to one garment or divvy up amongst multiple. We will have all colors available including gradients if you're ready for a challenge! This workshop is beginner friendly and is for all ages. Individuals who are not comfortable handling dead fish are still welcome! Our staff will gladly print a fish of the color and placement that you desire. 10% of the proceeds from this event will go toward The Coral Reef Alliance. Coral reefs are vital to the health of the planet and the well-being of the people and communities that rely on them. Coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine species and act as a natural barrier that protects shorelines from natural disasters. The Coral Reef Alliance has been tirelessly fighting for this cause for 30 years and has directly protected over 8,000 square kilometers of coral reefs.